GREER — Greer High School’s “G-Force” Marching Band’s Color Guard instructors Jessica Easler and Taylor Brown are preparing to start Winter Guard, a program during the off-season of marching band that aims to better prepare current or future guard members for the upcoming season.

Winter Guard is not new to Greer High School. It was a staple many years ago; however, has not been a part of the school recently.

In Winter Guard, students will try out for two different levels; the Gold Guard and the Bee Guard. Though decisions are based upon skill level, students should not be discouraged by their placement. “We want to place everyone where they will be challenged but not overwhelmed with what is being asked of them,” said Easler.

A Winter Guard can only be 30 students large.  Depending on how many students try out for Winter Guard, there may be a third level, Baby Bee.

The Gold Guard will be performing a show called, “The Bully” to the song “Til’ It Happens to You” by Lady Gaga. The Bee Guard will be performing a show called “Pompeii” (though this title may change) to the song “Pompeii” by Bastille.

Easler and Brown are in high hopes that this program will help students prepare for the upcoming marching band season.  “You would not ask a wind player to put down their instrument after marching band season,” Easler said. “The same goes for a member of the Color Guard.  We cannot continue to be competitive if we put down our equipment at the end of October and don’t pick it up again until July the following year.”

The Winter Guard will participate in six competitions this year, stating with the Dorman High School Qualifier on January 30.

Auditions start Tuesday, December 1, and are every Tuesday and Thursday through December 14 from 4:00-6:00 p.m.  There will be a parent informational meeting on December 14 at 6:15 p.m. in the Greer High School Band Room.

Practices will be Tuesdays and Thursdays for Gold Guard after school until 6:00 p.m., and Mondays (with the option to add one other day a week) for the Bee Guard.

The cost to participate is $200 for the season. This cost covers contest and circuit fees, travel costs, new equipment costs and staff payments. Fundraisers will also occur throughout the season.