Atlanta Color Guard Regional Review

By Jill (Clarke) Morrison

Scholastic A

Whitewater High School – 15th (74.4)
Whitewater’s program titled “Taking the Stage” is the story of each performers attempt to the steal the spotlight. This creative, energetic show carries the theme throughout as the girls push each other aside and fight over equipment. Get close to the floor for this one! You will want to see the facial expressions of the performers as they fight for center stage… definitely the best part of this show!

Fayette County High School – 14th (75.5)
The earth-tone palette of the uniforms and props set the stage for this moving show, titled “Mama”. A strong weapon line dominates the show, featuring some interesting strap work from the rifle line. The group uses the markings on the tarp like a street or sidewalk, inviting us to follow them on their journey.

Hillgrove High School – 13th (76.1)
A smooth introduction into an ethereal show, Hillgrove’s “On Ivy” transports the audience to a reality that seems like an elven colony has decided to create a winter guard show. The group’ s solid flag work pushes the group to great heights.

Karn’s High School – 12th (76.6)
Making the jump from 15th to 12th, Karn’s put on a solid show. “Superstitions” are portrayed throughout the performance to a spoken piece about the various superstitions throughout history. Using a tarp that displays a calendar with a large Friday the 13th, the group incorporates ladders and black cat flags. In a creative twist, the guard uses their equipment not only for visual performance, but to create sound effects as well.

Fort Mill High School – 11th (78.3)
This group’s enthusiasm is contagious! You can’t help but join the performers in smiling along with them as they perform “Glitter in the Air”. Periodically throughout the show, performers actually through glitter in the air that seemingly appears out of nowhere. The calming palette of grays and pinks helps to focus your attention on the excellent guard work. Watch for the rifle line’s one-handed work.

Milton High School – 10th (79.0)
A fun show with candy props and a CandyLand game board floor, “Sugar Rush” takes us back to our childhoods, a time when the main focus was how to get some candy. The performers have a tug of war with gigantic peppermints and spin “candy cane” sabers and flags that look like gumdrops. You will have to count the members again during the ensemble flag feature, as it seems like their numbers swell during the routine.

Harrison Central High – 9th (79.9)
The movement seen in this show gives the performance an almost tribal feel. “Home”, performed to Marc Broussard’s song of the same name, introduces the equipment work with a major rifle exchange, an unusual and effective way to bring the equipment onto the floor. A strong weapon line is the highlight of this upbeat performance.

Lexington High School – 8th (80.0)
Possibly the most interesting opening pose and salute of the day came from Lexington, as their solo performer seemingly freefalls over a landscape displayed on the tarp, emphasizing the show’s title “Freefalling”. Set to John Mayer’s cover of the Tom Petty classic, this show is reminiscent of some of winter guard’s best of the early 90’s in feel and performance. Fans will be transported back to Emerald Marquis’ “Jig of Life” show. Watch for the feature that puts all members on rifle….excellent work!

Byrnes High School – 7th (80.3)
One of the most moving shows of the weekend, Byrnes’ “Imagine” is set to different covers of John Lennon’s iconic song. On a tarp that looks like a beautiful spring sky, highlighter yellow flags glow like the sun. This show brings the house near to tears as the performers sign to Lennon’s lyrics to close the show. A heartfelt performance that has audience members reaching for their tissues.

Denham Springs High School – 6th (80.4)
Performing to a cover of Aerosmith’s “Dream On”, Denham Springs incorporates lots of body into their show “Dream”. A strong ensemble dance at the end of the show marks the softer tone of the song.

Walton High School - 5th (81.9)
If Kirsten Dunst performed her role as Marie Antoinette in a winter guard show, it would definitely look just like Walton’s “And so They All Ate Cake”. On a black tarp with tone-on-tone fleur-de-lis, the guard incorporates benches and giant cupcakes into their interpretation of Marie Antoinette. The performers use facial expressions and body movements to highlight the whimsical performance that is seriously entertaining!

East Coweta High School – tied for 3rd (84.2)
A gorgeous sunset tarp sets the tone for this visually stunning show titled “A Wish comes True”. A reading of “Starlight, Star Bright” opens the show into varying covers of the classic “When you Wish Upon a Star”. Strong weapon lines dominate this guard’s book, but it is all so beautiful that you get swept into East Coweta’s dream of a show.

Central Carroll High School – tied for 3rd (84.2)
Central Carroll’s “The Light of Hope” pays homage to Louisiana’s victims of Hurricane Katrina. The show takes us through the terror of facing a natural disaster all the way up to the current revitalization of New Orleans. Using backdrops that change like picture books and rooftop props, the use of levels in this show is stunning. A high point of this performance is a solo rifle toss that starts on one of the rooftops. Their final pose is so pretty that you wish they could hold it indefinitely.

Summerville High School – 2nd (88.4)
Don’t be deceived by this show’s title. “Guitar Heroes” is a stunning visual piece that incorporates ribbon-like guitar strings into the equipment work. Watching the performers’ use of the strings is like watching the best Olympic gymnasts work with ribbons. As the music builds, so does the pace and energy of this performance, leading into a gorgeous flag feature. A very creative show!

Collins Hill High School – 1st (89.1)
With the highest overall score of the day, Collins Hill performance of their show “The Wall” was spectacular. At points, you would swear you were watching contortionists as the performers climb and straddle a brick wall that is the focal point of the show. The guard uses all of the spaces created by the wall, performing in front of it, behind it, on top of it, and even becoming part of it in their “brick” uniforms. Set to a cover of Oasis’s “Wonderwall”, the show is nothing short of wonderful. Watch this show from further back and see if you can read the ending message that the performers create with their bodies.

Independent A

Berry College Independent – 4th (72.2)
A fascinating show, “Colorblind” has the performances putting on and removing blindfolds throughout the show. You will forget that there are only 9 performers on the floor through their effective use of movement, choreography and drill.

Vivace of Huntsville – 3rd (73.2)
If Vivace’s equipment work doesn’t excite you, then the vibrant colors and music will. “La Fiesta” is an interpretation of a Hispanic party featuring a love story, and brilliant uniforms and equipment. Watch for the rifle soloists who perform incredible stunts under amazing tosses!

Expressions Winterguard – 2nd (76.6)
A blue checkered tarp with a huge yellow question mark sets the stage for this untitled show. The use of the floor and clean work make this guard look much bigger than its actual 7-member size. With this group, the flag book is the strength, especially the ensemble feature performed with gold metallic silks.

Amor – 1st (81.4)
The members of Amor enter the floor in character in this “Make Believe” performance. The show seems reminds makes me think that if the movie Avatar had been about peacocks, it would have looked just like this. An excellent opening dance and beautiful body lines sell this performance. The guys steal the show, performing from the tops of their heads through the tips of their toes. A stunning, fascinating performance!

Scholastic Open

Tate High School – 4th (71.8)
On a black tarp with a white outline of an envelope featuring the word “Blackmail” like the letters were cut out of magazines, Tate’s show takes me back to the thriller films of the 50s and 60s.The dizzying drill and equipment keep the audience on the edge of its seat as the “envelope” opens to reveal the words, “Pay me to keep quiet”. It will take a lot to keep this group quiet at WGI!

Kennesaw Mountain High School – 3rd (76.2)
Varying shades of brown dots on a vanilla background set the floor for this group’s performance of their show “Grow”. The group moves from youth to old age, symbolized by different types of chairs. The show opens with one member sitting a school chair and ends with a performer in a rocking chair. The drill and choreography uses the circles on the floor to highlight different equipment statements. Kudos to this group for their beautiful use of body.

Byrnes High School – 2nd (82.7)
Dressed as postal workers on a tarp of postcards, Byrnes’ interpretation of a cover of Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” really delivers! This show has the complete package: movement, equipment, and emotion.

Crestview High School – 1st (82.9)
A very strong opening statement with the body and great weapon work highlighted with smooth exchanges and solid catches are the backbone of Crestview’s “To Make You Feel My Love”. This show is full of exchanges, which show the relationships that are conveyed throughout the performance. Their closing ensemble feature begins with just spoken words, moves into silence, and goes back again. This groups’ strength is in the use of their bodies and in their dance work.

Independent Open

Aureus Independent – 5th (76.4)
We follow one woman’s journey through life and love in Aureus’ “Here’s to Life”. Through their costumes and hair and movement, Aureus takes us back to the 40s and celebrates all there is in life and relationships. The beautiful calla lily tarp sets the tone for the show that has the audience applauding and crying at the same time.

The Cast – 4th (78.8)
Superb body and movement are the strength of The Cast’s “River God” show; their interpretation of Nichole Nordeman’s song of the same name. The members portray the shimmering rocks in a moving river. Watch for the ensemble rifle feature that is the high point of this show.

Capella – 3rd (81.3)
“The Discarded Jester” features beautiful uniforms, floor and flag designs as it portrays the story of one jesters’ quest to be a part of the group. Every member of this guard is so talented that they all seemingly use every piece of equipment. The strongest statement in this show is the ending ensemble flag feature.

Eklipse – 2nd (84.9)
Channeling the culture of India, “In the Heat of the Night” is a nice incorporation of body an equipment. The orange-gold flags are just as fluid as the work that is displayed during their feature. The moment when one member is featured spinning a flag while balanced on another’s shoulders is breathtaking. The amazing final poses of the group remind one of Hindu statues. A beautiful show.

Etude – 1st (86.5)
Featuring an awesome partner dance opening Etude’s “Lost” is anything but! These guard members are not just spinning equipment, they are actors telling a story of being lost and found again by each other. You can see the tears on their faces and the anguish in their hearts at the end of a beautiful, moving show.

Scholastic World

Pope High School – 3rd (71.6)
“K.I.S.S. Method…As Simple as Black and White” lives up to its title. Even the flag design is simple, beginning with rainbow-colored stripes, the design remains the same, but gradually fades until it is just sheer white stripes. This show features multiple solo and duet performances as it revels in simplicity.

Miamisburg High School – 2nd (83.7)
Keeping their cool despite music problems, Miamisburg won the hearts of the audience as the girls held their opening poses while music issues were resolved. They won the crowd early with their composure and professionalism. The performance exceeds Miamisburg’s World Class reputation with super-clean flag work and their incredibly difficult weapon book, including several sky-high rifle and sabre tosses!

Choctawhatchee High School – 1st (84.4)
Hips and lips and lots of movement are the hallmarks of Choctaw’s performance of “Besame Mucho”. Lots of energy and attitude make this show as thrilling as a first kiss and as seductive as the song that it is performed to. The girls bring it on, starting with their salute and selling it all the way through to the end. A stellar performance!

Independent World

University of Alabama Alta Marea – 3rd (75.8)
“The Symbol” makes you feel as if you were dropped right in the middle of “The DaVinci Code”. Look for the numbered flags and lots of hilt work from the sabre line.

First Flight – 2nd (84.6)
“About the Journey” is a very fluid show that is written with seamless transitions between different pieces of equipment. The overall visual design of the show is stunning. You can tell that great attention was paid to every aspect of this performance from the flag, uniform, and floor design to the equipment book. This show just seems to get stronger as it moves along. Featuring one of the best flag exchanges ever to begin the final feature, this group has the potential to do amazing things as the season heads towards Dayton.

Crown Guard – 1st (88.7)
Hometown favorite, Crown Guard’s “The Last Dance” takes us on a journey through relationships. The touching show keeps the audience enthralled, especially with the creative cutting of their music selections. A moving interpretation of love, Crown will touch your heart.

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