What is Color Guard?

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When you look up the definition of color guard, there’s a good chance you’ll be even more confused than you were before.

Is the military involved? What about the twirling thing? Is it a sport? What is this?

Three years ago, I was in this same spot. I had heard about my high school’s team through a friend of mine and was intrigued, but confused. I’ve been a part of guard ever since, and am now here to help answer all of the questions I struggled to figure out.

A color guard is a group of performers who dance and spin equipment to add visual appeal to a marching band show. Whether with a high school or college marching band, Drum Corps International, or an independent group, they’re often dubbed as “flag spinners”.

The color guard marches with the band, but they aren’t typical band members. They don’t march and play music as the band does. I like to use the word “activity” to refer to color guard, because it’s a huge debate of whether it’s a sport, or just another band section.

Winter guard is another activity that’s almost identical to color guard. It uses the same equipment and technique, but it’s indoor and doesn’t have a band. Using a tarp, props and recorded music, winter guards compete and perform during band’s off-season.

Most color guards utilize three types of equipment: flags, rifles and sabres.

Flags are weighted poles with a silk attached, rifles are wooden fake guns, and sabres are metal fake swords. With the help of physics and a whole lot of wrist technique, members may learn to spin and toss these pieces of equipment.

People usually start out spinning flag, and then progress to the “weapon” equipment as they become more experienced. Though, depending on the show and group, certain pieces of equipment may not be used at all.

Different programs provide different resources for members, so before investing in a bunch of equipment and accessories, talk to your staff and ask for their advice.

I believe color guard members are very underappreciated for the tough work they do. Performing on the field takes a lot of strength and endurance, and they contribute so much to shows. From my experience, it’s all a bit hard at first, but as you keep practicing and working with your team and staff, things get much more enjoyable.

Some color guards are more advanced, and require at least some experience to join, but a lot of them are very open to beginners. The community is overall very welcome to those just wanting to try something new. Music, dance and gymnastics experience can also help beginners, but it isn’t a huge deal.

Color guard is very big on inclusion and expression. Many try to pin the activity as a “girl” thing, but that isn’t the case. A lot of boys participate, as this is an activity that anyone can do.

✨If you’re thinking about trying out for a color guard team, I say go for it! It’s truly a wonderful experience. ✨

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