“For our show, we had 64 sets and within that, we had 8 to 27 counts and then we had checkpoints. We have to make sure we’re with each other and the band,” senior color guard captain Jessica Morris said.
Behind the smiles and costumes, color guard can be difficult and complicated. During one week in the summer, the team is expected to practice for nine hours for three days. During the school year, they have morning practice with the band during first hour. They also rehearse weekly on Thursday’s from 6-9 p.m..
Coaches Karen Mae Wesolek, Hannah Griffore, Celeste Carwile and Mitchell Warners choose the captains to lead the team when they are unable to attend practices. Every year one junior captain is chosen to have experience for the next year. The junior captain will be the next year’s head captain and then another co-captain is chosen. There are also two senior captains.
This year’s junior captain is Paige Hartman, the head captain is Jessica Morris and the senior co-captain is Allison Norcutt.
Despite the long and dreadful hours, according to Morris, the hard work pays off.
“Seeing the progress that your teammates make from the beginning to the end of the season and feeling proud of what you do [is the most rewarding],” Morris said.
At every competition, the color guard has personal goals to grow. At the Rockford Scholastic Invitational, the color guard won all caption rewards and the Grand Championship.
“It’s very rewarding when you have a really good show. You’re like ‘Yes I just worked so hard for that and I did it!’” Hartman said.
With long practices and personal growth, the color guard is more than just the show.
“It’s not just about swinging flags. There’s more to it. Like the relationship and the growth you get from it,” sophomore color guard member Olivia Christie said.
The appeals of color guard are an excellent opportunity for any student to get involved.
“It’s so much fun. Anyone can do it, even boys it’s not just a girl thing. I think everyone could try if they’re interested,” Hartman said.
