Photo by Sebastian Unrau on Unsplash

WINTERGUARD SEASON KICKS OFF

Beyond the beaches and tourist attractions, Panama City Beach has a growing world of performance arts that is often going unnoticed. One of the most exciting showcases of this is Winterguard, a performance sport that combines flag work, dance and storytelling into a visually appealing production. Winterguard season started yesterday, and Arnold High School’s team did a breathtaking performance with their show, “In the Heart of the Wood” as their display.

The Art and Athleticism of Winterguard

Winterguard is not just another extracurricular activity; it is an art form that needs dedication, creativity, and athleticism. Combining dance, color guard, and theatrical storytelling elements, Winterguard performances are choreographed to include flags, rifles, sabers and props to create visual effects. The routines that they do tell a story, and the music that is selected for each routine is done so carefully to help enhance the emotion and impact of the performance. Arnold High School’s show is an ideal example of this artistic fusion.

In the Heart of the Wood

“In the Heart of the Wood” is a story that casts the audience into a dream world of a magical forest where the movement and music resurrect the nature. The performance contains sophisticated flag work, passionate dancing and smooth changes that give the whole production the feel of a living canvas. Another one of the great features of Arnold’s performance was the props. When compared to most other groups, they went the extra mile to include large, handcrafted set pieces such as trees, flower crowns, and wooden stumps. These props, which were created by the students and coaches, enhance the production and help to create their world in a very real and tangible way.

The Passion and Drive Behind the Performance

The level of energy and enthusiasm from both the performers and coaches was through the roof. When talking with some of the students at Arnold High School, it was easy to tell how much heart and hard work they put into this production. Some of them said that Winterguard is not only an activity but also a way to voice themselves and challenge themselves creatively and physically. Their coach talked about the team’s dedication, stating that a lot of time is spent in practice to achieve perfection in every routine. This performance is even more significant because of the influence it has on the community local to it.

A Rising Spotlight on Local Talent

Panama City Beach is not a place that is known for being a hub of art and culture, but events like this one show that there is a vibrant artistic community here. The students of Arnold High School and their coaches are showing others how performance arts can change people’s lives and make the world a better place.

For students planning to attend college and interested in entertainment and culture, Winterguard provides a unique combination of visual storytelling, choreography, and production design. Some aspects of the show, including stage direction and music coordination, are related to careers in the arts, theater, and media production.

Helping high school talent can also help aspiring journalists, filmmakers, and performers to expand their network and discover new forms of art for themselves. It will be interesting to see how Arnold High School and other teams are able to improve their performances as the season progresses. Winterguard is a rare gem in the entertainment world, and the mix of athleticism and artistry of the performers should be shown to a larger audience. If you didn’t get a chance to watch the show, be on the lookout for the next performances; you don’t want to miss the magic these young performers bring to the stage.

Alejandro Soberon

Alejandro Soberon

Student writer / Spring 2025

I’m Alejandro Soberón, a filmmaker, videographer, and student at Gulf Coast. My goal is to share culture through digital media, bringing attention to the stories and art forms that often go unnoticed. Whether it’s music, performance arts, or everyday moments, I believe in capturing creativity in its rawest form. Check out my portfolio to see more of my work:  https://agsadigital.myportfolio.com