Information about the Anderson High School Color Guard

What is Color Guard?
The Color Guard performance helps to tell the story of the music played by the marching band through movement, color and use of equipment such as flags, rifles, or sabers. Any Anderson High School student may join, even those entering the ninth grade and no experience is necessary. You will learn all you need during summer band camp and practice session during the fall. Along with the rest of the marching band, the Color Guard performs at all Anderson football games and other band events, including parades and contests. In the spring semester, Color Guard members have the option of competing in Winter Guard, which runs from January through April. Winter Guard is indoor Color Guard without the rest of the band. It is performed inside gymnasiums to recorded music. The Color Guard competes against other high school Color Guard teams in the Texas Color Guard Circuit.Color Guard includes aspects of many subjects. Click here to learn how it is science, language, physical, mathematical, a performing art and more.

What is the time commitment for Color Guard?
Color Guard is considered a section of the marching band so they practice when the band does. They attend band camp during the day in late July and August for approximately 3 weeks before school begins. Color Guard camp may last most of the day, especially for new Color Guard members who have no experience in handling flags and rifles. During the fall football season, August through mid November, practice is held from 7:30 – 8:30 am on weekdays and from 4:30-6:30 one day a week, for a total of approximately seven hours per week. Additional practice time may be called at the Band Director or Color Guard instructor’s discretion.

During football game days, the entire band stays at school until leaving for the game (prearranged food can be provided for dinner) and they ride the bus between Anderson and the game location. Games are on Thursday or Friday evenings and the band usually returns to school between 10:00 and 10:30 for pickup. (For the few away games, which are on Fridays, the pickup time may be later.)

Members of the Anderson Color Guard who choose to participate in Winter Guard are required to attend additional practice times during Winter Guard season (January-April). Practices are held before school and sometimes after school like marching band practice except that all practices are held indoors. Contests are usually held on Saturdays or Friday nights at various competing high schools.

How much does it cost to be in Color Guard?
Color Guard members pay the same fee as the rest of the marching band. This “fair share” fee covers the cost of instruction during band camp, the uniform and equipment, and entitles the student to participate in all activities for the season. Additional costs may be incurred for footwear, warm up outfit, and a bag. Color Guard members also fundraise to purchase additional or replacement equipment (flags, sabers, rifles, poles, props) and to purchase new uniforms.
For more information on cost, marching schedule and other items, see the Information section of the Anderson Trojan Band web site.

Do I get school credit for being in Color Guard?
Participation in Color Guard for the fall semester equals .50 fine arts credit and the PE credit requirement is reduced by .50 (1.50 PE credits required for graduation). Color Guard and marching band are considered “zero” hour classes, meaning it is over and above the seven regular classes during the school day.

Does no pass, no play apply to Color Guard?
Yes - no pass/no play applies to the entire band. If a student in Color Guard is failing a class, that student may not perform or compete. The band directors are aware of students who may be having trouble with classes and tutoring in the band hall is offered between practice and the start of school for a number of subjects (and other students will also often help). Academics are important and none of the band directors want a student who has worked hard to be prevented from performing because of academic difficulties.

I’m interested, how do I join?
Talk to your counselor to sign up for the zero hour marching band class. They will forward your name and address to the Anderson Band director and you will receive a packet in July with details about marching band.
If you decide to join after the end of school, contact Color Guard co-chairs Donna Blumberg or Lynn Maverick  
Click here if you would like to learn the thoughts of one parent who has extensive experience as a band member and band parent, including the long-term benefits of band/color guard.

If you have other questions about the Color Guard, contact the coach Mr. Joel Taylor  (“Mr. T”) or the choreographer Ms. Emily Ferris.

For Color Guard related announcements, and if you can help...email the Color Guard co-chairs Donna Blumberg or Lynn Maverick