For Immediate Release

February 17, 2012

Concord High School Students Need Community Donations to Reach International Competition

Three years ago, the Concord High School’s championship-level Winterguard team did not exist. After a turnover in directors and the graduation of most members, interest in the once championship-level performance group had almost vanished.

“My freshman year, I was the only student interested in joining Winterguard,” says senior member, Michaela Garceau. “I loved doing colorguard in the fall with the marching band, and I was really sad that I wasn’t able to continue by doing Winterguard that year. I was thrilled when we had enough interest to have Winterguard again my sophomore year.”

Since re-starting in 2010 with a fresh group of members and instructors, the Concord Winterguard rapidly advanced through the ranks of the Carolina Winter Ensemble Association’s competition circuit. Concord Winterguard is now competing at the highest level for school-based groups - the Scholastic A division - a level achieved through hours of hard work by its members, dedication of their parents, and a strong commitment from its new directors and instructors.

Once again, their skill and talent qualifies them to compete at the Winter Guard International Championships in Dayton, Ohio from April 14-16. Only one thing stands in their way – the cost of travel.

“People are surprised to hear that the Concord Winterguard does not receive financial support from the school,” according to Doug Morin, Concord High School’s Band Director. “It is an after-school activity, and members pay participation dues to provide the operating costs for the group to exist.” Funding for travel beyond the Charlotte area is not part of the budgeted costs, and must be fundraised.

Concord Winterguard’s members and parents have increased their fundraising efforts this year but fear that it may not be enough to reach the $4,000 needed for a trip to Dayton, Ohio for Winter Guard International World Championships.

Kenny Lemmons, a Concord Winterguard Instructor, knows first-hand the impact this trip could have on his students. “It would be life-changing for them to travel outside of North Carolina to watch and meet other groups from around the world! I performed at World Championships when I was younger. It was an unforgettable trip which boosted my personal confidence and helped shape my future. I would love for my students to share that experience.”

Evolving from modern marching band flag corps and colorguards, Winterguard is an indoor competitive sport combining the use of flags, sabers, mock rifles, dance, and interpretive movement in artistic routines set to pre-recorded music. A mix of technical equipment skills and theatrical choreography, the artform is a valuable outlet for young students to express their creativity and emotion.

“Our children rehearse, sometimes 20-25 hours a week after school and on weekends all year long to achieve this level and give their best performances,” according to Amy Coltrane, mother of sophomore member, Kate Coltrane. “They truly deserve to be able to perform where other top-notch groups compete each year. I hope that our community will provide the additional financial support needed to get them there.”

Donations for the Concord Winterguard are tax-deductable. Donations can be made through the PayPal link on the band website at www.concordhsband.com. Checks can be made to Concord Band Boosters, and mailed to P.O. Box 461, Concord, NC 28026.

For more information:

Doug Morin, Concord H.S. Band Director – 704-223-0057 Shelley Henderson, 704-619-5328

director@concordhsband.com