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Pearce Colorguard FAQ's
What is colorguard?
Colorguard is an organization affiliated with the marching band which uses flags, sabers,
rifles, dance, and other props. The colorguard brings the marching band show to life by bringing color and
entertainment to the marching field. Colorguard is often called the sport of the arts.
Winterguard season starts after the marching season ends. Winterguard performs without the
band in a gymnasium to taped music. The winterguard season usually starts in December and ends in
April.
What if I don't know how to spin or dance?
Do not worry if you have never taken a dance class in your life. Although, it is a good
head start, it is not a requirement. When you come to tryout, usually the first week in June, you
will be taught everything you will need to know for tryouts. Nothing will be a "surprise"
during the tryout.
What is the tryout procedure?
Each candidate will tryout for a small panel of judges. This will be done in
small groups to help ease nerves and ensure success. You will demonstrate a few flag
basics, dance basics, and perform a short routine.
How important are my grades?
It will be extremely important for every member to keep up their grades. UIL rules state
that if you fail any class you will not be able to perform or travel with us. This not only
hurts you, it hurts the entire group. Your grades are also considered in your tryout score.
Who else, besides the guard, is in the marching band?
The marching band has a number of main elements: including woodwinds, brass, pit, drumline and the colorguard. Each element
combined makes the full ensemble. The band's success is determined by the success of EVERY
section. It is very important for the colorguard to be successful and help add to the
overall effect of the marching band.
How long is the marching show?
Each year a marching show is around 8-10 minutes long with 3-4 songs. A typical show begins
with an intro, a ballad in the middle, and a finale that is usually fast and exciting. There often
will be 3-4 different flag changes in each show to introduce a new mood and color.
Why do we practice during the summer?
Our season is the same as football, September to November. Like every other sport,
colorguard has a pre-season. Our pre-season is during the summer. We must get properly
trained and learn our show before school starts. This will help ensure a successful season.
How much time commitment is marching band when school starts?
School days - The marching band will practice every morning from 7am - 8:30am. From
there, you will change your clothes and go to first period classes. The guard schedule might have
one day where we practice from 4:30-6 in the evening instead of the morning. This has not
been decided yet.
Football Games - Starting in September, there will be football games every Friday
night. We will perform our contest show at half-time. We will also help the band cheer on
our football team! Friday night football games are one of the greatest memories a band
student has.
Contest - The marching band will attend a few scheduled contests throughout the
season. There are a number of all-day Saturday contests, including the Golden Triangle Marching Contest
in Denton on October 8, 2005. UIL
is another competition we attend. More information will be given as soon as it becomes available.
What is Winterguard?
Winterguard is comprised of the same of elements of colorguard. The primary
difference between winterguard and colorguard is that winterguard is indoors in gymnasiums.
Guards compete against each other in classes based on skill level. Pearce will compete in
several winterguard competitions this year in the North Texas Colorguard Association circuit.
How much time commitment is Winterguard?
Winterguard practices are held two times a week for 3-4 hours. Also, there are some
occasional Saturday practices. All winterguard competitions occur on Saturdays and last
all day.
How can I lower the fees I owe?
Many students and parents raise funds to help cover expenses by participating in band
fundraisers. Each year, almost all students earn at least a portion (some have earned all)
of their fees through fundraising. For more information, see the
section on Fundraising.
More information about assessments and fundraising can be seen in the Assessments Page
of this website.
Additional information about the band can be seen in the band FAQ's on this site.
If you have any questions about guard please email Renee.
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