Thirty former members of the Ventures Winter Guard from Kitchener-Waterloo, along with a teacher from Guelph, Ontario, participated in a pre-game performance at the Rogers Centre for the opening game of the World Series. This event took place on Friday as the Blue Jays secured a victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers with a score of 11-4.
Angela Klawitter, a member of the Ventures Winter Guard alumni, shared her experience of being invited to perform at the pre-game show and national anthem just over a week before the game. Color guards showcase choreographed routines using props such as flags, rifles, and sabres. Klawitter mentioned their previous experiences, including a show with David Byrne called “Contemporary Color” a decade ago.
The group had three days of rehearsals leading up to the performance. Klawitter described the experience as emotional and exciting, especially during the national anthem, where she felt a strong sense of Canadian pride. She emphasized the energy and special moments shared with over 380 individuals on the field.
Eric Froats, a teacher at Guelph’s Centennial Collegiate Vocational Institute, also participated in the pre-game show alongside Pharrell Williams and Voices of Fire. Froats expressed his excitement about the energetic atmosphere in the stadium and the enthusiastic crowd support.
Both Klawitter and Froats highlighted the rewarding experience of performing at the World Series opening game and expressed their willingness to participate again in similar events. Klawitter shared her experience with her students to inspire them to seize opportunities that come their way, emphasizing the value of hard work and seizing the moment.