Republic Winter Guard will compete in Fayetteville next Friday after a recent second-place finish at Missouri State University. The March 15 competition follows a schedule disrupted by winter weather cancellations.
“We’ve had a big gap in our competition season, the snow cancelled our last competition,” coach Shyra Whalon said.
The team placed second among eight teams at the MCCGA Winter Guard Competition on March 1 at Missouri State University. They’ll wrap up their season with two more events – the Fayetteville competition and the MCCGA Championship on March 28.
This year’s routine, set to “What If?” by Cody Fry, explores themes of overcoming anxiety.
The routine has an aviation theme — including aviator costumes and silks with plane iconography. “It’s about feeling the wind on your face and seeing the view instead of being scared of falling,” captain Aundrea Chitwood said.
Chitwood, a three-year veteran of the program, joined after watching a color guard performance at a football game.
“I get to play a ‘character’ for each of my shows,” Chitwood said. “I like to leave everything behind and just be somebody else for a bit. It has really helped me gain more confidence in my everyday life.”
The team continues refining their routine between competitions, making adjustments to improve performances before the season concludes later this month.
