ROME  — The Black Knights Winter Guard, along with the Rome Free Academy Marching Black Knights, will host the second annual Copper City Classic Winter Guard Show on Saturday, March 11, at Rome Free Academy. 

Doors open at 3 p.m. and the show begins at 4 p.m. A full concessions menu donated by local businesses as well as vendor tables will be set up throughout the school. 

There will be 14 competing guards in attendance along with three exhibition groups. Four of these teams are ranked in the top 50 worldwide.

Groups include Westmoreland, New Hartford, East-Syracuse Minoa, Liverpool, Central Square, Shenendehowa, RFA Barbershop and Central New York Academy of Dance. 

“This show has been a dream of the Black Knights Winter Guard for 10 years now,” said Lindsay Mogle, Black Knights Winter Guard director and show coordinator. “Rome is the perfect venue for a show of this caliber and after a near-weather cancellation last year we are excited to have groups experience the Rome community.”

The Black Knights Winter Guard, founded in 2013, is now in its 10th competitive season. The group expanded and advanced this season. There are 25 members competing for Rome in both the varsity and the newly added junior varsity team. The varsity group moved up a competitive class to compete in Scholastic A3 while the JV team competes in the Independent Regional A class.

The varsity guard is exploring the world of one of literature’s most famous characters – Sherlock Holmes. The music is composed of selections from Holmes TV and movie adaptations as well as original material by program alum Val Cavanagh. Set design was created by program alum Darian Deeley. The group is captained by Kenneth Davis and Dakota Morrison and assistant captain Karabrie Wiggins. 

“This program is extremely special to our group,” Mogle said. “To have past students invest their creativity into the group gives our current students such an inspiring gift as they explore their own creativity.”

The junior varsity guard comprises students in grades five to 10. This season’s show is about the beloved classic holiday movie, “A Nightmare Before Christmas.” The JV is an expansion of the program and serves as a pipeline for students to explore and gain necessary color guard skills. 

“Expanding to two programs is an exciting step in our development,” Mogle said. “These students are working so hard and developing the skills that will allow us to one day be considered a national competitor. We are extremely thankful to the Rome City School District for their investment in our program’s vision.” 

The teams will conclude their 2023 competitive season April 1 at the Mid-York Colorguard Circuit Championships hosted at East-Syracuse Minoa High School. 

To stay up-to date with the Black Knights Winterguard program or for more information on how to get involved next season follow Rome Black Knights Winterguard on Facebook or email lamogle@gmail.com