Hundreds Perform in UE Winterguard Competition

3/16/2013 (Updated 10:55:48 PM)

Hundreds came out to Union-Endicott High School today to watch
over 300 performers in a winter colorguard competition.

"This is our local winterguard show. Winterguard is basically marching band indoors, it's just the flags, rifles, sabers: the colorguard of the marching band. this is the one we host here at UE, they're hosted all over the country in every state. it used to be the Maine-Endwell combined Guard UE, but it's the first time we're back just as UE. So this is actually our first Union-Endicott Winterguard Show," said Chris McCarthy, Director of UE Senior SA2 Guard.

"We figued since it's a home based team again it would be a great opportunity for the kinds to be the host. Every place has their activities kids love, and as you can tell from today, winterguard is a favorite here," said Suzanne McLeod, Superintendent of Schools for Union-Endicott.

"I just love the school spirit involved. It's nice to go out and represent our colors but of Course it's nice to bring other guards here to show them how proud we are to host the show," said McCarthy.

"When you're out on the floor, you forget everything that's going on and you just get so into it. It's so fun.
Everybody cheering for you and everybody watching you, it's just so fun, you this big adrenaline rush," said Jenna Breault, a member of the UE Senior SA2 Guard.

"There used to be a lot more winterguards, there's only a few of us left unfortunately. There's not as much marching band or winterguard in the area now," said McCarthy.

"I really think that every school should have a winterguard because it's just so much fun, and you get to meet people and they become like family," said Amanda Vingordon, Member of the UE Senior SA2 Guard.

"If you have the opportunity to do winterguard, definitely do it. Everybody needs an opportunity for it," said Breault.

"The research is very clear, that kids do best in school who connect to school through some activity. And if winterguard is something that will get kids to connect with school, I absolutely do recommend it," said McLeod.

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