John Schmidt benefit allows Winter Guard to compete and educate
The UVU Envision Winter Guard club is bringing in Utah-born artist Jon Schmidt for a benefit concert at the Ragan Theater Sept. 28 at 7 p.m.
Schmidt, whose work is often described as a new age mixture of classical, rock and pop music, is performing this time to help fund the group’s trip to the national championships in Dayton, Ohio in April.
When asked why Schmidt, Nancy Cannon, the direction of Envision, said “Jon has been so graceful to the club. This is the fifth time he is doing this for the club and he does it so willingly and with all his heart.” She continued by explaining that “He is an entertainer’s entertainer. He is very interactive with his audience. Listening to his work is just breathtalking and brings happiness to the soul. I love Jon’s music.”
Winter guard is a lot like color guard, which is an outdoor performance that is often a part of football games or marching bands. But by being in an indoor environment, there is a higher element of control. It is also more performing arts-heavy than color guard. Being a credited course at UVU, the club teaches classes during the summer to keep students busy and has the fall program to help prepare the student to compete during the winter. It is also the only winter guard team in the state.
Cannon prefers to describe the club as the “sport of art.” The purpose of the club is to continue the education and knowledge of the winter guard team on a collegiate level. Cannon feels strongly that “This experience will effect the students positively because it keeps them connected to UVU, being able to represent the school. It will also create friendship [and] help them develop skill so they can go out and be the best they want to be.”
The club also has a service learning practice, assigning student team members to various local high schools to coach their teams and prepare them for high school competition. Envision has been able to take a couple of the high schools to Denver for regional competition. Orem High has made it to the finals for the last two years.
One benefit that the club members will get from attending the national championships is knowledge.
“They bring back educational information, because not only do they perform, but they get to watch the best teams in the world. They get educated in terms of costume, show design, skills etc. And they get to bring that knowledge or education back to school here and also to the high schools they coach with color guard programs.”
Cannon expressed interest in new members, including ones with little or no color or winter guard experience. They are willing to teach people that are interested. To join, call Nancy Cannon at (801) 863-6313.
What: John Schmidt benefit performance for the UVU Envision Winter Guard
When: Sept. 28, 7 p.m.
Where: Ragan Theater
Price: $10 general admission; $8 students and faculty.
Tickets are available at Campus connection or by calling 801-863-8797