What is color guard? Some people may think that it’s dancing with flags, in reality it’s a combination of art and physical endurance. In fact, the sport/art originated from military drill and the use of flags, rifles, and sabers, and has developed into the current creative art form.

During the marching band season, color guard members work hand in hand with the band to contribute to the musicians overall general effect and visual presentation. The guard members add color and add to the visual representation of the music.

Varela’s own Velocity Drill Team has earned several honors with the Band of Mystery. They have placed best guard in many of the competitions they have participated in, including the Hialeah Showcase of Champions.

In winter guard however, it’s the guard’s chance to shine on their own. Instead of performing alongside the band on a football field, they take their shows indoors, in a high school gym. Also, instead of performing to the music of a live marching band, the guard implements their routines to pre-recorded music of all kinds.

The drill team is currently in the South Florida Winter Guard Association. The league in itself is divided into three classes: Class A (Advanced), Class B (Intermediate), and Novice. Varela is presently in class B and participates in Regional, Semifinals, and Championships during the winter season.

This year is the guard’s second official year competing in the winter guard caption.

Co-captain, Geneve Aguilar has been a member of the group for the past four years. “It’s not easy. It takes a lot of hard work and time,” she said.

The highlight of her time as a member of the group has been when the band director, Mr. Napoles, and their guard instructor Devon Robinson joined the program.

“They completely turned the program around,” she said. “Soon after they came, we [the band and guard] made it to States and performed challenging shows.”

On Saturday March 19, Felix Varela hosted their first winter guard competition. The band and guard members ran around frantically selling food, guiding guard members, assisting judges, and even cleaning around the school.

The Velocity Drill Team participated in the competition and achieved 5th place in class B. The competition ran smoothly and will be held here once again next year.

Senior, Eddie Jarquin has high hopes for future members of the guard. “I hope the program keeps progressing and excels beyond B class,” he said. As a first year member he has greatly enjoyed his experience in the program.

“We learn to work together. We learn to stick together.” He says.