While the majority of the student body slept in and relaxed over the course of Christmas vacation, the winter guard team rehearsed for their upcoming competition at Clovis East, Jan. 23.

The guard’s routine blends dance moves with flag twirls to the music of Mirah’s “The Garden.” As a soloist for the upcoming show, sophomore Jessica Massie recognizes the difficulty of performing with the team.

“In this year’s solo, I have to dance alone for a little bit,” Massie said. “I have to do a lot of turns and jumps, and I also have to dance with [senior] Adam Casuga.”

The team’s arsenal of flag moves includes spins, single tosses, double tosses and others. In addition, guard members incorporate sabers and rifles into their routine, flipping them as many as five times per toss.

“Some of our stuff is really hard,” freshman Dolly Mizner said. “One of the hardest parts of our routine is keeping track with the time. We also have to try to connect with the audience.”

The competition will begin at 5 p.m.

For more information on winter guard, visit the April 9, 2008, article, Winter guard team choreographs success.