On May 31, 2014 the GPHS Auxiliary team hosted their second “Junior Clinic” of the year. This was a great event to introduce the activity to younger students. The clinic provided an opportunity for the GPHS Auxiliary team members to interact with our local community and build leadership skills while having fun with students in kindergarten through 5th grade. This is the 2nd successful clinic that the team has hosted this year and hope to have more in the future! Both clinics were filled with positive interactions and attendees learned different genres of dance including ballet, hip-hop, creative, pom and swing flag. As students age, the Auxiliary can introduce other equipment including larger flags, rifles and other props.
Auxiliary, also known as “Color Guard” or “Guard” and in the winter season, “Winterguard”, is an activity that involves dance movement and spinning equipment including flag, rifle & saber through choreographed movement. Auxiliary is a non-musical section of the Grants Pass High School Marching Band and performs during the fall season representing the visual presentation and overall general effect of the show. Auxiliary, by definition, is a sport due to its physical and competitive aspects but is also a form of art and pageantry. Performers use expression and equipment to tell a story. The music and props set the stage and the performer completes the show. Winterguard is performed indoors but instead of performing with the marching band each team picks their own music to perform to. Winterguard teams are judged on talent & precision, creativity and execution. Teams use various equipment, props and dance movement. Websites that are full of information on this activity include: http://nwapa.net/, http://www.wgi.org/ and http://www.dci.org/.
The GPHS Auxiliary is looking forward to hosting more Junior Clinics in the future! Watch for flyers with future dates or contact GPHS Auxiliary Director Jeni Brouillette at jbrouillette@grantspass.k12.or.us or 541-474-5750.