Colorguard is more than just tossing flags in the air

Colorguard is usually seen with the marching band. We spin flags rifles and sabres out on the field. There is also Winterguard where we spin inside and compete with other Winter guards in competitions.

I began my experience with Colorguard my freshman year in high school. I heard about tryouts during school and decided to go for it. I walked in the first day and the captain handed me a flag.

My first thought was, “What have I gotten myself into?  This looks dangerous!” I had no idea  I had just begun my journey with an activity that would mean so much to me.

Band competition!

I was just a freshman. I was absolutely terrified of band camp and with the thought that I wouldn’t be able to pick it up quick enough.  As I learned some basic flag moves I began to realize  Colorguard was not going to be easy, but it was going to be worth it.

Something I love about guard is that it requires dedication. If you want to get good you have to practice, just like any other activity.  You can’t expect to get a new toss perfect on the first try.  Sometimes it gets frustrating when no matter how many times you do it you just can’t seem to get the toss right.  As difficult as it can be to continue, the feeling you get when you do finally catch that toss is indescribable.  

Learning a one handed forty five

I remember learning a forty-five-degree toss in high school.  It took around an hour of continuous tries and failures before I finally caught the toss right. It just felt right and when the pole landed in my hands I couldn’t help smiling because all of my hard work had finally paid off.

Rockin’ Roll Show

This year I had the opportunity to spin with Nuance Gold Winterguard. The bonds I have made with my teammates are irreplaceable.  I couldn’t ask for a better group of people to spend my time with.  We make each other stronger and I always know they will be there for me when I need them. That is one of the best feelings in the world, the feeling that you have a whole group of people there to cheer you on and support you. That’s what Colorguard means to me.

Winterguard Performance 2016

Not only do I get to do something I love, but I get to do it with people who share my passion. We support each other through everything. If someone is having a hard time with something there’s a whole team to back you up and help. When you finally get it right they are there to celebrate your victory with you. I had never been a part of a group that was so tightly knit until I joined Colorguard. I will be forever thankful that I am able to be a part of it.

Heading to our first Winterguard Competition of the season!

Guard has brought me to my best friends, and it brought me to one of my organizations on campus, For the Love of Colorguard.

So the next time you see the girls “tossing flags in the air” remember that it’s so much more than that.  We are a family.