By Traci Chapman, Managing Editor
Okarche winter guard was among several teams sidelined last weekend as a severe winter storm closed down schools and caused the cancelation of a Saturday contest.
Officials with Deer Creek Public Schools elected to forego the Winter Guard and Percussion of Oklahoma competition, citing ongoing safety concerns regarding ice in parking lots and other areas. It was the second time this season competitors were unable to perform in person – inclement weather also derailed the first WGPO competition, set for Yukon on Feb. 5.
Despite those cancellations, Okarche sits in a great spot heading into the tail end of its winter guard season. The program, in its first full year and first time ever to perform in competition, won the two opening tournaments it participated in.
The guard’s program is called “Flying,” with music of the same name by Cody Fry. The team’s eight members are the first to fully experience winter guard in a program directed by Russell Harris, who also serves as Okarche’s district band director.
The team has two more possibilities for in-person competition and performance – March 26 at Southmoore High School and in state WGPO competition in Jenks, scheduled for April 2.
Despite their impressive start, Harris said he was not complacent about upcoming competition – and neither were his team members.
“Our competitors are growing stronger each week, so we have to continue to work hard, make some changes and work on cleaning up our routine to make sure everything is completely in sync,” he said.
And while Okarche this season has eight winter guard members, Harris said the team hopes to attract more in the coming months in preparation for next season.
“We are planning on having a couple of days later in the spring for prospective members to come learn some skills and audition for their spot on in the guard for next year,” he said.
