26 Color Guards to Perform, Compete at Ridge

The public is invited to the first annual Ridge High School Winter Guard Competition, sponsored by the Ridge High School Band Association, at 4:30 p.m. this Saturday.

The 2013 competition features 26 guards from Pennsylvania, New York and
New Jersey. Ridge, the host guard, will perform its 2013 “Wild Horses” show in exhibition at 6:45 p.m., followed by a performance by the Ridge High School indoor percussion ensemble at 8:15 p.m.

An awards ceremony is expected to cap off the event.

Rebecka Trelstad, Co-Chair for the annual event, commented “We are looking forward to welcoming over 350 middle and high school students for a great show of musical and visual display," said Rebecka Trelstad, event co-chair. "All guards have invested significant time and effort into the show that they will be presenting.”

She added that guard competitions have become very popular throughout the tri-state area and country, attracting substantial local support. The guards compete in the Mid-Atlantic Indoor Network (MAIN). MAIN began hosting a competitive season in 1996 and has been continuing since.

The season ends with Championships in South Brunswick on
Saturday, April 20, Trelstad said.

Guard Capitan Gabby Stein said the event helps “promote the sport to those that are unfamiliar with it and brings recognition to all the hard work that the Ridge Winter Guard has invested over the last two years.”

The following guards will compete in six different classes based on guard size:
Class MS: Jackson Liberty Middle School, Hicksville “Orange” Middles School
Class SN: Manalapan High School, Edison High School, Jackson Liberty High School, Wayne Valley, Sayreville, Council Rock — South, Wayne Hills, Mineola — White, JP Stevens, and in other classes; Ridgewood High School, Hicksville Black, Monroe High School, Council Rock North — White, Ridge High School, Archibishop Wood, Phoenix of Chatham,, Pegasus, Too, Upper Moreland, Mineola — Red, Brick Memorial — Equus, North Penn.

Ridge Winter Guard only in second year of competition

“The Ridge High School Winter Guard is in its second year of competition. In this short time, the color guard has become well know throughout NJ for its high quality programming and performances," said Ridge Guard Director George Mattis. "In the coming years, the guard is looking forward to competing at the
WGI National Championships in Dayton, Ohio.

He said hosting the show on Saturday will go a long way to earning the guard's way to Dayton.

Tickets will be available at Ridge High School’s main entrance at 4:30 pm. Tickets are $10 for adults, $6 for students and seniors and free for under age 5.

Delicious food and snacks will be served in between performances by the Ridge High School Band Parents Association. Family, Friends and Neighbors of band students can purchase “Air Grams” (broadcast announcements) and “Candy or Flower Grams” to show their support.

Irma Kieftenbeld, President for the Ridge High School Band Association, added, "The Winter Guard competition is a great addition to our already successful band
program at Ridge High School. This event complements our fall marching band program and our indoor percussion program. The parent organization is pleased to fund continued growth of the performance arts programs in our community."