Braden River JV Winterguard

Frequently Asked Questions & Parent Information

 

What is winterguard?

            Winterguard is an indoor color guard activity, derived from the outdoor summer activity that is commonly part of marching band or drum corps. Winter guard is performed indoors, usually in a gym or indoor arena during the winter or spring season. Instead of performing as a visual accent to the marching band, each winter guard team picks its own music to perform to. Winter guard teams are judged, not only on talent and precision, but also on creativity. They can use various equipment (flags, rifles, & sabres), props, and dance moves.

 

Do I need to have any experience to audition?

            NO! Absolutely not! Although having some dance or theatre training will help you understand things, everything that you need to know for the auditions will be taught at the auditions. The purpose of the Braden River Visual Ensemble is to give students a place to learn to express themselves creatively through choreography. All technique for both movement and equipment will be taught to the members.

 

Who can join the Braden River Junior Visual Ensemble?

            Any 9th-12th grade students from Braden River High School who are in good academic standing (C average or better).

 

What is the rehearsal schedule?

            The JV Guard normally rehearses twice a week for 2 hours on Monday and Friday afternoons 5:00-7:00 December through March. There are two rehearsal camp weekends scheduled for early-December, and two in early-January. Rehearsal locations will be split between Haile Middle School and Braden River High School.

 

Where and when are competitions?

            Competitions are held throughout the Tampa Bay area beginning in Mid- January and concluding at the end of March. Championships are held in Daytona Beach the last weekend in March.

 

How much are the membership dues?

            The cost of being a member of the Braden River Junior Visual Ensemble is $550. This includes instruction, equipment, circuit dues, costumes, and other miscellaneous needs. There is also a $300 fee for new members of the group that covers warm-up and team essentials that carry over for their entire high school guard career. This fee will be broken down into monthly payments and there will be some fundraising opportunities to assist with dues.

 

For more information please email Colorguard Director Ricardo Robinson-Shinall at robinsonr@manateeschools.net, or see the Braden River Band Boosters website at www.brhsbands.org