It will be “Trial by Fire” for the Warsaw Community High School Winter Guard this season as it attempts something it’s never done before. “‘Trial by Fire’ is the show theme this year. We’re using the soundtrack from ‘The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug,’” explained Hannah Leland, director. The song the Guard is dancing to is “I See Fire” by Ed Sheeran. “The cool thing we’re doing this year is we have our own version (of the song) and I’m singing vocals,” Leland said. “It’s really challenging. I sing for fun. I’ve never spent the grueling hours recording myself before. It’s a challenge, but fun. It’s not something I do on a regular basis.” Co-director Andrew Neuenschwander is an audio engineer. He mixed the soundtrack and wrote and arranged some of the parts of the music for the show. “The version we recorded is prettier than the Ed Sheeran version. His is more pop, ours is more classical sounding and dynamic,” Leland stated. Students from the WCHS select chorale provided background vocals on the recording. “It’s a collaborative effort of the performing arts department,” Leland said. Neuenschwander said the version of the song they recorded is five minutes and Leland’s voice is “gorgeous.” Working on the music for the show is the most involved he’s been, especially having a full-time job in Fort Wayne. “Musically, we liked the Ed Sheeran song, but felt it wasn’t dynamic enough,” Leland said. For their performance this weekend at Dekalb High School, the Warsaw Winter Guard will use the Sheeran version. Their version of the song will debut Jan. 31 at the Heritage High School contest. Winter guard is the sport of indoor color guard, and uses flags, sabers, mock rifles and other equipment, as well as dance and other interpretive movement. As for a goal this year, Leland said, “We had a really successful season with the marching band in the fall, so our goal is to continue that. We want every performance to be the best it can be.” The whole marching band placed fourth in the state this past fall, and Leland said she wants the guard to continue that success. “We’re definitely doing something that is entertaining to watch. It’s something people can get into and easily recognize. People will enjoy the performance,” she said. At the end of the season, the guard will present the performance to parents and friends
