Color Guard

Marching bands are rated based upon not only their musicianship, but also on the "visual effect" they create on the football field. A big part of that visual effect comes from the Color Guard. The Color Guard interprets the music visually, using movement, costumes, flags & props. They are rated based upon their technical prowess and coordination in spinning and tossing flags, rifles and sabers’.

What is Color Guard?

Color Guard started when someone realized that the combination of military drill (marching) and the use of their flags, sabers’, and rifles had the potential to be an awesome sight. Over the years men and women of all ages have trained to incorporate elements of dance, theatrics, and equipment into thrilling shows!

In the fall, the Color Guard is an integral part of the THS Pride of South Marching band. Every Friday night we perform to live music before huge crowds during half-time at varsity football games. When the marching band performs, listen to the audience and you’ll hear lots of gasps, sighs, “wow’s, and cheers when the Color Guard pulls out a new flag or tosses a rifle, making it turn 2, 3, 4 or even 5 rotations. We also march in the ISU Homecoming parade and compete in marching band contests.

During the winter months and into spring, we compete as a Winter Guard. We perform choreographed routines using our bodies, dramatic expression, flags, rifles, sabers’, costumes, props and recorded music to create an amazing show. [Don’t worry – our rifles can’t shoot.]

Color Guard is a sport due to its physical and competitive aspects. Physical stamina is needed to put together movement, dancing, and equipment work at the same time.

Color Guard is also an art. Performers use the elements of expression and their equipment to tell a story. The music and scenery set the stage, and the performer completes the show.