With Christmas just around the corner, the greatest gift so far is the excitement for the New Hartford Varsity Winter Guard’s new season!
The New Hartford WinterGuard Program is an indoor color guard activity, going from winter to spring. The program separates into two groups, JV for the little kids, and Varsity for the more experienced. Incorporating dance, performance, and flag/weapon work is what makes the activity so unique.
Head director Ryan Gerling oversees all the activities, but is the main coach for the Varsity program. Every year, he creates a new show theme for both groups in the program. Some past ones have been, Lizzie Borden (Varsity 2024) and The Junior Bake Off (JV 2023). He and Scott Snell, fellow Winter Guard director from Shenendehowa, have created an interesting show theme for this Varsity season! Titled Soil, the show focuses on the essence of soil, what it is.
Although at first glance, it might seem weird, Ryan Gerling explains why he went this route for the season.
“This is a new venture for me, a particular idea I had with me in my back pocket for a while,” Ryan Gerling says. “ It’s something different, being playful with some puns here and there.”
The simple title of Soil can speak for itself. Students are interested in the concept of this strange show.
“I think this show is very different from anything I’ve done before,” senior Andrew Lawin remarks. One talented member of the program, he has been doing Winterguard for more than 5 years.
“The idea is powerful, talking about the environment and how we treat it,” Andrew further explains.
Juniors Haylie Cox and Emma Drinkwine can attest to this.
“It’s interesting how this is going to become a full show,” Emma Drinkwine says. This one feels unique to previous shows she’s done
When listening to the show theme tape, Haylie Cox loves the addition of music combining with dialogue.
“I think that the metaphor is something that I don’t think a lot of people are gonna get, but it is an important one. So many people do things for us that go unnoticed,” Haylie says.
With a new season coming up, members have some goals set for them throughout the year as well.
Emma Drinkwine wants to improve on her confidence, one of the main key things that helps a performer shine in a show.
Furthermore Andrew Lawin and Haylie Cox want to improve on their technical skills.
“I want to improve on the little things with my technique for the weapon line. Rifle and saber specifically,” Andrew Lawin indicates.
“Since Ryan wants me to utilize my dance skills more, I want to focus on that. Also, my saber skills need work on as well.” Haylie Cox says in reference to the dance classes she takes on her own.
There’s a lot of challenges ahead for this show season, but Ryan Gerling has one goal set for all members of the team.
“I want everyone to improve on their skills, and finish the season happy with what they were able to build upon what they already know.”
That’s what Winter Guard is all about. Being about the journey and not the destination of where one can grow.
Additionally, the Varsity winterguard goes on trips to WGI (Winter Guard International) regionals. These competitions are a part of the WGI circuit ending with championships in Dayton, Ohio. Guards from across the country and beyond compete against each other in different classes. Every year, the team goes to regionals in Corning, NY, and Pittsburgh, PA. Every other year, they compete in WGI championships, swapping with the New Hartford Drumline.
In 2023, the winterguard team competed in WGI Championships placing 39th out of 140 Winter Guards in the SA1 circuit as semi finalists
In April of 2025, the team is going back to Dayton again. Members like Haylie Cox, are hoping to make it to finals in the competition.
“I’m especially excited about coming back, since this is my senior year. Going to perform in big arenas and seeing more competition is what I love,” Andrew Lawin explains.
It’s no surprise the trip is truly memorable, one of Emma Drinkwine’s favorite Winterguards to see is AMP, a world class finalist group that’s known for their extravagant performances.
Overall, coach Ryan Gerling wants the kids to show improvement since the last time they went in 2023, while possibly making it to finals.
The New Hartford Varsity Winterguard has a lot of obstacles to overcome this competition season, both in and out of state. Whatever happens though, it is always about the “journey, not the destination,” just like Ryan Gerling said. The Mid York State Color Guard Championships are on March 29th, while the WGI Color Guard World Championships of 2025 occur April 3rd to 5th.
