The Blackhawks Winterguard team finishes their performance with the message “Never Give Up.” Pictured clockwise are McKenzy, Megan, Adriana, Renee, Breanne, Josie and Brooklyn.

The Sanborn Central Woonsocket Blackhawks Winterguard team traveled to the Minneapolis area to compete in the North Star Circuit (NSC) Henry Sibley Show competition on Feb. 28.
The Blackhawks had a very good showing and much improvement, especially in the “Movement” category.
“The North Star Circuit recently created a YouTube channel and uploaded all the shows from last year. Comparing last year’s performance to our current show, I can see a huge improvement in skill, emotion and overall performing,” said member Renee Farmer.
Winterguard is scored in five categories: Equipment, Movement, Design Analysis, and two General Effects. For example, in the Equipment category, the judges are looking at unity in moves such as hand positions, releases, angles and difference from flag to rifle technique. The group is judged on uniformity in method and timing, and they need to tell a story with the music, actions and facial expressions.  The Blackhawks perform a four-minute routine to the song “Try” by Colbie Caillat.
Breanne Brandenburg, Junior Winterguard Captain, says, “What people don’t realize about Winterguard is how much work and time go into our routine. It isn’t just dancing and twirling; it is knowing counts, movements and emotions to put into a performance.”
Winterguard member Adriana Salas adds, “What is fun for me is hanging out with your best friends while watching other performances after we have put everything into our own show.”
The team is led by Mr. Brett Kroeger, and captains, McKenzy Peterson and Breanne Brandenburg. Team members are Farmer, Salas, Josie Weber, Brooklyn Swenson and Megan Linke.
The next Winterguard performance will be during halftime of the first evening game of the State “B” Girls Basketball Tourney in Huron March 10. They then head to Minneapolis for two competition events on March 12. They will also be performing at the Blackhawks Winter Band Concert in Woonsocket on Monday, March 14 at 7 p.m.