With big smiles across all of their faces and glittery mock telephone headsets on each of their heads, they stood perfectly still in the Plymouth Community Intermediate School gym. But the instant Lady Gaga's "Telephone" started playing over the speakers, Wareham's Winter Guard was off.

Portraying telephone operators from the 1950's, the 16-person color guard danced, spun flags, and tossed rifles in unison, earning a score of 76.0 out of 100 points from judges on Saturday night. The guard is judged on dancing, how it uses equipment, overall choreography, and the general effect of the show.

Though the group didn't feel it was their best performance, their score increased by nearly five points over last week's. In a competition where tenths of points sometimes make up the difference between first place and second, the guard was thrilled about the improvement, said director Annmarie Churchill. Wareham was the only group performing in its class on Saturday, so it did not place.

Made up of middle and high school students with ages ranging from 11 to 17, the guard is considered "young," Churchill said, adding that she hopes the younger members continue to perform throughout high school.

Churchill, a Wareham High School graduate who performed in the guard for all four years she was in high school, has been running the program and raising funds with the help of three coaches for seven years.

The Wareham Winter Guard is appreciative of donations. It is self-funded and has to raise approximately $10,000 for uniforms, equipment, show fees, transportation costs, and staff every winter season. It is also looking for additional space to practice.

To donate to the Wareham Winter Guard, contact Annmarie Churchill at 774-263-0002.