A thin chorus of counting chimes in synchrony with rhythmic clapping that echos through the room. Flailing shimmers of red swirl around each respective member on the floor, ripping through the air with an aggressively loud voice tearing from each one.

These are the members of varsity winter guard. Each step and swing is performed with deliberate grace and passion from each member obvious with the roar of their flag through the air.

Instructor Mr. Wesley Tyree leads the members through a flag toss, count by count. After several clatters of dropped flags, Mr. Wes stops the class to discuss their upcoming show.

“You have three more days. I’m not gonna put something into the show that we can’t achieve.”

The guard is set to begin working on their 2016 show titled “Even if it’s a Lie” on Nov. 28.

Mr. Wes plays a song over the speakers of the band hall and claps along with the beat rhythmically. The members quickly become still and alert, all eyes focused on the front of the room. Each member sets their feet apart and stands with their flags diagonally across their body, and stand still for several counts.

Suddenly, the chorus is revived, perfectly in sync with the clapping. The class is counted off.

All at once, each member twirls their flag in their hands, each in synch with the next. A detailed routine commenced, obviously memorized by each member. Although the class moves as a unit, each person moves with individually prepared grace with the exception of the occasional drop or stumble.

Mr. Wes pairs up the members based on height and instructs each pair to stand back to back. He specifically turns to the duo of junior David Darmon and senior Keyona Thomas. With detailed instructions from Mr. Wes leading the duo, the class observes as Thomas tosses her flag in the air and swiftly switches positions with Darmon for him to catch too much success.

Now each pair is given the rest of the rehearsal to work on their own, leading to an ongoing symphony of clattering poles, rhythmic counting, overjoyed celebration and roaring flags.