What do hairspray, glitter, snare drums, sabers, marimbas, African drums and rifles have in common? It takes all these and more to put together the shows seen at the Sawnee Mountain Invitational Winter Guard and Indoor Drumline Show. This two day event features color guard and drumline competitors from high schools, colleges and independent groups from three states.  

Color guard events will occur both Saturday and Sunday. Dancing and creative movement is as much a part of the show as manipulating the equipment while multiple costume changes are not uncommon. When asked to describe a winter guard show for the unversed, Sue Mashburn, Guard Director at Forsyth Central High School, called it “Broadway on a gym floor with flags, rifles and sabers”. About fifty guard groups and over 800 participants are scheduled to descend on the high school for the event. Well-known competitors include independent groups University of Alabama at Alta Marea and Lulabel, both strong finishers in last year’s Winter Guard International (WGI) event and Kennesaw Mountain High School, another top contender. Forsyth Central’s own Crimson guard consistently wins regional events and made a strong showing at last year’s WGI finals.

“This year we have added a drumline competition to last year’s winter guard show, making the event even bigger and more exciting,” stated Tom Tucker, Drumline Director at Forsyth Central High School. Dubbed “marching band without any wind players”, these creative indoor shows are staged on a basketball gym and include every imaginable percussion instrument: mallet players, drum sets, standing bass drums, bass guitars, electronic keyboard players, marching snares, bass drums, cymbals and quad players as well as prop movers and actors. The drumline portion of the day will be held on Saturday afternoon. At least 17 groups involving 400+ students plan to attend and compete, including the 50th Regiment Drumline of Moultrie, GA and Forsyth Central High School’s own world class rated drumline.

The Sawnee Mountain Invitational event takes place at the Forsyth Central High School Gym on Saturday, March 1st at 10:00 AM until 9:00 PM and Sunday 2nd at 12:00 Noon until 3:30 PM. Ticket prices are $8 for a one day pass and $12 for a two day pass. Children under 5 years old will be admitted free with an adult admission. Concessions will be available so spectators can plan to enjoy the entire day at the competition.

For more information contact Sue Mashburn, Director, Guard, stmashburn@forsyth.k12.ga.us, (404-683-6358) or Tom Tucker, Director, Drumline, ttucker@forsyth.k12.ga.us, (770-887-8151 x110635).