Alta Marea Winterguard 2017

Each year, members of The University of Alabama Million Dollar Band Color Guard are selected to represent The University of Alabama by performing and competing with the Alta Marea Winterguard. Alta Marea, meaning “high tide” in Italian, began competing in Winter Guard International (WGI) and the Southern Color Guard Circuit (SCGC) in 2006. By competing locally, nationally and even internationally, Alta Marea is able to perform and entertain thousands of people each year. From the hard work and dedication of the inaugural members, Alta Marea has become a fixture in WGI, SCGC and the Southern Association for Performance Arts (SAPA).

This year, the Alta Marea Winterguard is looking for supporters to sponsor us as we compete.  Donations help pay for transportation to competitions, meals and accommodations as we travel, and performance equipment.  Alta Marea Winterguard is a non-profit 501(c) (3) charitable organization and your donation may be tax deductible with a Federal Tax ID 47-5050777.  Any amount, no matter the size, is helpful. Many companies have a Matching Gift program. Check with your employer to see if your company will match your donation.

Rehearsals began in November prior to the competitive season beginning in January. Throughout the spring months, Alta Marea travels to competitions cross the Southern and Eastern United States. The season ends in April in Dayton, Ohio where Alta Marea competes against winter guards from around the world at the WGI World Championships. The program is historically successful and last year, Alta Marea Winterguard proudly competed in finals at world championships.

In addition to continuing practice with the Million Dollar Band Color Guard during football season, the winter guard has an extensive weekly practice schedule while staying committed to maintaining high academic standards. The ladies of Alta Marea represent academic colleges across The University of Alabama campus with majors ranging from education to advertising to engineering and many more. All of the members of Alta Marea remain in good academic standing and work hard to succeed in both winter guard and academics.

Winter guard is an extremely costly activity to participate in. On the competitive side, we have to pay dues to each organization (WGI, SCGC and SAPA) in order to compete. There are also costs including buses to travel to competitions, meals, and accommodations. We have to pay venues to allow us to practice on competition days when we travel as well. On the performing side, there are costs for the equipment we spin, costumes we wear and floor/tarp we perform on.

We greatly appreciate your consideration of a donorship to support our winter guard. As the women of Alta Marea, we are dedicated to representing the University of Alabama and continuing the great tradition of bringing home a championship.