Norwin World Color Guard show includes former 'American Idol' contestant

The Norwin World Color Guard ensemble is making its 2019 show a little more interesting with the help of a former “American Idol” contestant.

The show, titled “Out of My Mind,” features Aubrey Burchell, a Norwin senior who competed in “American Idol” in March, making it to the top 70 out of 300,000 contestants.

Burchell will portray a girl sitting in a room alone, focusing on things she can’t get out of her head. She will sing her own version of Jessie J’s “Little White Room,” with members of the color guard around her, representing her thoughts.

Members of the guard use flags, rifles and sabers, as well as dance, to represent different concepts in performances.

Director Heather Shrump said the ensemble is aspiring to a new level with this year’s program.

“She’s not just singing a soundtrack,” Shrump said of Burchell, adding that the senior has had the freedom to tweak the song and make it more her own.

“Aubrey has added a new level of excitement to the program,” Shrump said. “The kids are excited. It’s just a very neat experience, and they say the energy on the floor is amazing.”

The guard, which travels across the country, brings along a floor — a tarp that is painted or screen printed — props, a soundboard, speakers and two wireless microphones.

Burchell will sing over a guitar track her father will record in a Wednesday studio session, Shrump said. Burchell will add her vocals to a second recorded track that will be used if she can’t make it to a performance.

This year, the 20 guard members are set to travel to local Three Rivers Winter Ensemble shows and to Winter Guard International competitions in Indianapolis, Indiana, and Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio.

Performing in the show is especially meaningful for Burchell, who will appear alongside her sister, Brenna.

“I get to expand my horizons as a performer, as this has definitely been been one of the most rewarding yet challenging things I’ve done in my music career thus far,” Burchell said in a Facebook message. “I really get to make my last year of high school count in the most creative and fun way possible. I’m so thankful and grateful to be able to be a part of this.”

Norwin will debut its show Saturday at Jeannette High School along with other area schools. The show starts at 4 p.m., and Norwin is set to perform at 7:20 p.m. Tickets can be bought at the door.

Norwin has announced the concepts for its other three guards units. The Norwin Regional A guard will perform “Cry,” the Norwin Middle School will perform “Slumber Party” and the Norwin Little Knights will perform “Car Wash.”

Megan Tomasic is a
Tribune-Review staff writer.
You can contact Megan at 724-850-1203, mtomasic@tribweb.com or via Twitter @MeganTomasic.