Handbook

 

Color Guard Handbook and Contract

Goals and Purpose:

The goal of the Spanish Fork High School Color Guard is to provide an opportunity for students to increase their flexibility, physical strength, and represent their school through various performance opportunities. The Color Guard is a group that teaches teamwork and performance skills, builds confidence and self-esteem while promoting physical and mental health.

Teamwork often requires that an individual put aside their personal feelings for the good of the group. What is required of one is required for all. Personal sacrifice and understanding the dynamics of a team will be crucial to becoming the best color guard member possible.

Most importantly, membership in Color Guard is a privilege not a right.

Rehearsal and Performance Rules:

1. Members must arrive at least 15 minutes early to every practice. For performances, arrival times may vary. Consider 30 minutes earlier than the band a good time to arrive at the school. Watch performance schedules and listen to further instructions from the instructor for the appropriate arrival time.

2. No gum at practice or performance.

3. All Members must be dressed in appropriate clothing and shoes. This includes comfortable, modest moveable attire*, sneakers, socks, and hair ties to pull hair out of ones face.

*Modest rehearsal attire includes shirts with at least 1” straps, shirts that are not too short when arms are raised and shorts at least fingertip length.

4. No non-uniform jewelry should be worn at practices or performances.

5. All members are expected at every rehearsal. If the rehearsal before a performance is missed, the member will not perform. 1 unexcused absence will result in a required 30 minute outside practice session. 2 unexcused absences will result in a 60-minute outside practice time and 1 page paper. 3 unexcused absences will result in dismissal from the guard. Excused absences will be handled on a case-by-case basis in conjunction with the band director.

6. Members of the guard are to listen and not speak when they are being instructed. There will be chances to ask questions and receive clarification when needed but talking out of turn not only disrupts the flow of the rehearsal but is disrespectful to the person(s) teaching.

Rehearsal Dates:

Refer to band schedule and color guard website for up-to-date information regularly. The complete Summer and Fall schedule as of 26 April has been posted on the website. (www.sfwinterguard.blogspot.com)

In addition to the scheduled rehearsal days, there will be times when the Color Guard will be asked to participate in an extra practice. These will be rare but should be expected if the level of performance is not acceptable.

For the Color Guard to work and perform as a team, we need all members present at each and every practice. We cannot create a great show if we have team members missing. Therefore, please make doctor’s appointments etc. on days or times that do not conflict with the Marching Band / Color Guard Schedule.

Pass-Offs and Other Assignments:

Periodically throughout the season there will be “pass-off’s”. These will serve as tests that will determine marching placement and ability to perform. If a member does not receive a satisfactory pass-off, they will not be permitted to perform until a higher pass-off level is achieved. Private tutoring sessions are available and strongly encouraged. It is recommended (but not required) that each team member participate in at least one private lesson a month. In addition to the periodic pass-off “test,” there will be other assignments given such as writing of season goals, performance critiques and rehearsal logs. A grading rubric and due dates will be given at the beginning of each season.

Behavior:

All members need to remember who they represent both on and off the performance field. Members need to remember that they are considered exemplary students. This should show in their in-class behavior, their out-of-class behavior, their grades, and their attitude.

Student Leadership: 

Captain:

Being Chosen as the SFHS guard captain is an important privilege and opportunity. It is a leadership role that requires self-discipline, dedication, hard work, and integrity. Guard captains have a responsibility to do all of the following when requested:

1. Lead stretches

2. Run practices if the coach is not in attendance

3. Help in identifying problem areas or concerns within the show/ work

4. Encourage all teammates

5. Assist team members who are struggling

6. Be an example!

Head Majorette/Feature Twirler:
The head majorette is a special position in the color guard. The majorette has the privilege of leading the band and guard during parades. When the squad is large enough to have multiple majorettes, the Head Majorette/Feature Twirler will serve as a section leader and carry the same responsibilities.

Squad Leaders:
SLs are an important part of the student leadership. Often, the team will need to spend time working in small groups to review and clean the choreography. Each squad leader will be responsible to lead the review sessions. The directors may give additional responsibilities to the SLs as needed. SLs need to remember they are NOT the director and NOT to give corrections to other team members during rehearsals unless they've been asked to do so.

It is very important that all color guard members realize that the guard captain and squad leaders are leaders and fellow team members. If the captain or squad leader is leading or teaching, give her the respect and attention you would give the directors. If there are any problems or concerns about the student leadership, members must talk to the guard director, NOT to another member of the team. Gossip, backbiting etc. have no place in color guard.

Equipment Manager:
The equipment manager is responsible for the following:

1. Preseason inventory
2. With the help of the directors, assigning and checking out equipment to the team members
3. Keeping track of repairs and replacements needed
4. Assuring equipment is appropriately packed for travel
5. Taking note of equipment not appropriately taken care of and reporting it to the directors
6. End-of-season inventory, including noting any equipment that needs repair or replacement

Equipment and Maintenance:

The maintenance and care of the Color Guard equipment is incredibly important. Equipment must be stored and cared for correctly. Equipment should never be lent out, left out, or unattended for any reason. It should be cleaned and handled with care as instructed. Only Color Guard members are permitted to practice with the equipment. No member should ever allow another person to try to spin a flag. In the same way, no Color Guard member is permitted to play another band members instrument. If equipment is damaged or destroyed due to a members’ neglect, they will be charged the appropriate replacement fee. (A show silk, for example, runs about $40)

Financial Obligations:

Each member will be responsible for paying all membership and costume dues on time. There are guard-specific fees as well as general band fees each season.

Financial hardships should not keep a student from participating. Speak to the directors if this is or might become an issue. Fees will vary from season to season based on the show, size of the team and extent of band & guard travel.

Past Season Example
Summer/Fall Guard Fee Breakdown 2012:

___ $50 Uniform Rental & cleaning fee

___ $50 Equipment Rental & Maintenance fee. Equal to the instrument rental fee.

___ $28 for Marching Shoes. Student keeps. One-time purchase.

___ $20 for Black Jazz Pants. If a student already owns a pair, bring them for approval uniform use.

___ $15 Guard Makeup kit- Optional. Students can also purchase their own items from a provided list.

I have read, understand and agree to abide by all of the responsibilities and obligations as explained in the Color Guard Handbook and Contract. I understand the financial requirements as well as the time commitment necessary to ensure the highest quality team possible for the Spanish Fork High School Color Guard.

_______________________ __________________________ _________

Parent Name (Print) Parent Signature: Date:

_______________________ ________________________ _________

Student Name (Print) Student Signature Date:

Congratulations and welcome to the

Spanish Fork High School Color Guard!!