Inderkum’s Winter Color Guard is only three years old, but it recently won its second consecutive Northern California championship.
“Honestly, it’s pretty amazing to watch this unfold in front of our eyes,” Kayla Gonzalez, 17, said of a performing unit that has grown from a handful of students to about 30 now.
Instructor Shawn Hines, Inderkum’s 2014 Teacher of the Year, stresses the values of determination, devotion, integrity, and respect to everyone in his music program, encompassing about 170 students in Wind Ensemble, Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Color Guard, Orchestra, Choir, Jazz Band, Winter Percussion and Winter Color Guard.
Many of Hines’ musicians and performers, including the Color Guard, will fly to Walt Disney World in Florida early Tuesday to perform at Epcot Center later this week. They have signed a homework agreement to keep up with their studies. Hines described Inderkum’s Florida invitation as a huge honor rarely given to California bands.
Inderkum’s Winter Color Guard beat several dozen high schools to capture a massive first-place trophy at Northern California Band Association championships held March 29 at Del Oro High School. The unit was last year’s champion, too.
“They keep getting stronger and stronger, and they keep working harder and harder,” Hines said of the winter guard.
High school winter guard units perform lively sequences featuring dance, music and special equipment, such as flags, rifles or sabers. Inderkum’s winter guard was not the only school’s only NorCal award winner. Its drum line captured sixth place.
Kayla Gonzalez, 17, and Aleeza Garcia, 18, said they have learned lessons from Color Guard that extend far beyond performances.
“To push myself hard and stay focused,” Kayla said.
“To persevere and never give up,” added Aleeza.
