The intersection of athletic endurance and theatrical storytelling is a demanding space to inhabit, requiring a level of physical control and emotional expression that often takes years to master. Rising to this challenge with a display of synchronized artistry, the Tenafly High School Color Guard Team solidified its reputation as a powerhouse this past week. On February 21, the team competed in the Winter Guard International Philadelphia+ Regional Competition, held at Council Rock South High School, where they secured a definitive first-place victory in the Scholastic Regional A division.
With a final score of 72.68, Tenafly established a significant 3.56 point lead over the runner-up, marking a significant achievement as they navigated their first-ever WGI-circuit competition. For a team accustomed to local competitions, stepping onto a regional floor judged by international standards was an immense challenge they met with veteran finesse.
The victory, however, was not without its hurdles.
“Our first WGI competition was definitely an experience,” Assistant-Captain Marley Han (’27) shared. “We barely had any time to practice and warm up because our bus arrived late. Having really no time to go over the show and practice was pretty nerve-wracking. But one thing our team does really well is adjusting to our situation and ensuring that we don’t get too much in our heads.”
The resilience is forged in the grueling rehearsal schedule the team maintains. To achieve the rhythmic precision required for a high-scoring show, members commit to over 13 hours of practice a week.
“We prioritize precision over perfection,” Head-Captain Emma Kim (’27) explained. “Practice is what truly guarantees consistency in color guard, whether it be tossing rifle, flag, or sabre. The days leading up to competitions are always stressful, but the team works incredibly well and continues to strive for an amazing work ethic.”
Beyond the technical scores, the heart of the program lies in the community built within the rehearsal walls. Color Guard Veteran Ayumi Takayama (’27) noted that while the pressure to perform can be intense, the rewards are found in the shared experience.
“I have met so many people that I would otherwise not interact with in guard, and I have created strong bonds within the team,” Takayama said. “Being in color guard has taught me the enjoyment and fun in performing, and in every competition, I try to focus on enjoying myself and connecting with the people around me during our performance instead of pressuring myself to do well or to not drop.”
The team’s dynamic is particularly unique due to how it integrates its newest members into the high-stakes environment of winter guard. For first-year member Calen Bae (’27), the transition was bolstered by existing ties to the music program.
“I just joined this past winter season with plans to try out a new experience,” Bae shared. “Because I had friends [who] were already part of color guard, I felt inclined to join. In addition, I am a member of Tenafly Marching Band, which led me to be acquainted with many members and instructors prior to joining.”
Despite the initial intimidation of the schedule, Bae found that the team’s veterans bridged the gap in experience.
“Although the long practice hours and commitment [were] daunting at first, I felt that our hard work paid off during performances,” Bae said. “Even though I have less experience than other members, my captains and veteran members were very helpful in helping me learn and improve skills, as well as allowing me to have fun.”
“Don’t be afraid to start messy,” Kim advised for those looking to join the team. “Nobody walks in knowing how to toss a rifle or spin a flag perfectly—everyone drops, everyone gets frustrated. What matters most is your attitude. Be coachable, stay consistent, and push yourself even when it feels uncomfortable. Guard is more about confidence, performance, and how you recover when something goes wrong, rather than cool tricks and tosses. If you show up willing to work, take corrections seriously, and give your full energy every time, you will grow more than you think. The progress might feel slow at first, but if you stick with it, it really does pay off.”
As the team looks toward the remainder of the season, the focus remains on refinement. The Philadelphia win marks the beginning of a larger journey toward their ultimate showcase.
“We are only at the beginning of our season, so we still have so much more to showcase and give,” Han said. “Our team is always pushing to improve ourselves and our show. We always have the goal of returning to each competition significantly better than we were before.”
With a gold medal in hand and the momentum of the Philadelphia Regional behind them, the THS Color Guard is proving that when athleticism meets artistry, the result is nothing short of a masterpiece.
