Saturday, Feb. 18, BV West hosted the MGI Winter Guard Competition. Run by parent and student volunteers from band, winter guard and honors societies, the competition was a success.

31 teams participated in the competition, including middle school teams and teams from around the midwest. This is the second year for BV West to host a guard competition, in a fundraising effort for the winter guard.

Winter guard rehearsed throughout the season. So many students auditioned that two groups were formed by placing participants on the advanced Ruby Guard, or on Silver guard. Similar to color guard seen performing with the  Red and Silver Brigade, winter guard focuses on many of the same skills, however it is an indoors activity. Using flags, rifles and sabers, the team learns a four minute routine, complete with props and costumes. The guard focuses on technique and learning new skills.

The two teams participated in the competition Saturday, as well as running it. The Ruby Winter Guard placed first in the Scholastic AA category with their routine “Only Her Memories Remain.” Silver Winter Guard placed 5th in their category, Regular A, with “Jazz.”