Over 40 teams, including five from the Naperville area, competed in the 2019 Midwest Color Guard Circuit. Teams throughout Illinois, and northwest parts of Indiana, performed in front of the Naperville North gymnasium crowd of nearly 800.
“This is a group of teams that get together that are both from a set of particular school, and who work independently from a variety of schools. This is our opening weekend, [and] our season goal is [to finish on] the first of April,” said Vicki Mogil, director of the Steperette Cadets.
Representing the independent groups of Naperville were the Steperette Cadets, Steperette “X” Guard, and Perpetuum, along with Naperville Central and Naperville North high schools. Their preparation paid off with some beautiful performances.
“You kind of go blank to everything. You start going through the movement almost like a dream where you kind of know what’s going on. And, you’re controlling yourself, but you don’t really quite have total control because your body takes over rather than your mind. It’s a really nice feeling. It’s a little stressful, but it’s also really relaxing. It’s a beautiful moment to be in,” said Brenda Wilson, a member of the Naperville North Color Guard.
Routines ranged from kids performing upbeat hit songs, to more emotional shows like Naperville Central’s “Empty Chair” routine.
“Even if you don’t have a family member in the military, Navy, Air Force, or any of the U.S. Troops, you can still relate with the empty chair in the dining table. When a loved one passes, or even if they’re not dead, when they leave and you don’t see them within a year,” said Samara Howard, a member of the Naperville Central Color Guard.
Perpetuum, Central, and North all finished in the top three in their respective groups, but final placings weren’t the only thing that made the competition worthwhile.
“The energy going between us all it was amazing. It’s not really describable how much the energy can affect you, and how good it feels,” said Grace McCoy, a member of Perpetuum.
Naperville News 17’s Christian Canizal reports.
