User:Quegrawks

History
Austin Independent Winterguard aka ATX Winterguard is a 501-c-3 non profit youth-education performing arts organization founded in Austin, TX, on March 14, 2008 by Michael J. Vazquez.

ATX Winterguard was originally intended as an extension of local high school marching band colorguard programs, as a way to give students an opportunity to perform and improve dance, equipment, and performance skills during the winter months.

The method for beginning the program was a little different than the way most independent winterguards begin. Generally, most programs begin as an extension of an already exisiting high school group. However, as a newcomer to the state of Texas, Mr. Vazquez began an advertising campaign using social media tools such as Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, and an ATX Winterguard blog to advertise summer camps for students who wanted to audition for drum corps, college marching band, and for high school students to improve their abilities prior to their marching season began.

A truly independent winterguard program, ATX Winterguard had no ties to local schools or outside organizations prior to September, 2008. At that time, the organization was approached by Mr. Brent Unger, founder of Austin Stars Performing Arts Association (ASPAA), who requested that Mr. Vazquez create an all-age winterguard performance opportunity tied to his Austin Stars Drum and Bugle Corps group. Mr. Vazquez agreed to this, and although the 2009 ATX Stars did not develop, a close relationship was formed between ATX Winterguard and the ASPAA.