Amethyst Gold Takes Home the Silver & Earns Prestigious Esprit De Corps Award
On March 27, 2011, the Greater Johnstown School District’s Amethyst Gold varsity winter guard won the silver medal in the Mid-York Color Guard Circuit’s State Championships, with a score of 88.3. This score was just two-tenths of a point behind first place! The Johnstown varsity guard's performance is about the Greek mythological tale “The Flight of Icarus.”

In addition, Johnstown's Amethyst Gold was chosen from among 57 other guards to receive the George Cowburn “Esprit De Corps” award. This award is bestowed upon the guard that, in the opinion of the NYS Federation of Judges, best exemplifies the characteristics of the late George Cowburn: dedication to the activity, willingness to assist other members of the circuit, good sportsmanship, integrity and honor. Mr. Cowburn was the Vice President of the Federation at the time of his death in a plane crash two years ago, and his passing has left a void in the lives of all who knew him. The award named on his behalf is one of the most prestigious honors a guard in upstate New York can ever hope to receive!

The Johnstown Winter Guard students are looking forward to the Northeast CGC Competition on April 2, as well as the World Championships to be held April 6-9, 2011, in Dayton, Ohio. The district is proud of their success and wishes them well as they proceed with the remainder of the season.

Click to see Video from the Guard's February 26, 2011 Performance

Enjoy these pictures from our Amethyst Gold Senior Guard 2011 Season

Click on any photo to view in a larger format

Winter Guard Home Show February 20, 2010
The Greater Johnstown School District Winter Guard hosted its 14th annual Artistry in Motion Home Show at 4 p.m. on Saturday, February 20, in the JHS gymnasium.

Competing in the Mid-York Color Guard Circuit under the direction of Christine VanValkenburgh, Johnstown’s Amethyst Gold varsity guard, now in its 17th year of competition, presented its 2010 Celtic performance  "Céilí," representing a gathering to experience the rhythms of the Earth in a celebration of music, storytelling and dance. The Amethyst junior guard, in its 11th year of competition, performed its 2010 show "Citizen’s of the Planet," while the Gold Dust exhibition guard performed a show titled "Let’s Get this Party Started."

Other guards performing in the event include: Shenendehowa, Albany City, Westmoreland, Mount Markham, Fonda-Fultonville, Mohonasen, and Altmar-Parish-Williamstown

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