The End of High School Colorguard: What’s Next?
By: Jessie Terpak, Calvary Christian HS
It’s senior year, the applause thunders in your ears while you try to catch your breath; it’s your final run of the show. Then you’re back at the trailer and the realization sets in: that was your last ever show with this marching band, with these people. The tears come because what comes next? Your musician friends have plans to be musicians, music teachers, or stay in their garage-made band. What are you going to do? High school Colorguard doesn’t last forever. I’ve seen these tears every year, and I know I am about to be the same. But, this does not have to be the very end of guard for you. Believe it or not, there are opportunities to continue guard after high school, and you don’t even have to go to college to participate in it.
Of course, college is a good way to participate in guard. Most colleges have a marching band with a color guard that plays at football games. Colleges will either have in person auditions, a video audition, or no audition required. A video audition will likely include demonstrating specific skills, showing off some fun tricks, and spinning a
chunk of choreography. The information for what type of audition and what to do for it can be found on a college’s website. Balancing college and guard might seem like a lot, but Izzy Johnson, an alumna from the Warrior Marching Band, now spins in the guard at her college. She stated that “balancing it with classes isn’t that difficult if you have good study habits.” Joining the guard at your future college is a great way to continue to participate in guard while studying for a future career.
Izzy Johnson is now a college colorguard performer
Another way to continue to spin Colorguard is to join a Drum Corps International Group, or DCI for short. I like to describe DCI as the NFL for marching band. DCI bands participate in international competitions over the summer. DCI bands are not associated with particular schools, so one does not need to be in college to participate. To join a drum corps, you first have to locate what band you want to join. After that, you need to find the audition information for that drum corp, which usually can be found on their website. There will likely be an online registration to fill out along with other forms. Most drum corps have opportunities for both virtual and in-person auditions. Auditions for most corps start in the fall and continue until all spots are filled. The most important thing when auditioning for a drum corp is to come with a good attitude and good work ethic.
Coaching guard can also be an option to continue your career in guard. To get a coaching job, you should stay connected. Most guards look for someone with experience, so coaching is something to do after college or DCI. The most likely place you’ll get a job at is a band you are an alumni of. When talking to my coach, she said that offering your help to your old band is a great way to get a start coaching or being a tech. From there, she said that your name grows and more opportunities for coaching will arise. The most important thing is to show your commitment to guard, responsibility, and a good attitude. For example, the Warrior Marching Band’s assistant colorguard coach, Adelina Rice, spun with us during high school. She was asked to coach as there was a need for an assistant coach at Calvary. Coaching can be in the cards for those that are passionate about colorguard.
Adelina Rice took on coaching after high school.
Colorguard doesn’t have to end along with high school, as there are many ways to still participate. Even after college and DCI ends, there are alumni bands and many other older bands to join! Guard can be a love that continues with you for many more years. The end of your last marching band season does not have to be scary, it is simply the beginning of a new way to love guard.
