SW — “So tell me about your background; how you got involved with the activity, as well as with FJM.”

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BV — “Well, I was born and raised in South Carolina and will always be a Southern boy at heart. I joined the marching band my freshman year of high school; one of my best friends was in the colorguard. I “accidentally” stole her rifle my sophomore year (sorry Sabrina!) and became a backyard-spinning beast. My infatuation with pageantry continued to grow; luckily my mom was a nurturing German woman that didn’t fully understand why I wanted to glue glitter on a silk scarf, tie it to an old broom handle and toss it up in the air – but she also never questioned it. Along the way, my techniques became a little more refined and I had the wonderful experiences of performing with the Infiniti Winterguard, Carolina Crown Drum Corps, Crown Guard and Pride of Cincinnati. After moving from South Carolina to Dayton, OH for winterguard I was offered a job teaching the FJM summer clinics, which I did for two summers. This opportunity completely changed my life and is one of the most memorable, rewarding adventures I’ve taken. Through a stroke of luck an inter-office position became available during my 2nd summer and I jumped at the chance to work for this respected company that had taught me so much. I remember the first time I walked into the FJM building and saw rows and rows of brightly colored fabrics, sequin trims, etc. It was basically love at first sight. And yes, I realize that last statement is embarrassing…but here I am today!”

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SW — “So you like color?”

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BV — “I LOVE it, actually. Can you imagine a world where everything was grey, black and white? How boring! I enjoy smart use of color best; you can never go wrong with a palette of harmonious colors. However I also admire people that are willing to take risks. Some of my favorite looks have come together simply by throwing caution to the wind and trying something unexpected. That philosophy should be applied more in our niche activity!”

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SW — “In addition to being a designer you also run your own independent colorguard and continue to teach and judge locally – how do you stay inspired?”

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BV — “That’s a good question, believe me there are days when I question my own sanity! But seriously, you have to be passionate about what you’re doing. To me this is what I was born to do. I take inspiration from the amazing kids I teach on a daily basis, from things that happen in my life, the good, the bad, the ugly and the beautiful – I can see ideas in just about anything. Being a colorguard director is a full-time job as well; however for me it’s an escape…it’s also a time for me to give back some of the valuable information that was bestowed on me by amazing designers and technicians in the past. Plus it helps to have models on a weekend basis to test out my wacky ideas on!

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SW — “Last question, what do you look for in a successful design?”

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BV — “This is an easy last question. I look for three things. One: does the customer like what they get? Is it just what they imagined, or better? Do the kids stand a little taller, smile a little bigger, perform a litter harder? If so, job well done. Two: does the garment make sense with the program? If you look at a costume and think “I totally get why they’re wearing that!” it’s a great sign – both for you and the judging community. Third: does the package seem complete? From the fit of the garment, to the styling of the hair and makeup, the props, floor, shoes, drums, etc. What you choose to put on your body is only the starting foundation for a “look.” When I see a group that has meticulously dotted their i’s and crossed their t’s when it comes to their overall image – I can’t help but applaud. Loudly.”

cccccccccccccccccccc— Scott A. Winters