Winter guard is essentially a performance group that uses equipment like flags, sabres and rifles. Shows consist of dancing and acrobatic moves with said accessories. Basically, winter guard is an indoor version of color guard performed during the winter without a marching band. So what prompted the creation of this club at Wash. U.?

“Wash. U. doesn’t have anything like a winter guard right now, and I think a lot of people here would enjoy it,” freshman Alex Barger, co-founder of Wash. U.’s winter guard, said. Barger, who performed for her high school winter guard team, said the club was such a great experience that she wanted to bring it to Wash. U.

Like many other new clubs, winter guard faces difficulties in recruiting new members and gaining prominence on campus. Nevertheless, Barger has a hopeful outlook for the club’s growth.

“The only skill you need to be on winter guard is a willingness to learn because anyone can learn the routines. No experience is necessary,” she explained. Barger added that in reality winter guard practices are where most members learn the skills necessary to perform.

Typical winter guard practices begin with stretching and marching basics, during which members learn new steps required for routines. Next, members are split into two groups: One section practices flag tossing and spinning while the other works on rifle and sabre movements. For those with no experience in using either set of equipment, Barger suggests working with both the flags and the weapons in order to get a feel for each.

Although the Wash. U. winter guard club holds regular practices, it has decided not to perform this season because the club started rather late in the year and still needs to solidify its membership.

Barger promised, however, that the club will “start in September next year and get on the competition circuit in the spring.”

The club was offered a chance to perform at a Wash. U. basketball game, but the founders decided that more practice was necessary before the club’s first big performance. Regardless, the members were very excited about the opportunity, and Barger hopes to debut the club’s hard work to Wash. U. students at a sporting event next year.

Although formal tryouts were held on Nov. 19, Barger said the club would love new, dedicated members. For anyone who loves dancing, gymnastics or performing in general, winter guard is a great activity in which to apply your skills. A sport that combines guns, swords and dance—what could be better?