Johnstown Winterguard 2012
Johnstown’s winterguard started their 2012 season on January 14 at the Cicero North Syracuse “Colors in Motion” competition, where the Amethyst Gold varsity claimed the first place trophy and won the top spot in every SA judging category. Amethyst Gold's musical selection for 2012’s exciting show features Scala and Kolacny Brothers Belgian Choir version of U2's "With or Without You." The guard’s performance is a presentation of powerful dancing and haunting moments, with breathtaking equipment choreography featuring flags, rifles and sabers, and a color pallet of creams, golds and coral reds.

In addition to regular season competitions, the varsity group will compete at World Guard International regional qualifiers in Rochester, New York; Salem, Massachusetts; South Brunswick, New Jersey; as well as the World Championships in Dayton, Ohio. The varsity guard is now in its 19th year of competition, and is proud to be competing as a newly promoted Scholastic Open Guard and in Scholastic A classes. During 2011, the group finished out their season as WGI Scholastic A class semifinalists.

The Amethyst junior varsity guard’s show is titled "Falling Down" and features music from the band One Republic. In addition to their equipment work, drill and dancing, the students work with eight six-foot black and white domino props, providing a metaphor to this year’s theme of "If life knocks you down we will be there for you." They captured a respectable third place in their Scholastic Regional A class at Cicero North Syracuse on January 14. This class provides essential training for the varsity guard.

Johnstown’s winterguard will host their annual "Artistry in Motion" color guard home show competition at 3 p.m. on March 17, 2012, in the Johnstown High School gymnasium. This event will include performances by many other New York State school winterguard groups and is open to the public.

Christine VanValkenburgh serves as director of Johnstown’s winterguard, with Desiree Kane and Marissa Fariello serving as co-assistant directors. The 2012 show was written and designed by Rick Subel, with additional choreography by Joe Fariello and Daniel Smith.

The guard wishes to thank the Board of Education, GJSD Administration, JHS Assistant Principal Mr. Ray Ruby, the Johnstown Music Support group, parents, staff, volunteers, and the NECGC, WGI and MYCGC communities for continued support of the Greater Johnstown School District’s Winterguard programs.

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