Hayes Winter Guard Wins Top Honors with Warrior-Themed Performance at OIPA Event

SPRINGFIELD, OHIO – The Ohio Indoor Performance Association (OIPA) hosted an indoor marching percussion, and winter color guard competition at Springfield Holland High School in Springfield, Ohio, on March 12, 2023.

Delaware Hayes High School Winter Guard member performing at OIPA event in Springfield, Ohio. Photo courtesy of OIPA.

Delaware County was represented by two performing groups from area high schools, the Delaware Hayes Winter Guard (color guard), and the Olentangy Liberty High School Winterline (percussion).

The Delaware Hayes Winter Guard emerged as the winner in the Scholastic Regional AA category with a score of 66.350.

Delaware Hayes High School full Winter Guard performing at OIPA event in Springfield, Ohio. Photo courtesy of OIPA.

The Delaware Hayes Winter Guard impressed the judges with their intense and heavy show titled “Polemos,” which means a divine personification or embodiment of war. The performance was inspired by the movie “Gladiators” and featured the performers as warriors entering the arena for battle. The Winter Guard captured the essence of the theme and delivered a remarkable performance.

Not to be out done the Olentangy Liberty HS Winterline, performed “The Dying of the Light” on Sunday and won first place in the Percussion Scholastic A division with a score of 80.1.

Olentangy Liberty High School Winterline performing at OIPA event in Springfield, Ohio. Photo courtesy of OIPA.

Winter Guard is an indoor performance ensemble that utilizes a recorded soundtrack of the ensemble’s choosing, flags, rifles, sabers, dancers, and other props and set pieces to produce a 2-8 minute performance. This activity is like a color guard minus the marching band and the harsh weather conditions.