Delaware County’s Winterguard Teams Shine!

Delaware Hayes and Olentangy Winterguard recently competed at the Ohio Indoor Performance Association competition at Hilliard Darby High School on March 19, 2023. The event saw the participation of various winter guard units from different schools, showcasing their skills and talents.

In the Scholastic Regional AA class competition, the Delaware Hayes Winterguard performed their show “Polemos” and took 5th place with a score of 65.9005 and no penalties.

According to Reagan Jennings, the Winterguard Coach for Delaware Hayes, the judges praised the team’s consistency, saying “we were the most consistent group in our class based on our scoring which is a huge compliment.”

Jennings is preparing for the OIPA finales with a practice schedule focused on fundamentals and deep cleaning of ensemble pieces. Additionally, she is challenging the team with exercises from Clemson University color guard and her own personal exercises learned as a performing member in Drum Corps International (DCI) and Winter Guard International (WGI) while also incorporating team-building exercises to keep things fun as the prepare for the State contest.

Meanwhile, the Olentangy High School Winterguard performed their full show “Carnaval Fantastique” for the first time and achieved a score of 70.550, placing 6th in the Scholastic AA class.

Danielle Hilderbrand, the Winterguard Coach for Olentangy High School, noted that the team has been working hard on the show for the past few months, creating a fun and fantastical atmosphere of a traveling circus. Hilderbrand added that this is the team’s first year back with a Winterguard program after a two-year hiatus due to COVID. With only eight performers, the team has received positive comments from the judges on their dedication to expressing the character of the circus theme.

Hilderbrand also noted the Olentangy High School Winterguard is also working to perfect their 2023 program in preparation for the OIPA championships at Wapakoneta.

Both winter guard units are now preparing for the upcoming Ohio Indoor Performance Association Color Guard State Championships, which will take place on April 1, 2023, at Wapakoneta High School in Wapakoneta, Ohio. It is an event that draws a large crowd of supporters and enthusiasts, and tickets for general admission are priced at $15. Children 6 and under can attend the event for free.

On the following day, April 2, the Olentangy Liberty Winterline drumline will also be performing. For more information on the event and to purchase tickets, interested individuals can visit the Ohio Indoor Performing Association’s website at oipacircuit.org.

Overall, the Delaware Hayes and Olentangy Winterguard teams have demonstrated their exceptional talent and hard work in the recent competition. As they prepare for the upcoming state championships, supporters and fans eagerly await their next performances.

For more information on the Ohio Indoor Performance Association Color Guard Championships, you can visit their website at https://ohiocircuit.org/guard-championships.html