who we are

H2O Winterguard is a non-profit independent indoor performance ensemble utilizing modern, ballet and jazz techniques as well as using flags, rifles, and sabers common to colorguard. We are a diverse organization open to people of all ages, races, genders, and identities who are interested in participating in the Sport of the Arts. H2O Winterguard is a proud member of Winter Guard International and The Ohio Indoor Performance Association. H2O Winterguard is part of the H2O Marching Arts Association with Spin Columbus.

mission

H2O Winterguard seeks to create the ultimate indoor performance experience while training members and staff to become ambassadors of the sport to the public, as well as training all participants in the skills and techniques required for success in our sport in a safe, supporting and fun environment.

press contact

Johnny Wilson, Director
Phone: 614-783-5528

Email: johnny@h2owinterguard.org

history

H2O Winterguard is the brainchild of two friends, Johnny Wilson and Laura Fathauer, who found themselves at a crossroads in the activity. Formed in 2006, Johnny and Laura decided to take a new direction, branching off from scholastic efforts. They felt that their interests in colorguard activities were best served by seeking out new opportunities for growth. The name ‘H2O’ derives from the need to reconnect with the more foundational elements of colorguard, focusing more on individual training to further the future of the sport.

H20’s debut season was a big hit among the viewing audience, performing the show “A Visit to Pooh’s Corner.” Based on the beloved children’s classic, the ensemble created a magical show that used impressionistic touches to conjure up memories of childhood, and mixed pop and show themes to invoke the presence of both Winnie and Tigger!

In our second season we will continue to seek out ways to combine classics from the past with our present, always looking for ways to shape our future and the futures of our members and viewers.

our directors

Johnny Wilson got his start in the world of pageantry at the age of six, marching with the Marke’s Baton and Drum Corps from Carrollton, Ohio, as a baton soloist. He later joined the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps as a member of the colorguard, marching with the group from 1986-1989. His last year in Drum Corps International was as a member of the prestigious rifle line of the Madison Scouts. Johnny also performed in winterguard with Anthem from Alliance, Ohio, in the early 1990’s. Since then, he has taught colorguards and winterguards throughout North America, sharing skills and wisdom learned from some of the best teachers DCI and WGI have to offer.

Laura Fathauer has been marching with local all-adult colorguards and teaching with Johnny in several scholastic organizations since 2003. She brings with her an acute sense of detail and strong leadership. She was the assistant coach for the Ohio State All-Girl Cheerleading Team from 2003-2006. Laura is currently a founding member of Columbus’s prestigious All-Adult Colorguard Spin Columbus. She has engineered unparallel soundtracks for several winterguards including H2O.

2009 membership

Think you have what it takes? Here’s how to join!

 Audition dates for 2009 are October 18 from 9am to 5pm and 19 from 9am-5pm. Join us in the next evolution of winter guard!!!!!

Before You Arrive:

Submit your information on-line by registering for the H2O Forums and completely filling out your user profile (email us if you have questions about how to do this!)

Also download and fill out BOTH the Emergency Medical Information form and the Member Information Form below. Bring these forms with you to turn in at your audition.

PDF: 38 Kb: Emergency Medical Form

PDF: 66 Kb: Member Information Form

Fees:

There is a $35.00 fee for auditions.
The Day of the Auditions: You will meet all instructors and staff, who will teach you a routine that will form the basis of your audition.

Audition Requirements:

Dance: - Plie in all positions, both sides - tendu, rond de jambe, arabesque, single and try double pirouettes.
Flag: drop spins, Peggy spins, speed spins, tossing singles and 1 1/2 on both hands.
Weapon (if auditioning):
Sabre - spins on both hands, a spins and stops or angle type exercise, flourishes exercise, hilt 3, 4,5,6 and try 7 - Blade tosses 3,4, 5 and try 6
Rifles - spins on both hands, a spins and stops or angle type exercise, flourishes exercise, tosses - 3, 4,5,6 and try 7

Our ensemble does some gymnastics in the course of our performance season. Gymnastics experience is helpful but not required.

What to Wear

Wear comfortable but form-fitting clothing. A white t-shirt and dark bottoms are preferred. We recommend wearing a comfortable dance-style shoe for practice.

What to Bring

Flags will be provided. If trying out for a weapons spot, bring that weapon, whether sabre or rifle. We recommend the Elite 4 39” white rifle with a white leather strap and chrome bolt, and the 39” Excalibur sabre. Both can be purchased from either The Band Shoppe (www.bandshoppe.com) or Fred J. Miller (www.fjminc.com).

FAQs

Can I be in H2O and in college?

Yes! We encourage you to work or be in school while participating as a performer in H2O.

Can I be in high school and be a member of H2O?

In 1996, Winter Guard International issued the following policy:

"WGI discourages independent color guards from utilizing membership composed of any high school students who were previously enrolled in an active winter guard high school program and have not yet graduated.”

We at H2O will not recruit from high schools that have an active, scholastic winter guard program, in the belief that this encourages the growth of healthy local school programs. However, we do believe in the freedom to choose the program you perform with and whom you receive instruction from. Any student from one of these programs still wishing to join H2O may do so only with a signed release from their high school band director and colorguard coach as well as a letter of support from the parents of the student auditioning.

How much does it cost?

Membership dues are $650.00. Payment plans are accepted, but all dues must be paid in full by January 1, 2009.

Are there other expenses during the performance year?

Not included in membership dues are expenses such as official H2O track suit; shoes, gloves, and undergarments needed for performance; and rifles and sabres. All meals while on the road are the responsibility of the individual performer.

Do you provide housing?

H2O will facilitate housing requirements during practice weekends by matching members with staff or other members as needed. While at away performances, we will bed down in available event-sponsored housing, paid for by H2O. Hotels will be provided only for staff and members at the WGI Championships.

Attendance Policy

Attendance is mandatory at all rehearsals. Exceptions have been made for family emergencies or for school or college tests. We have made a commitment to you, however, just as you have made a commitment to H2O. We expect that all members will adjust their schedules accordingly and take appropriate steps to balance family, school, and work alongside the commitment to H2O.

Contract
In keeping with the norms of colorguard and winterguard across the nation, H2O requires each member to sign a contract, stating that the member is committed to the organization, in personal and financial means. Once a member has signed the contract, that member is not allowed to audition or perform with any other organization under the auspices of WGI for the 2008 performance season. All monies paid to H2O, should the member prove unable to fulfill the contract, will be forfeit.