Mindy McDonough

On Saturday, March 2, the color guard placed 23rd out of 40 color guards in their class at the Winter Guard International (WGI) competition at Glenn High School. The color guard performed their show entitled “Attention Earthlings,” a show centered around aliens. “I’m honestly really proud of us,” Ella Mills ’24 said. “Though, it was disappointing that we weren’t able to make it even though we were so close, but that just means that next time we [compete] we will be even better.”

For the first time in years, the color guard competed at the Winter Guard International (WGI) Austin Regional Competition at Glenn High School on Saturday, March 2. They placed 23rd out of 40 in the Scholastic National A Class, just barely missing the cutoff for finals, as only the top 20 color guards in each class advanced to finals.

“I was disappointed, but I knew we did the best that we could have,” Martina Ciacci ‘26 said. “I was just grateful to be there because it was our first time at that competition in many years and we were going against many teams. So [it] didn’t feel great, but I understood the placement.”

The day started early with a two-hour rehearsal and time to get hair and makeup done. Once the color guard got to Glenn, they warmed up before their show, Attention Earthlings, began. 

“Everybody has put a lot of work into it and it just looks so great so far,” Millena Vaz Ciriaco ‘27 said. “I tried my best. There were some [parts] where I’ve been confused, but I pulled through for the competition and I’m proud of myself.”

The performance opened with a pre-show, during which the color guard greeted the audience in the character of aliens. Then, they met in one corner of the floor for an opening dance. After both a rifle and a flag feature, the show concluded when the color guard ended in poses that reflected their characters.

“I love the ending so much,” Vaz Ciriaco said. “It’s really exciting and gets everyone energetic and happy.”

After the performance, the color guard watched other color guards perform as they waited for the results of the competition. Most competitions that the color guard attends in one particular season are held by the Texas Color Guard Circuit (TCGC), so attending a WGI competition offers a different experience —one way being that a different set of color guards may compete at these competitions.

“It’s a cool opportunity because generally, you see the same handful of guards [at TCGC], which is great, but to see every show is completely different,” Ciacci said. “It’s really cool to watch aspects of different shows and just be so impressed or see other concepts that you love, and it’s just amazing.”

Despite having not made finals for this competition, the color guard still has other performances ahead of them before the season comes to a close. 

“My hope is that we will be able to perform our show for as much as possible for the remainder that’s left of it and be able to make the most out of what’s left of our season,” Ciacci said.

The next performance will be on Saturday, March 16 at the WGI San Antonio competition at Canyon High School.