What is Colorguard? Colorguard is an organization affiliated with the marching band that uses flags, sabers, rifles, dance, and other props. The colorguard brings the marching band show to life by bringing color and entertainment to the marching field. Colorguard is often called the sport of the arts. Winterguard season starts after the marching season ends. Winterguard performs without the band in a gymnasium to taped music. The Winterguard season usually starts in December and ends in April.
How important are my grades? It will be extremely important for every member to keep up their grades. UIL rules state that if you fail any class you will not be able to perform or travel with us. This not only hurts you, it hurts the entire colorguard.
What class period do I sign up for? You need to sign up for colorguard. It will count as a PE Credit. Winterguard is not a class.
Who else, besides the guard, is in the marching band? The marching band has a number of main elements: including woodwinds, brass, front ensemble, battery and the colorguard. Each element combined makes the full ensemble. The band's success is determined by the success of EVERY section. It is very important for the colorguard to be successful and help add to the overall effect of the marching band.
How long is the marching show? Each year a marching show is a 7 ½ minute show with 3-4 songs. A typical show begins with an intro, a ballad in the middle, and a finale that is usually fast and exciting. There will often be 3-4 different flag changes in each show to introduce a new mood and color. Sometimes we use rifles and sabers but not always.
Why do we practice during the summer? Our season is the same as football, September to November. Like every other sport, colorguard has a pre-season. Our pre-season is during the summer. We must get properly trained and learn our show before school starts. This will ensure a successful season. We will have a short camp in June and in July as well as summer band with the entire band in August.
How much of a time commitment is marching band when school starts?
· School days — The colorguard will practice before school (7:00am — 8:30am). You will get out in plenty of time to change for school.
· Football Games — Starting in September, there will be football games every Friday night. We will perform our contest show at half-time. We will also help cheer on our football team! Friday night football games are one of the greatest memories a colorguard member has.
· Contest — The marching band will attend a few scheduled contests throughout the season. There are a number of all-day Saturday contests. More information will be given as soon as it becomes available.
What is Winterguard? Winterguard is comprised of the same elements of colorguard. The primary difference between winterguard and colorguard is that winterguard is indoors in gymnasiums. Guards compete against each other in classes based on skill level. Winterguard practices 3 days a week.
How much does colorguard and Winterguard cost? (estimated prices)
lst semester(Colorguard) - $450 You can make payment arrangements.
2nd semester(Winterguard) - $150
Who do I contact for more information? Danny Martinez at danny.martinez@risd.org or 469-593-1060.
Page updated 8/07/10.