Just as the 40th anniversary season of Winter Guard International is about to begin, the color guard world has lost one of it's most influential members.

​​Shirlee Whitcomb (pictured above on the right), who was an original founding member of WGI, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 4, at the age of 83. ​

​For the past 40 years, Whitcomb had dedicated her life to growing the indoor version of the marching arts. She used her skills and education as a English major to write numerous teachings to help grow educators, judges, show designers, and performers. ​

Whitcomb served as the WGI's education director for 20 years and then transitioned into her role as the director of color guard development.
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​Whitcomb's career also reached outside to other realms of the marching arts. She was a founding member of the Western Band Association as well as one of the first female judges in Drum Corps International's history.
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​For more information on Whitcomb's amazing career and contributions to the marching arts, visit the WGI's official site.