After the marching band season ends, a new one begins for several members.

The LHS winter guard, known by many for performing at the Academic Pep Assembly, is a group of students that spins equipment such as flags, rifles and sabers on a large painted tarp.

The winter guard restarted in 2009, under the direction of guard instructor Evan Coonrod. Additional staff members include Kim Kras and Taylor Young.

Auditions for the current guard were held in November; compared to last year’s amount of 18 members, the size of the guard has shrunk to just 10, with one senior, three juniors and six sophomores.

Since the program started again in late 2009, the winter guard has continued to place well at competitions throughout the area. In 2010, they placed first in Regional B in MCCGA, and in 2011, the guard tied for first in Regional A. In the following season, they were moved up twice after starting at Scholastic C. At their final competition in 2012, they placed fifth in Scholastic A.

“It’s definitely a unique sport that requires a lot of time and effort,” sophomore Claire Maesaka says of winter guard, “But I’d say it’s worthwhile.”

The winter guard’s show this year is entitled “Starry Starry Night” and features Josh Groban’s cover of Don McLean’s song, all based around the iconic Vincent van Gogh.