I have followed Rhapsody Winterguard for a little over 4 years now, and although most of those that have come to be my friends have passed through the organization as marching members. I have seen how their experiences with Rhapsody, has shaped them into the people that they are now. While some stayed on as coaches and attempt to mold another generation to hopefully succeed them, others have moved on to other things. It seems that this niche sport of the arts continues to have an impact in their lives. 

Over the years I have taken plenty of pictures at the local competitions, traveled with them to regionals and even helped my colleague make a movie about it, An Act of Art and Passion (it's actually pretty great. check it out if you haven't). And still...

I have never understood colorguard. 

I have made this point to nearly everyone I've ever met. I don't understand it. I am merely an observer (and part time van driver) into a world that I find oddly intriguing.

This year I drove a van across the country to support them and attempt to tell their story the best I can. The following are the moments that few outside of colorguard ever see.  

WGI2016 - W-1 WGI2016 - W-2 WGI2016 - W-3Hand-Eye coordination is important. Bruises are not uncommon. WGI2016 - W-4 WGI2016 - W-5 WGI2016 - W-6 WGI2016 - W-7Sometimes reality catches up and you have to sign up for a dorm in the middle of a parking lot in the wasteland of Ohio. WGI2016 - W-8 WGI2016 - W-9 WGI2016 - W-10 WGI2016-11 WGI2016 - W-12 WGI2016 - W-13 WGI2016 - W-14 WGI2016-15 WGI2016 - W-16 WGI2016 - W-17 WGI2016 - W-18 WGI2016 - W-19 WGI2016 - W-20 WGI2016 - W-21Trust is important. A bad throw or a bad catch could hurt. WGI2016-22 WGI2016 - W-23 WGI2016 - W-24 WGI2016 - W-25Rain, Sleet and Snow. I hate Ohio. WGI2016 - W-34 WGI2016-26A place away from the wind. WGI2016 - W-27 WGI2016 - W-28Tradition WGI2016 - W-29 WGI2016 - W-30 WGI2016 - W-31 WGI2016 - W-32 WGI2016 - W-33 WGI2016 - W-35 WGI2016-37 WGI2016 - W-36 WGI2016 - W-38 WGI2016 - W-39 WGI2016 - W-40These are the important moments. The ones that truly matter.

Another year gone.

Another one on the horizon. 

And I still don't know what colorguard is.

-Ronnel Reyes