May 24, 2018

Bearcat Winter Guard receives silver in first competitive season

By Grace Niemeyer, communication assistant

Northwest Missouri State University’s Bearcat Winter Guard completed its first competitive season April 7, at the Midcontinent Color Guard Association (MCCGA) Championships, winning the silver in the Independent Regional A Division.

The Winter Guard performed its winning show, titled “Wait,” to “Wait For It” from the musical “Hamilton.”

Bearcat Winter Guard competed in five competitions this year throughout Missouri.

Winter guard is an indoor version of color guard. It is derived from military ceremonies and combines the use of flags, mock rifles, sabers and other equipment with interpretative dance.

Performances are evaluated by judges on movement, equipment, design analysis and general effect. Routines must be between three minutes and four minutes, 30 seconds. Three minutes of equipment time is required.

Competition eligibility is based on past performances in MCCGA festivals, good standing with MCCGA and participation in a competition before the Kansas City region has its second festival.

The Bearcat Winter Guard is open for any Northwest student to audition, regardless of major. For more information, contact Mattke at kyliet@nwmissouri.edu or Amber Imperiale, the organization’s president, at s526778@nwmissouri.edu.