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Published Friday, February 10, 2012 in Local

Special

Performing their award-winning "IN-Joy" show from last season is the East Coweta High School winter guard.

Winter Guard at ECHS; 5,000 expected for regional competition on March 3-4

By Rebecca Leftwich

The Newnan Times-Herald

More than 5,000 performers and spectators are expected to converge on East Coweta High School March 3-4 for the Winter Guard International Atlanta Regional competition.

East Coweta's band program has entered bids for the past six years for the opportunity to host the event, according to Band Booster President Tanya McCullough.

"I speak for us all when I say we are extremely honored to have been chosen out of the numerous schools that applied to host the WGI Atlanta Regional," McCullough said. "This is will be the first time in Coweta County's history that a school has been awarded the honor of being host school for such a prestigious competition. Not only will this show bring in some much needed revenue for the ECHS music and performing arts programs, but it will also benefit the local restaurants and hotels of Coweta County.

"When you host over 50 different schools and colleges in your town, they need places to sleep and places to eat, and we know Coweta County is up to the challenge," McCullough added.

Winter guard is indoor pageantry that involves an array of equipment, movement and skill. Flags, rifles, sabers and other props are utilized to bring music and themes to life while displaying technique, creativity and expression. Competition is separated into six classes based on the complexity of the program and according to affiliation -- scholastic or independent.

WGI is in its 35th year of existence as the governing body for the competitive winter guard and indoor percussion activities. The "Sport of the Arts" offers a unique blend of artistry and athleticism and is a leader in the pageantry/ performing arts community.

"We are honored to have been chosen to bring this "Sport of the Arts" to Coweta County," said East Coweta guard director Teddy Sullivan. "I think audience members will be amazed at the creativity and athletics that the 53 teams will bring to our gymnasium."

Sullivan said the audience will be treated to drama, dance and acrobatics choreographed to a musical score, and that the athletic ability of each team will be highlighted by spinning various pieces of equipment like flags, rifles and sabers.

East Coweta's winter guard will be performing a show entitled "Inside A Clown's Mind."

"The team will take the audience on a journey through the twisted conscience of a clown," Sullivan said. "Acrobatics on a trampoline, a 12-foot stilt walker, and some other fun secrets will definitely wow the audience."

"It will be a great opportunity to see some of the best winter guard teams in the Southeast perform," ECHS band director Robert Owens said.

Assistant band director Chris Neidhardt agreed.

"These students are very committed to their sport and that shows in their high level of performance," Neidhardt said.

East Coweta's varsity winter guard is an old pro at regionals, a 16-time Winter Guard International regional finalist, with a 2011 championship win at the WGI Pensacola Florida Regional. In addition, the group is a three-time WGI National Semi-Finalist at the WGI World Championships, also finishing the 2010 and 2011 seasons ranked in the top 20 high school Winter Guards in the world, along with winning numerous first in class awards over the past 10 years.

The varsity ECHS guard was voted fan favorite among more than 80 guards competing at the 2011 Southern Association for the Performing Arts championships for its show, "IN-Joy."

A strong class of 15 seventh and eighth-grade guard members from East Coweta, Lee and Arnall middle schools participates in junior varsity events as well. Although JV guards do not participate in regionals, the East Coweta Junior Varsity Winter Guard has been state champions in its class -- comprised of more than 20 guards -- seven consecutive years, winning multiple first in class awards at local competitions. Most recently JV guard members were awarded gold medals in honor of their Southern Association for the Performing Arts Championship win.

Doors open at 8 a.m. both days with preliminary performances starting at 9 a.m. Saturday and finals competition scheduled for Sunday. Tickets are $15 for prelims and $18 for finals, with a $25 combo ticket covering both days available as well. Discounts with ID are offered to senior citizens, military and all Coweta County high school students.

East Coweta High School's Band Boosters are offering program advertisements and vendor expo space for the event. For deadlines and information, email echs4wgi@gmail.com .

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