50 groups to compete at indoor Color Guard event
Perkiomen Valley High School Music Boosters will host two indoor percussion and color guard competitions on Saturday, April 6, during an all-day event filled with music and movement.
More than 45 different color guard and percussion groups representing schools from Montgomery, Chester, Berks, Bucks and Delaware counties, and as far away as Harrisburg and New Jersey, will perform, including the award-winning Perkiomen Valley Color Guard.
“A small army of adult and student volunteers will help to guide our guest performers. All profits from these events go directly to support the students of the various Perkiomen Valley music programs,” said David Overholtzer, Perkiomen Valley High School music director.
Beginning at 10 a.m., groups will compete in various TIA (Tournament Indoor Association) divisions, concluding with the awards ceremony at approximately 2:30 p.m. At 4:30 p.m. competition begins for more than 25 Color Guard groups in the MAIN (Mid-Atlantic Indoor Network) portion of the day, with awards being given out around 9:30 p.m. The Perkiomen Valley Color Guard will perform in exhibition at both events, showcasing their 2024 program “A Little Too Late.”
“We are beyond excited to host over 45 units at this year’s home show. Among those units are local schools, and independent units that compete on the world-class level — this activity doesn’t just stop after high school,” said Jenn Zaremba-Rhein, Perkiomen Valley color guard director.
This year’s event also includes a special informational session after the awards ceremony for the TIA competition. Perkiomen Valley Middle School students interested in joining the color guard are invited to speak with the color guard coaches and team members about this activity. PV middle school students and a parent will also receive free admission with student ID between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
“For those who don’t know much about the activity, color guard is a performance arts group that uses music, dance, flag, rifle, and saber to tell a story.
Color guard is a safe place for all and truly an activity that is inclusive. It’s home for a lot of kiddos and has been an integral part of a lot of their high school careers. I’m really proud to be a part of it. This year’s PV Color Guard is so special. Their hunger for success and passion for the activity shows when they perform this year’s show. I’m beyond proud of them and honored to be their director,” Zaremba-Rhein said.
“We have an amazing group this year. They are energetic, hardworking and never say ‘I can’t.’ PV Guard is a very passionate group, and we portray that through our performances,” said Sophia Hoffman, senior PV Color Guard captain.
“Color guard is my second home because of how much I am there. I love our coaches and our team like family — because that’s what they are to me. I can’t imagine not doing guard in the future because it’s just such a big part of me now,” said Kiera McCartney, junior PV Color Guard co-captain.
“Color guard has been the biggest part of my life since freshman year. I love the sport and I love the people. Everyone here is like family. I can’t wait to see where this year’s show takes us,” said Asher Shingara, junior PV Color Guard section leader.
Groups performing include Avon Grove, Boyertown Area, Downingtown West, North Penn, Radnor, Spring-Ford Area, Upper Moreland and Wilson high schools.
For a full list of TIA performers, visit https:// windi.njatob.org/share/ seasons/4eb6c411-cfa049bd-8d09-f137b6aebe47/ competitions/6845aa489e37-477b-9e3c240731f7c092.
For a full list of MAIN performers, visit https:// www.mainguards.com/ perkiomen-valley-show/.
Doors will open at Perkiomen Valley High School at 9:30 a.m. Tickets for TIA or MAIN competition are $15 for adults, and $10 for students. PV Middle School students with ID and a parent will receive free entry to the TIA competition. For those staying for both competitions, tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students. Children under 5 are free. Cash or Venmo will be accepted at the door.
Special thanks to the following local businesses who have generously donated to this event: North Montco Technical School, Herrs, Clemens, Corropolese, Landis, Philly Soft Pretzel Factory, Handles, Maurucios, Wawa, Wegmans and Martins.
If you are a local business interested in donating or have questions about the home show, contact Diane Wuerth at 610-316-3632 or diane5wuerth@gmail.com
Don’t miss a day of local food vendors, raffles, music, movement and more!
Even more: The USBANDS Percussion circuit comes to Perkiomen Valley on Saturday, March 16, as they play host to five ensembles from our region, as well as our own Perkiomen Valley Indoor Percussion Ensemble performing their 2024 show entitled “Heavy.” Each group will perform twice — once to receive commentary from the judges, and a second time that will receive both commentary and a score. The event begins at 4 p.m.