Chops Winter Guard
General Info for the 2008 Season
The 2008 Chops, Inc. Winter Color Guard will be competing in the Independent World Class in the North Star Circuit.
2008 Show Information
Chops, Inc. Winter Guard presents their 2008 program entitled “Here's to you.”
Clad in angelic white costumes and a beautifully patterned pink and lavender floor, the guard will guide the audience through the many ups and downs life throws at each of us every moment of every day. From our birth to our first love, loss of loved ones, heartbreaks and ultimately, our own death. Realizing that every moment we are given is precious and beautiful.
The 11 talented performers of Chops, Inc. Winter Guard will comprise the first ever Independent World Class Color Guard to represent the state of Minnesota at the 2008 Winter Guard International (WGI) World Championships held in Dayton, OH.
2008 Staff
Felipe Mendoza, David Heraly, Mike Mayer, DeAnna Kron, Wendy Elliott, and Skot Jones. The Color Guard Captain is Ms. Natalie Platt.
It’s Not Too Late to Join
If you wish to become a part of this wonderful opportunity it is not to late, you can contact Artistic Director Felipe Mendoza at (920) 287-4165. In order to qualify for a position in the Winter Guard you must meet or exceed the membership requirements.
2008 Audition Information
Please read below for membership requirements.
Flags will be provided. If you have weapons please bring them – weapons will be provided once the guard is set. The winter guard spins 39" King Blades and 39" Sickle 2's.
Membership Requirements
Chops Winter Guard is always looking for new members. Because Chops Winter Guard only rehearses every other weekend it is imperative that members posses an excellent work ethic as well as a world-class retention level.
Because the Winter Guard will be competing in the highest level of the Winter Guard activity these qualities are a must:
- An advanced understanding of Flag is required – spins and tosses
- In both Chops, Inc. Color Guard Programs we use the Peggy Spin. Previous experience with this technique is helpful but not required since an advanced flag will pick it up easily.
- Ability to do a minimum of 100 Drop Spins and Peggy Spins on each hand without stopping.
- Toss singles on both hands, single 1/2’s and doubles on the right and carving exercises.
- Weapons (39" Saber and 39" Sickle 2)
- Spins on both hands.
- Understanding of spins and stops at flat, angle, and port positions.
- Toss 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 – try 6.
- Blade Toss 1, 2, 3, 4 – try 5.
- Dance Training of any sorts
- Jazz, Ballet, or Modern dance will be helpful for new members because movement is a big part of our basics training and is mixed in with our choreography.
- Other Info
- If you have training on all three pieces of equipment that is very cool but not necessary.
- Dress for success – wear form-fitting clothing that allows for maximum range of movement and allows your ankles and feet to be seen.
If you have past experience in the activity of Winter Guard, Drum and Bugle Corps, or High School Color Guard you owe it to yourself to come check it out.
Chops, Inc. is the 2005 DCA Class A World Champion and the Winter Guard is the 2006 North Star Circuit Independent World Class Champion. The Winter Guard as well as the Summer Guard will uphold the tradition of being the best we can be and to grow as people and performers.
Chops Winter Color Guard is open to people of all ages. However, High School students that are eligible for a band or color guard program at their school must have a signed release form from their Band or Color Guard Director to participate in Chops Winter Guard.
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2008 High School Release Form |  |
Accomplishments
- 2002 Northstar Circuit IW Silver Medalist
- 2003 Northstar Circuit IW Champion
- 2006 WGI IW Northstar Regional Champion
- 2006 Northstar Circuit IW Champion
- 2007 Northstar Circuit IW Silver Medalist
- 2008 Northstar Circuit IW Silver Medalist