The arts program at Warren has caught the attention of many individuals, from band to theater. Starting with their band program, it has a variety of classes to take like Concert, Symphonic, Jazz, and instrumental classes.

Mr. Rogers, one of the band directors, was asked about how he felt about the music programs, in which he states, “I’m pretty proud of the fact that we offer a very wide variety of music and fine arts classes here at Warren… most schools do not have the size and scope of ensembles to offer students due to program enrollment.” He adds, “The fact that we also have five Concert Bands is an example of how strong our area’s music programs are, not only at the high school level but at the middle and elementary schools as well.” On the other hand, within the numerous programs of music classes to take, there’s the color guard. Apart from marching bands, the color guard always shines on the field with their silks and costumes. In specific, Kate Shugarts, a shining color guard member, has always had an outstanding performance.

During Kate’s Freshman year, it had been online due to covid, which never stopped her from joining color guard. Ever since middle school Kate was in her school’s color guard just waiting for the moment to be able to join guard, “I continued watching the halftime performances from the high school marching band and all I would look at was the guard”. She had even stated, “I couldn’t wait till I could be like them. Once high school hit, I finally became them”. Now that Kate had joined the guard she was able to not only spin a flag and dance, but she was able to spin a rifle and saber. The addition of these equipment shows that you are not only good at flag but you can improve your skills in a whole different way. In which the guard coach states “You are in rifle line because you know what’s going on in flag land”. Kate has demonstrated all these skills ever since Freshman year.

During the summer, the color guard works every Tuesday and Thursday way before the marching season even starts for the band. Even so, the guard is usually the last activity to leave the building due to their 5:45-9pm schedule. Although it’s summertime and the hours are late, Kate always makes sure to be there even if the team has to laugh when she is running in at the last minute. But during practice hours Kate makes sure that she is practicing and taking the time to make sure she is getting the movements/counts down. Another Junior on the team had made a comment on Kate’s behavior during practices, “Guard in the summer is so hot but being around Kate always makes it more bearable”.

Many individuals have been captivated by Kate’s outstanding performance and have seen the improvement that she has put towards the program. Like from Kate’s coach who even states “Kate has improved tremendously throughout the years and has really grown into a wonderful spinner”. Even on the field or tarp, Kate is able to put in the effort to give it her best. Also younger members have been inspired by Kate’s passion. A current Junior on the team had even exclaimed that “she’s super positive and an amazing performer!” And stating “She’s lit!” Just like in the 2021-2022 varsity winter guard season. Kate, and another, were able to be the youngest on the weapon line. Although many of the performers on the weapon line were seniors, Kate was able to toss as if it was her senior year. Now that it’s Kate’s senior year she is able to perform on a mature level that contributes to the talent of the 2023-2024 senior class in guard.

Then by the time it was Kate’s sophomore year she was able to be on competition band and varsity winter guard. Specifically for the 2021-2022 season marching band, the theme was Rise, in which Kate and a few others were able to perform with difficult technique and lots of fast paced movements. Then Kate’s junior year season was outstanding! With the themes Joy for marching guard and Cry Me a River for winter guard, Kate was able to show off great technique and ability.

Alongside her best efforts, Kate’s silly personality really helps the team become closer and stronger. A member on the team has shown a lot of respect towards Kate, claiming that, “Kate always knows how to make me laugh. She has these really funny talents that help me get through any rehearsal”. Especially during 8th period after school, for Almond, Kate always is attentive to the directions and shows a great role model for some of the younger members. A junior in guard had mentioned, “She usually looks like she knows what she’s doing. Even like when she doesn’t she always makes sure to get help or figure it out”. The guard team is grateful to have had Kate by their side as they spin and improve their technique throughout the seasons.

With the marching band and color guard on the pathway to making it to finals, Kate states her goal for the end of the season is “if we got into finals at ISU especially since it’s my and other seniors last comp… a goal specifically for me for ISU would be performing all the way up to the press box and being able to have the time of my life out on that field and share our beautiful show with the crowd and judges!” With Kate’s and many others’ goals for the end of the season, the marching band might be able to make it to finals which hasn’t been done in many years.