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Phoenix Independent Winterguard

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About US

Phoenix Independent is a Winterguard based out of Sylvania, OH established in 2006. We primarily rehearse on the Campus of BGSU in Bowling Green, Ohio.

Our performers come from all over the region including Michigan, Indiana, and all around Ohio.

Sign me up for Audition/Clinic Info!

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Pre-Register Now!

Presenting Our 2025 Programs

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Interested in owning a piece of Phoenix History?
We're selling our silks from this season!

Alumni Spotlights

Our Social Media will be posting "Alumni Spotlights" and we want to feature YOU! Fill out the form to have the chance to be featured!

Calling All Alumni and Fans

Phoenix 2025 Fundraiser

🚨LAST CHANCE TO GUARANTEE YOUR T-SHIRT! 🚨 Pre-register for our Summer Clinic before midnight tonight and get your free tee! Spin with your favorite Phoenix members, alumni, and staff! There will be sessions for all skill levels from introductory to advanced on flag, rifle, sabre, and dance. All are encouraged to attend!
https://www.phoenixindependent.org/clinic

When: Saturday, July 12th - 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM (Check-in opens at 11:30 AM)
Where: Springfield Holland HS, Holland OH
Cost: $30 (Includes T-shirt, and entry into Raffle, lunch will not be provided)

Pre-register now!
https://www.phoenixindependent.org/product-page/2025-phoenix-summer-clinic-pre-registration
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#wgi #spinclinic #clinic #colorguard #winterguard #guardclinic #dance #flag #rifle #sabre #oipa #wgi2025 #summerclinic #phoenix #winterguardclinic

🚨LAST CHANCE TO GUARANTEE YOUR T-SHIRT! 🚨 Pre-register for our Summer Clinic before midnight tonight and get your free tee! Spin with your favorite Phoenix members, alumni, and staff! There will be sessions for all skill levels from introductory to advanced on flag, rifle, sabre, and dance. All are encouraged to attend!
https://www.phoenixindependent.org/clinic

When: Saturday, July 12th - 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM (Check-in opens at 11:30 AM)
Where: Springfield Holland HS, Holland OH
Cost: $30 (Includes T-shirt, and entry into Raffle, lunch will not be provided)

Pre-register now!
https://www.phoenixindependent.org/product-page/2025-phoenix-summer-clinic-pre-registration
.
.
.
#wgi #spinclinic #clinic #colorguard #winterguard #guardclinic #dance #flag #rifle #sabre #oipa #wgi2025 #summerclinic #phoenix #winterguardclinic

We're 1 month away from our summer clinic! Pre-register before Sunday to guarantee your tee!

Spin with your favorite Phoenix members, alumni, and staff! There will be sessions for all skill levels from introductory to advanced on flag, rifle, sabre, and dance. All are encouraged to attend!
https://www.phoenixindependent.org/clinic

When: Saturday, July 12th - 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM (Check-in opens at 11:30 AM)
Where: Springfield Holland HS, Holland OH
Cost: $30 (Includes T-shirt, and entry into Raffle, lunch will not be provided)

Pre-register now!
https://www.phoenixindependent.org/product-page/2025-phoenix-summer-clinic-pre-registration
.
.
.
#wgi #spinclinic #clinic #colorguard #winterguard #guardclinic #dance #flag #rifle #sabre #oipa #wgi2025 #summerclinic #phoenix #winterguardclinic

We're 1 month away from our summer clinic! Pre-register before Sunday to guarantee your tee!

Spin with your favorite Phoenix members, alumni, and staff! There will be sessions for all skill levels from introductory to advanced on flag, rifle, sabre, and dance. All are encouraged to attend!
https://www.phoenixindependent.org/clinic

When: Saturday, July 12th - 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM (Check-in opens at 11:30 AM)
Where: Springfield Holland HS, Holland OH
Cost: $30 (Includes T-shirt, and entry into Raffle, lunch will not be provided)

Pre-register now!
https://www.phoenixindependent.org/product-page/2025-phoenix-summer-clinic-pre-registration
.
.
.
#wgi #spinclinic #clinic #colorguard #winterguard #guardclinic #dance #flag #rifle #sabre #oipa #wgi2025 #summerclinic #phoenix #winterguardclinic

🚨SNEAK PEEK🚨 Shirt reveal for our summer clinic! Designed by www.themarchingarts.com Pre-register before next Sunday, June 15th to guarantee your free tee! Spin with your favorite Phoenix members, alumni, and staff! There will be sessions for all skill levels from introductory to advanced on flag, rifle, sabre, and dance. All are encouraged to attend!
https://www.phoenixindependent.org/clinic

When: Saturday, July 12th - 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM (Check-in opens at 11:30 AM)
Where: Springfield Holland HS, Holland OH
Cost: $30 (Includes T-shirt, and entry into Raffle, lunch will not be provided)

Pre-register now!
https://www.phoenixindependent.org/product-page/2025-phoenix-summer-clinic-pre-registration
.
.
.
#wgi #spinclinic #clinic #colorguard #winterguard #guardclinic #dance #flag #rifle #sabre #oipa #wgi2025 #summerclinic #phoenix #winterguardclinic

🚨SNEAK PEEK🚨 Shirt reveal for our summer clinic! Designed by www.themarchingarts.com Pre-register before next Sunday, June 15th to guarantee your free tee! Spin with your favorite Phoenix members, alumni, and staff! There will be sessions for all skill levels from introductory to advanced on flag, rifle, sabre, and dance. All are encouraged to attend!
https://www.phoenixindependent.org/clinic

When: Saturday, July 12th - 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM (Check-in opens at 11:30 AM)
Where: Springfield Holland HS, Holland OH
Cost: $30 (Includes T-shirt, and entry into Raffle, lunch will not be provided)

Pre-register now!
https://www.phoenixindependent.org/product-page/2025-phoenix-summer-clinic-pre-registration
.
.
.
#wgi #spinclinic #clinic #colorguard #winterguard #guardclinic #dance #flag #rifle #sabre #oipa #wgi2025 #summerclinic #phoenix #winterguardclinic

You are loved here.

You are loved here.

Have you pre-registered for our Summer Clinic yet? NOW is the time! Spin with your favorite Phoenix members, alumni, and staff! There will be sessions for all skill levels from introductory to advanced on flag, rifle, sabre, and dance. All are encouraged to attend!
https://www.phoenixindependent.org/clinic

When: Saturday, July 12th - 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM (Check-in opens at 11:30 AM)
Where: Springfield Holland HS, Holland OH
Cost: $30 (Includes T-shirt, and entry into Raffle, lunch will not be provided)

Pre-register now!
https://www.phoenixindependent.org/product-page/2025-phoenix-summer-clinic-pre-registration
.
.
.
#wgi #spinclinic #clinic #colorguard #winterguard #guardclinic #dance #flag #rifle #sabre #oipa #wgi2025 #summerclinic #phoenix #winterguardclinic

Have you pre-registered for our Summer Clinic yet? NOW is the time! Spin with your favorite Phoenix members, alumni, and staff! There will be sessions for all skill levels from introductory to advanced on flag, rifle, sabre, and dance. All are encouraged to attend!
https://www.phoenixindependent.org/clinic

When: Saturday, July 12th - 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM (Check-in opens at 11:30 AM)
Where: Springfield Holland HS, Holland OH
Cost: $30 (Includes T-shirt, and entry into Raffle, lunch will not be provided)

Pre-register now!
https://www.phoenixindependent.org/product-page/2025-phoenix-summer-clinic-pre-registration
.
.
.
#wgi #spinclinic #clinic #colorguard #winterguard #guardclinic #dance #flag #rifle #sabre #oipa #wgi2025 #summerclinic #phoenix #winterguardclinic

Don't Forget!! 🔻 Pre-Registration for our Summer Clinic is OPEN NOW! Spin with your favorite Phoenix members, alumni, and staff! There will be sessions for all skill levels from introductory to advanced on flag, rifle, sabre, and dance. All are encouraged to attend!
https://www.phoenixindependent.org/clinic

When: Saturday, July 12th - 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM (Check-in opens at 11:30 AM)
Where: Springfield Holland HS, Holland OH
Cost: $30 (Includes T-shirt, and entry into Raffle, lunch will not be provided)

Pre-register now!
https://www.phoenixindependent.org/product-page/2025-phoenix-summer-clinic-pre-registration

Don't Forget!! 🔻 Pre-Registration for our Summer Clinic is OPEN NOW! Spin with your favorite Phoenix members, alumni, and staff! There will be sessions for all skill levels from introductory to advanced on flag, rifle, sabre, and dance. All are encouraged to attend!
https://www.phoenixindependent.org/clinic

When: Saturday, July 12th - 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM (Check-in opens at 11:30 AM)
Where: Springfield Holland HS, Holland OH
Cost: $30 (Includes T-shirt, and entry into Raffle, lunch will not be provided)

Pre-register now!
https://www.phoenixindependent.org/product-page/2025-phoenix-summer-clinic-pre-registration

Hey Phans! Interested in owning a piece of Phoenix History? We're selling our silks from this season! Visit https://www.phoenixindependent.org/product-page/2025-phoenix-open-silk and get yours today!
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And while you're at it! Don't forget to pre-register for our summer clinic happening July 12th! https://www.phoenixindependent.org/product-page/2025-phoenix-summer-clinic-pre-registration

Hey Phans! Interested in owning a piece of Phoenix History? We're selling our silks from this season! Visit https://www.phoenixindependent.org/product-page/2025-phoenix-open-silk and get yours today!
.
And while you're at it! Don't forget to pre-register for our summer clinic happening July 12th! https://www.phoenixindependent.org/product-page/2025-phoenix-summer-clinic-pre-registration

Summer Clinic Pre-Registration is OPEN NOW! Spin with your favorite Phoenix members, alumni, and staff! There will be sessions for all skill levels from introductory to advanced on flag, rifle, sabre, and dance. All are encouraged to attend!
https://www.phoenixindependent.org/clinic

When: Saturday, July 12th - 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM (Check-in opens at 11:30 AM)
Where: Springfield Holland HS, Holland OH
Cost: $30 (Includes T-shirt, and entry into Raffle, lunch will not be provided)

Pre-register now!
https://www.phoenixindependent.org/product-page/2025-phoenix-summer-clinic-pre-registration

Summer Clinic Pre-Registration is OPEN NOW! Spin with your favorite Phoenix members, alumni, and staff! There will be sessions for all skill levels from introductory to advanced on flag, rifle, sabre, and dance. All are encouraged to attend!
https://www.phoenixindependent.org/clinic

When: Saturday, July 12th - 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM (Check-in opens at 11:30 AM)
Where: Springfield Holland HS, Holland OH
Cost: $30 (Includes T-shirt, and entry into Raffle, lunch will not be provided)

Pre-register now!
https://www.phoenixindependent.org/product-page/2025-phoenix-summer-clinic-pre-registration

We’d like to extend a huge thank you to @latriceroyale for going out of their way to personally congratulate us on our performance and tell us how much they enjoyed our production. We love performing, and getting compliments from fans is the biggest reward there is. Thank you all for your support, we can’t wait to entertain again next season.

We’d like to extend a huge thank you to @latriceroyale for going out of their way to personally congratulate us on our performance and tell us how much they enjoyed our production. We love performing, and getting compliments from fans is the biggest reward there is. Thank you all for your support, we can’t wait to entertain again next season.

You asked and we delivered! Phoenix Independent World merch is here!! https://www.phoenixindependent.org/product-page/phoenix-world

You asked and we delivered! Phoenix Independent World merch is here!! https://www.phoenixindependent.org/product-page/phoenix-world

10 days since worlds 🪩

10 days since worlds 🪩

#PHNX2026

#PHNX2026

And just like that, the 2025 season has come to an end. We are incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received this season and we enjoyed every single performance! Whether it’s from the stands or at home, it’s the people like you that keep us going! Thank you to all of the kind fans we had the opportunity to meet, thank you to all of the alumni for your congratulations. This season has been everything we could’ve ever dreamed of. Thank you.
“What’s my definition of success? Being brave enough to dream big” 🔻

And just like that, the 2025 season has come to an end. We are incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received this season and we enjoyed every single performance! Whether it’s from the stands or at home, it’s the people like you that keep us going! Thank you to all of the kind fans we had the opportunity to meet, thank you to all of the alumni for your congratulations. This season has been everything we could’ve ever dreamed of. Thank you.
“What’s my definition of success? Being brave enough to dream big” 🔻

IT'S WGI WORLD FINALS DAY!!! Catch "Reflections" one last time today, 1:27 at UD Arena!

IT'S WGI WORLD FINALS DAY!!! Catch "Reflections" one last time today, 1:27 at UD Arena!

Phoenix is honored to perform one last time alongside so many other incredible performers in WGI open class world finals! #lastonebestone

Phoenix is honored to perform one last time alongside so many other incredible performers in WGI open class world finals! #lastonebestone

It's Semis Day! See you tonight, 9:15 PM, at the Wright State Nutter Center!

It's Semis Day! See you tonight, 9:15 PM, at the Wright State Nutter Center!

WGI FINALS STARTS TODAY!!! Happy prelims day and good skill to all of the units performing today! Catch us at 11:15 am at UD Arena!

WGI FINALS STARTS TODAY!!! Happy prelims day and good skill to all of the units performing today! Catch us at 11:15 am at UD Arena!

Tomorrow is WGI Prelims Day!!

Tomorrow is WGI Prelims Day!!

2 Days!!

2 Days!!

3 Days until WGI Finals!

3 Days until WGI Finals!

Another successful championships in the books! We are honored to watch so many performers leave it all on the floor, you all were amazing! Both Phoenix teams had incredible performances and the Open program earned an OIPA Open class record breaking score of 92.5! Thank you all for your endless support and for being an inspiring crowd! See you next week at Debbie! 🔻

Another successful championships in the books! We are honored to watch so many performers leave it all on the floor, you all were amazing! Both Phoenix teams had incredible performances and the Open program earned an OIPA Open class record breaking score of 92.5! Thank you all for your endless support and for being an inspiring crowd! See you next week at Debbie! 🔻

Happy State Championships Day!!! We can't wait to see so many incredible performers today, pour your hearts out on the floor and we'll repay the favor tonight! 🔻

Happy State Championships Day!!! We can't wait to see so many incredible performers today, pour your hearts out on the floor and we'll repay the favor tonight! 🔻

Help Phoenix on our way to Worlds by sponsoring a mirror! With your donation toward the cost of our props, we'll write your name on the back of one of our mirrors! Learn more today! https://www.phoenixindependent.org/product-page/sponsor-a-mirror

Other ways to donate - https://www.phoenixindependent.org/donate

Help Phoenix on our way to Worlds by sponsoring a mirror! With your donation toward the cost of our props, we'll write your name on the back of one of our mirrors! Learn more today! https://www.phoenixindependent.org/product-page/sponsor-a-mirror

Other ways to donate - https://www.phoenixindependent.org/donate

Our 20th anniversary shirts are available now! Including every sleeve art design from every single show in Phoenix's history! Order yours today! https://www.phoenixindependent.org/product-page/phoenix-20th-anniversary

Our 20th anniversary shirts are available now! Including every sleeve art design from every single show in Phoenix's history! Order yours today! https://www.phoenixindependent.org/product-page/phoenix-20th-anniversary

🔻 TRIVIA TUESDAY! 🔻 How well do you know Phoenix? Answer today's trivia question on our story!

How many members marched Phoenix our first season?
- 6
- 15
- 11
- 8

🔻 TRIVIA TUESDAY! 🔻 How well do you know Phoenix? Answer today's trivia question on our story!

How many members marched Phoenix our first season?
- 6
- 15
- 11
- 8

This past weekend was our last full rehearsal day! And a few weekends ago we celebrated our last home rehearsal with our annual Easter egg hunt! 🌈 State Championships here we come!

This past weekend was our last full rehearsal day! And a few weekends ago we celebrated our last home rehearsal with our annual Easter egg hunt! 🌈 State Championships here we come!

It's Show Day!! We're at Lakeland HS today with MCGC!

It's Show Day!! We're at Lakeland HS today with MCGC!

Thank You #WGIAVON! You were amazing!

Thank You #WGIAVON! You were amazing!

Happy Regional Finals Day! We can't wait to give you another performance of "Reflections" today at Avon HS!

Happy Regional Finals Day! We can't wait to give you another performance of "Reflections" today at Avon HS!

It's Power Regional Weekend!!! Catch "Reflections" tonight at 6:22 at Avon HS!

It's Power Regional Weekend!!! Catch "Reflections" tonight at 6:22 at Avon HS!

In honor of our 20th anniversary, we’d like to spotlight some of our incredible alumni!

Meet Blake!

Blake Lajiness (He/Him)
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Which season(s)/shows did you march? 2015 and 2016 (I think)
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What is your Phoenix Number? #181
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Did you march anywhere else other than Phoenix?
Ovation 2017-2018
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How did you get your start in winter guard?
Phoenix! My HS friends got me into color guard and helped me join Phoenix.
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What are some of your favorite winter guard shows?
Black Gold IW 2017
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What do you do now? I live in Washington DC, working for the U.S. Department of Energy, soon to be working at the consulting firm Guidehouse
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What does your life look like now? I have two kitties (Coco and Ginsburg), living in DC, I work in the energy field, finishing my masters at Johns Hopkins.
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Was there anything you learned from Phoenix that helped you in “the real world” ? How to deal with large personalities, I’m not going to be good at everything, it’s important to take a chance on someone (personally or professionally)
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Is there anything else about yourself/Phoenix you'd like to add?
I’m returning to spinning! With the Different Drummers of DC, basically an adult color guard. I’m not sure if they’ll attend worlds again next year but I’ll be spinning again and I’m so excited to reconnect with that part of me.
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Are you an alumni interested in being featured? Fill out the form linked below! https://forms.gle/KF9AqpyE1dX62ghEA

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Phoenix could use your help! Learn how you could help today! https://www.phoenixindependent.org/donate

In honor of our 20th anniversary, we’d like to spotlight some of our incredible alumni!

Meet Blake!

Blake Lajiness (He/Him)
.
Which season(s)/shows did you march? 2015 and 2016 (I think)
.
What is your Phoenix Number? #181
.
Did you march anywhere else other than Phoenix?
Ovation 2017-2018
.
How did you get your start in winter guard?
Phoenix! My HS friends got me into color guard and helped me join Phoenix.
.
What are some of your favorite winter guard shows?
Black Gold IW 2017
.
What do you do now? I live in Washington DC, working for the U.S. Department of Energy, soon to be working at the consulting firm Guidehouse
.
What does your life look like now? I have two kitties (Coco and Ginsburg), living in DC, I work in the energy field, finishing my masters at Johns Hopkins.
.
Was there anything you learned from Phoenix that helped you in “the real world” ? How to deal with large personalities, I’m not going to be good at everything, it’s important to take a chance on someone (personally or professionally)
.
Is there anything else about yourself/Phoenix you'd like to add?
I’m returning to spinning! With the Different Drummers of DC, basically an adult color guard. I’m not sure if they’ll attend worlds again next year but I’ll be spinning again and I’m so excited to reconnect with that part of me.
------

Are you an alumni interested in being featured? Fill out the form linked below! https://forms.gle/KF9AqpyE1dX62ghEA

-----

Phoenix could use your help! Learn how you could help today! https://www.phoenixindependent.org/donate

Happy Show Day! See you at Fifth Third Arena with MEPA!

Happy Show Day! See you at Fifth Third Arena with MEPA!

Flashback to our fun filled weekend at Springfield Holland HS!

Flashback to our fun filled weekend at Springfield Holland HS!

Happy March Fo(u)rth from Phoenix Independent!

Happy March Fo(u)rth from Phoenix Independent!

Thank you to all of our Alumni from years 1 to the present that attended our Alumni reunion last Friday! We had a great time celebrating our 20th anniversary with you!

Thank you to all of our Alumni from years 1 to the present that attended our Alumni reunion last Friday! We had a great time celebrating our 20th anniversary with you!

It's Show Day! We're at Springfield Holland HS again today! See you there!

It's Show Day! We're at Springfield Holland HS again today! See you there!

Happy Show Day!! Both A and Open are performing locally at Springfield Holland HS today and tomorrow! You don't want to miss it!

Happy Show Day!! Both A and Open are performing locally at Springfield Holland HS today and tomorrow! You don't want to miss it!

🚨Tomorrow is the 20th anniversary Alumni Reunion! Join us for an informal alumni gathering to celebrate the 20th anniversary! We'll provide snacks, show videos of past performances and memories, memorabilia like old props, and more!

When: Friday, February 28th - 7:00 PM
Where: Springfield Holland HS, Holland OH

RSVP Online Today! (RSVP Recommended but not required to attend)
https://www.phoenixindependent.org/product-page/alumni-reunion-rsvp

🚨Tomorrow is the 20th anniversary Alumni Reunion! Join us for an informal alumni gathering to celebrate the 20th anniversary! We'll provide snacks, show videos of past performances and memories, memorabilia like old props, and more!

When: Friday, February 28th - 7:00 PM
Where: Springfield Holland HS, Holland OH

RSVP Online Today! (RSVP Recommended but not required to attend)
https://www.phoenixindependent.org/product-page/alumni-reunion-rsvp

The wait is over! Our 2025 show shirts and exclusive merch is available now! 🔻 https://www.phoenixindependent.org/merch Shop now!!

The wait is over! Our 2025 show shirts and exclusive merch is available now! 🔻 https://www.phoenixindependent.org/merch Shop now!!

#WGIINDY was incredible!! Swipe for our favorite moments from the annual scavenger hunt!

#WGIINDY was incredible!! Swipe for our favorite moments from the annual scavenger hunt!

#WGIINDY day two, here we come!! Don't miss our performance tonight at Warren Central HS!

#WGIINDY day two, here we come!! Don't miss our performance tonight at Warren Central HS!

Happy Regional Day!! Catch "Reflections" tonight at Warren Central HS! #WGIINDY

Happy Regional Day!! Catch "Reflections" tonight at Warren Central HS! #WGIINDY

🌟We're one week away from the 20th anniversary Alumni Reunion! Join us for an informal alumni gathering to celebrate the 20th anniversary! We'll provide snacks, show videos of past performances and memories, memorabilia like old props, and more!

When: Friday, February 28th - 7:00 PM
Where: Springfield Holland HS, Holland OH

RSVP Online Today! (RSVP Recommended but not required to attend)
https://www.phoenixindependent.org/product-page/alumni-reunion-rsvp

🌟We're one week away from the 20th anniversary Alumni Reunion! Join us for an informal alumni gathering to celebrate the 20th anniversary! We'll provide snacks, show videos of past performances and memories, memorabilia like old props, and more!

When: Friday, February 28th - 7:00 PM
Where: Springfield Holland HS, Holland OH

RSVP Online Today! (RSVP Recommended but not required to attend)
https://www.phoenixindependent.org/product-page/alumni-reunion-rsvp

🔻 TRIVIA TUESDAY! 🔻 How well do you know Phoenix? Answer today's trivia question on our story!

How many seasons did Phoenix have 4 programs at once?
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4

🔻 TRIVIA TUESDAY! 🔻 How well do you know Phoenix? Answer today's trivia question on our story!

How many seasons did Phoenix have 4 programs at once?
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4

In honor of our 20th anniversary, we’d like to spotlight some of our incredible alumni! Meet John Wheeler (He/Him) #44
When did you march? 2010-2014
Did you march anywhere else?
Before Phoenix, I marched at Franklin HS.
How did you get your start in guard?
I began guard my freshmen year of high school after participating in competitive dance from 3rd-7th grade. My freshmen year I marched trumpet in my high school's marching band and after building friendships with the color guard members, I joined that following winter season.
Favorite winter guard shows? Why So Serious? AMP 2022, United 93 Zydeco 2008, Typical Situation Paradigm 2005
What was your favorite memory?
One of my favorite memories is receiving the silver medal at the 2012 WGI World Championships for Independent A class. That final performance was full of emotions and I learned how it felt to fully embody your performance. The way that the OIPA circuit supports us, but also the way that the Phoenix programs engage and honor their circuit was magical. It has shapped the way I coach and observe performances.
Did you win any Phoenix awards? 5 Year Award
What's life like now? I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, a guard representative for the MEPA Circuit Board of Directors, one of the many staff members for the Franklin City School guard programs, and the current visual designer for the Franklin High Marching Wildcat Band. I now live in Franklin, OH with my boyfriend of 12 years and 3 Dachshunds.
What did learn from Phoenix? My time at Phoenix taught me how to truly embrace and value who I am as myself. During my time there, I came out as gay and altered my entire life in that moment, but Chad, Liz and the members of Phoenix were my greatest support. It made me realize that I didn't need to be anything more than me. Period.
I'm so grateful for my years at Phoenix and witnessing the program continue to grow and develop. After spending two years in the open class, what the group and staff over the years has been able to accomplish since I left is astounding! I look forward to welcome the group again at MEPA events and am proud to say I was a member of this amazing organization.

In honor of our 20th anniversary, we’d like to spotlight some of our incredible alumni! Meet John Wheeler (He/Him) #44
When did you march? 2010-2014
Did you march anywhere else?
Before Phoenix, I marched at Franklin HS.
How did you get your start in guard?
I began guard my freshmen year of high school after participating in competitive dance from 3rd-7th grade. My freshmen year I marched trumpet in my high school's marching band and after building friendships with the color guard members, I joined that following winter season.
Favorite winter guard shows? Why So Serious? AMP 2022, United 93 Zydeco 2008, Typical Situation Paradigm 2005
What was your favorite memory?
One of my favorite memories is receiving the silver medal at the 2012 WGI World Championships for Independent A class. That final performance was full of emotions and I learned how it felt to fully embody your performance. The way that the OIPA circuit supports us, but also the way that the Phoenix programs engage and honor their circuit was magical. It has shapped the way I coach and observe performances.
Did you win any Phoenix awards? 5 Year Award
What's life like now? I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, a guard representative for the MEPA Circuit Board of Directors, one of the many staff members for the Franklin City School guard programs, and the current visual designer for the Franklin High Marching Wildcat Band. I now live in Franklin, OH with my boyfriend of 12 years and 3 Dachshunds.
What did learn from Phoenix? My time at Phoenix taught me how to truly embrace and value who I am as myself. During my time there, I came out as gay and altered my entire life in that moment, but Chad, Liz and the members of Phoenix were my greatest support. It made me realize that I didn't need to be anything more than me. Period.
I'm so grateful for my years at Phoenix and witnessing the program continue to grow and develop. After spending two years in the open class, what the group and staff over the years has been able to accomplish since I left is astounding! I look forward to welcome the group again at MEPA events and am proud to say I was a member of this amazing organization.

📣Don't Forget! 📣 We're hosting an informal alumni gathering to celebrate the 20th anniversary! We'll provide snacks, show videos of past performances and memories, memorabilia like old props, and more!

When: Friday, February 28th - 7:00 PM
Where: Springfield Holland HS, Holland OH

RSVP Online Today! (RSVP Not required to attend)
https://www.phoenixindependent.org/product-page/alumni-reunion-rsvp

📣Don't Forget! 📣 We're hosting an informal alumni gathering to celebrate the 20th anniversary! We'll provide snacks, show videos of past performances and memories, memorabilia like old props, and more!

When: Friday, February 28th - 7:00 PM
Where: Springfield Holland HS, Holland OH

RSVP Online Today! (RSVP Not required to attend)
https://www.phoenixindependent.org/product-page/alumni-reunion-rsvp

Successful Regional with Phoenix A!

Successful Regional with Phoenix A!

📣CALLING ALL ALUMNI! 📣 Join us for an informal gathering to celebrate the 20th anniversary! We'll provide snacks, show videos of past performances and memories, memorabilia like old props, and more!

When: Friday, February 28th - 7:00 PM
Where: Springfield Holland HS, Holland OH

RSVP Online Today! (RSVP Not required to attend)
https://www.phoenixindependent.org/product-page/alumni-reunion-rsvp

📣CALLING ALL ALUMNI! 📣 Join us for an informal gathering to celebrate the 20th anniversary! We'll provide snacks, show videos of past performances and memories, memorabilia like old props, and more!

When: Friday, February 28th - 7:00 PM
Where: Springfield Holland HS, Holland OH

RSVP Online Today! (RSVP Not required to attend)
https://www.phoenixindependent.org/product-page/alumni-reunion-rsvp

Happy Regional Day! Phoenix A is at Norwin HS today for #WGIPittsburg

Happy Regional Day! Phoenix A is at Norwin HS today for #WGIPittsburg

Great weekend at OIPA Olentangy Liberty!

Great weekend at OIPA Olentangy Liberty!

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