What is Winter Guard?

Winter guard is a combination of the use of flags, sabers, mock rifles and other equipment as well as dance and other interpretive movements. It is very similar to the marching band color guard, but with a few key differences. They typically perform indoors with equipment/props/tarps to recorded music. Winter guards can be found across the country in high schools, middle schools and at the collegiate level, as well as operate independently from any school affiliation.

The organization most popular in Michigan is MCGC. There are two levels of classification in MCGC: independent and scholastic. Independent is self-funded and organized, while scholastic compete on behalf of their school. Both classifications have divisions that will allow students of similar skill level to compete against one another. They receive scores and placements just like marching bands in MCBA.

The Durand High School Winter Guard has been competing in the Michigan Color Guard Cirtuit since it’s start in 2019. The winter guard has recieved consistently high scores at MCGC competitions throughout the past years, most recently taking home the bronze medal in Scholastic Regional A Class.

Past programs have included, “Rewrite the Stars” (2019), “They’re Watching” (2020), “Colors of the Wind” (2021), and “Anchor” (2022).