About us

Plainfield Winter Guard

Plainfield Winter Guard competes within the Midwest Color Guard Circuit (MWCGC) and Winter Guard International (WGI). The organization is open to students enrolled in Plainfield Community Consolidated School District schools as well as students who are home-schooled who live within district boundaries.

PWG Varsity is an audition-based group that is open to 9th-12th graders. They compete in the Independent A Division, and travel to local MWCGC Competitions, as well as WGI Regionals and WGI World Championships. Anyone can audition for Varsity, but it is recommended to have some level of color guard or dance experience prior to auditions.

PWG JV is open to all students 7th-12th grade. They compete in the Independent RA Division, and travel to local MWCGC Competitions, as well as WGI Regionals. PWG JV does not require any prior color guard or dance experience and is a great fit for beginners or middle school students looking to try out color guard.

Registration

2025 Registration Information coming soon!

Staff

Chris Vanderwall | Executive Director

Chris Vanderwall began his role as Director of Bands at Plainfield Central High School in 2018. Prior to PCHS, Mr. Vanderwall was Director of Bands John F. Kennedy Middle School in Plainfield. He earned a Bachelor of Music Education Degree at VanderCook College of Music in 2006 and a Master of Music Education Degree at the University of Illinois in 2011. His role with the Plainfield Winter Guard includes communication with member families and community partners, managing finances, rehearsal facilities, transportation needs, and other organizational/administrative responsibilities.

cvanderw@psd202.org

Kelsey Arnony | Ensemble Director

Kelsey has been the Color Guard Director at Plainfield Central High School since 2019, and has been the Director of The Plainfield Winter Guard Program since 2021. Kelsey’s performing history includes: Plainfield Winter Guard 2010 & 2011, Independence Winter Guard 2013, NEXUS Indoor Percussion 2014 & 2015 as a cymbal player, Pioneer Drum and Bugle Corps 2011-2015 as a color guard member, and ended her performing career with Onyx World Winter Guard 2019 & 2020.

karnony@psd202.org