Color Guard is a performance group that incorporates artistry with the use of equipment like flags, rifles, and sabers, and athleticism because it uses choreography that demands strength, stamina, and coordination. This group is not only a great way to carry out your creativity, but also a good form of exercise.
Bella Milatovic (10), a four-year member of Color Guard, further explained how Color Guard involves artistry and athleticism.
“Color Guard requires athleticism in the sense that the show is over five minutes of constant moving, spinning, and dancing, which requires you to have good endurance to make it through while still performing to the crowd,” Milatovic said. “It incorporates artistry in how we move our bodies and the equipment in our hands while we perform, following both the technique, counts, and flow of the music.”
Additionally, while Color Guard might be compared to other activities like cheerleading, dance, and especially marching band, there are fundamental reasons that set this sport of the arts apart from all others.
Milatovic then went into more detail about these fundamental differences.
Color Guard also creates a sense of community belonging because it allows one to bond and work with others to tell a story without words and while all being in sync, creating an impactful and powerful performance.
Abigail O’Connell (10), a member of Color Guard for two years, then expounded on this aspect of Color Guard.
“We all have to work together to spin together and give great performances, and we all do our best to accept one another and help each other,” O’Connell said.
However, Color Guard is still an underrated sport. In fact, it often takes a backseat to activities like cheerleading, dance, and even marching band. When, in actuality it has just as much to offer.
O’Connell then shared her thoughts on why Color Guard doesn’t get as much attention from our peers and the news media.
Milatovic and O’Connell both shared some general information as well, about when Color Guard’s season starts and how to join the team.
“Our season has actually already started,” Milatovic said. We started the season around the end of last school year and we practiced all through the summer.”
Students can audition for Color Guard on the two audition dates in either the end of fall or the end of spring.
“You don’t need prior experience to join, you just need a good attitude and have to show that you are willing to learn and grow,” O’Connell said.
O’Connell conveyed a message that she wanted to share to people who are potentially thinking about joining Color Guard.
“It’s really fun and I think more people should give it a chance,” O’Connell said. “It has great physical exercise and the shows are always fun to really involve yourself in, and the reveal parties for your next season’s show are really fun as well.”
