Student Organization Spotlight: Aztec Winter Guard
The Aztec Winter Guard allows students to pursue their passion of color guard and performance.
Through the organization, team members perform at SDSU football games, competitions and various community events throughout the year.
Recently, the Aztec Winter Guard participated in the Winter Guard International (WGI) World Championships, where it reached the final round and finished 16th overall. With this accomplishment, the Aztec Winter Guard became the first team from a four-year university in California to make it to Independent A finals.
“Our experience at WGI World Championships this year was truly unbelievable,” said SDSU team captain Joanna Alex. “Our run to the finals was one of our best and truly amazing.”
What is the significance of your success at the Winter Guard International World Championships?
What made it truly incredible was being able to see the progress SDSU has made over the past three years. Each year, the team's mentality seems to be more determined. This year was the hardest working and most dedicated team SDSU has ever seen. Getting to work with so many people with the same mentality was the best part of the whole experience.
How has your accomplishment at WGI impacted your team going forward?
The Aztec Winter Guard continues to grow every year. We carry over previous accomplishments and set them as our new standards. We learned that dedication, hard work and a correct mindset can lead us to have an incredible season. We will continue to add and improve this mentality in coming seasons. I love this team because the lessons we learn extend far beyond color guard.
How has this organization positively affected your time at SDSU?
I have been part of the Aztec Winter Guard since I began attending SDSU. The Aztec Winter Guard allows me to make many connections with people. We are asked to perform at a variety of events on campus and also with the surrounding community. It’s rewarding to do something for the community and perform with my team.
Is Aztec Winter Guard open to all majors or is it major specific?
Our organization is open to all majors.
When it comes to finding new members for your organization, what type of students are you looking for?
It is helpful to have some experience in color guard or dance. There have been people who come in with a good attitude and work ethic with little experience and develop into star members on the team.
Where are the next auditions?
We will be holding auditions at 7:30 a.m. on May 27-28 in Peterson Gym 152.
How can students find more information about your organization?
The best place to find more information about our organization is by visiting our website. Interested students can also visit our social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
What kind of competitions and events does your organization perform at?
Our organization competes in three winter guard circuits including Winter Guard Association of Southern California, West Coast Winter Guard, and Winter Guard International. We also participate in a number of community events such as One San Diego, community parades, and all home SDSU football games.
