“In order to rise from its own ashes, a phoenix first must burn.” Those are the opening words to the Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School winter guard’s 2019 program entitled “From the Ashes”. Directed by SPF faculty member Jackie Close, the show is set to Boyce Avenue’s cover of “Rise” (originated by Katy Perry) and focuses on the cycle of life for a Phoenix, including its death and rise from the ashes at the conclusion of the performance.
 
The phoenix is portrayed by freshman Alyssa Warbeck, a dancer and soloist for the program. With added effects from guard members wielding grey fabrics and flags with silks to resemble fire, Warbeck truly embodies the bird through her skillful movement and dance technique throughout the show.
On April 10, 2019 the winter guard put on their annual friends and family show in the SPF new gym to perform their show. Audience members included students, faculty, and friends and family of the winter guard members. The group performed “From the Ashes” twice for the audience, this performance doubling as a practice for their final championship competition that weekend. The event was a fun way for the winter guard to showcase all of the hard work they have put in since the season began in December.
 
The group performs in the MAIN circuit, scholastic regional AA group. On April 13, 2019 the winter guard performed for the last time and took 14th place in the competition. It was a bittersweet moment for the group to close out their season and say goodbye to their stellar show.
 
The SPF winterguard has two captains, Juniors Sylar Stagaard and Summer Carver. This season the winter guard also said goodbye to its senior members Jessica McKenna and Jessica Yu.