FAQs (Frequently asked questions)
What is Color Guard and Winter Guard?
Guard is a performance sport involving the use of flags, weapons, and dance. It is the visual representation
of the music. The job of the guard is to perfrom routines and choreography written to enhance the music. In Color
Guard, the music is provided by a marching band and in winter guard, the music is provided by a CD and takes place in doors.
What commitment does my participation require?
Students should enroll in a semester class called marching band. (Some exceptions will be made for students
whose schedules do not allow for the class to be added.) Practices are Tuesday and Thursday evenings from either 5:30
to 8pm or 6 to 8:30pm and competitions are held on Saturdays. There is a 2 week (Monday through Friday) band camp at
the end of August that students will need to attend.
What are some benefits of joining?
Color Guard is an active sport which can help keep you fit and healthy. You will also meet and become
friends with students from other grades. You will have upperclassmen friends before the first day of school starts and
be familiar with the high school. You will have the opportunity to perform at different venues and meet people from
other schools. The majority of students who participate in color guard and marching band are honor roll students and
learn to manage their time well.
Testimonials (Answers to common questions by previous and current guard members)
How has color guard benefitted you personally?
"It has really opened me up as a person from shy and quiet pre-fresman years to my comfortable
and open high school self." -Laura, junior
"It gives you physical strength and helps you learn how to manage your time." -Chelsea,
7th grade
"I made lots of friends! I gained some self-confidence from dancing and performing in
front of audiences over the years. I learned time management and team work." - Jesse, senior
Why would you recommend that someone join color guard?
"It's an amazing and positive experience and it's so much more fun that anything I've
done before." - Anjy, freshman
"It's something you'll grow to love and the girls are amazing! It's also just like
a sport because you'll be friends with everyone and it makes things 10x more fun!"
-Sally, first year spinner
"You'll meet awesome people who you'll befriend the rest of your life!" - Laura, junior
"You will have tons of friend and fun." -Chelsea, 7th grader
"It's a lot of work, but its TONS of FUN! You form a little family and create many memories."
- Jesse, senior
"You form close bonds with some people you may have never spoken to in school, yet once
you're at practice, everyone becomes such a tight knit group. It's also great learning a new skill." -Steph, 2007 graduate
and former guard member
Can you describe what band camp is like?
"It's challenging and difficult but if you push through it, it's rewarding!" - Kat, senior
"It's a place where you can act yourself and be yourself whil learning amazing skills."
- Alicia, senior and first year spinner
"It's the start of a great season. It's where everyone forms a lot of those friendships.
It's the foundation of creating a great show. Although the hours seem intense, it's all worth it in the long run. We have
a lot of fun and know when to be serious at the same time." -Steph, 2007 graduate and former guard member
Do you find it hard to balance school, color guard, and other activities?
"No, as long as you don't procrastinate with your school work, then it's all good!" -
Laura, junior
"No, It's only a few hours a week and it's a great way to learn responsibility and how
to work hard. It will definitely teach lessons that can be applied in school." -Anjy, freshman
