Winterguard earns second place in state competition

Ramona High School Winterguard members ended their three-month competition season with a silver medal for earning second place in state competition.

“Under captains Amy and Emma Hopperton, the students were able to continue the championship caliber tradition of the band program at Ramona High School,” said Zachary Christy, the school’s director of instrumental music.

The Winterguard Association of Southern California championships were held at Fountain Valley High School in Orange County on Saturday.

“The team has competed since February against more than 80 other ensembles in their division, receiving two first place trophies, two second place trophies, and two fourth place trophies,” said Christy. “

The team, associated with the instrumental music program at Ramona High, is comprised of the non-musical parts of the Royal Alliance marching band, including the flags, rifles, and sabers that are traditionally called the “colorguard” during the fall season, said Christy.

The winter season takes these members indoors, performing a choreographed production set to music. This year, the team performed “The Pipeline,” set to Hozier’s “Work Song.” The show depicts the monotony and drudgery of a team working on an oil rig.

“The team has worked very hard building their skills throughout the season,” said Christy. “Welcoming two new staff members to the Royal Alliance team, Jim and Melissa Barton, the winterguard was able to quickly adapt to a new teaching style, clearly paying off in the end of the season.”

The community will have the opportunity to see the winterguard’s award-winning show at the Spring Showcase in the Ramona High gymnasium on May 21 and 22 at 7 p.m.