By Courtney L. Woods
Myriad of Colors Performance Ensemble is a local Winter Guard team that has high expectations for the upcoming year. According to Myriad of Colors director and founder Jenna Vaught, Winter Guard “combines flag, dance performance, theatrical elements, and music.” She also describes this practice as “not only a sport, but an art.”
Vaught, an Indiana Uiversity Southeast student, is now leading her team into its third season of competitions, which take place mostly in and around Kentucky and Indiana. However, this year brings an opportunity to compete on an international level in London, England. By making the trip, the team hopes to “increase numbers and competitiveness.” England will bring Myriad of Colors a certain amount of exposure and the possibility of becoming a top contender nationally (as well as help the team to recruit some of the best performers in the area).
Last year, Myriad of Colors had five members. Vaught’s philosophy on this is “quality performers instead of quantity. Quantity can sometimes work as a disadvantage.” There are spots open this year and auditions will be held on Saturday, September 29 in the Hoosier Room at IUS.
There is no dance experience needed, but those who audition will need to, in Vaught’s words, “pull from physical, mental, and spiritual attributes. Be raw and accept criticism.” The ideal candidates for Myriad of Colors are those “who are balanced, can accept change.” The audition is open to both women and men, but Vaught explains that “the male counterpart must be open to exploring and knowing his body.”
The current routine that is being worked on is described as “very lyrical.” It is almost like a four-minute play titled “Heart of All Season.” Many different aspects go into this new production, including music, floor space and prop manipulation. The chosen music is Eva Cassidy’s “I Know You By Heart,” with the performance itself is sectioned off into the four seasons. Props will also be used, including scarves and lawn chairs. All of these components require intense layering to make the audience get emotionally involved.
Perhaps the most interesting part of the Winter Guard team is its name. The American Heritage Dictionary defines “Myriad” as “composed of numerous diverse elements or facets.” Vaught named it that because it is a part of the team’s philosophy. The idea is to take diverse people and bring them to “a concise whole and project the entire message of peace.” The team members will each bring different assets and styles to the team, making a very unique performance.
Vaught is looking for people who are interested in “accepting, doing, and moving.” As well as working hard and making art happen, the members will also “form friendships– this boosts the spirit and is very empowering.”
Those who may be interested in auditions may contact Vaught at the e-mail address: myriadwg@aol.com.
