The Responsibilities Within the Color Guard

The color guard is a group of individuals who provide a visual aspect to a marching band performance. These individuals twirl and toss flags, cones, music boxes and other items over their heads to provide entertainment to the audience. Color guards are disciplined and talented individuals who possess a lot of physical endurance, follow many strict rules and carry out various responsibilities.

  1. Rehearsal

    • Attendance to rehearsals and games is an important responsibility of a color guard. Typically, color guard coaches require that all appointments and activities be scheduled around the practices and performances. At the rehearsal, the color guards must wear appropriate rehearsal attire, such as comfortable workout clothing and tennis shoes with socks. Aside from stud earrings, jewelry is not to be worn and hair must be pulled back during rehearsal.

    Performance

    • During the performance, the color guards have the responsibility of attending in full uniform. While in uniform, the guards must avoid eating or running, as this helps keep the uniforms clean and presentable. At the performance, the color guards must treat others in a polite manner, avoid saying any negative comments about others, stay until the end of the performance unless previously approved by a staff member and avoid going anywhere without a fellow team member.

    Equipment

    • While most color guard teams hold fundraising events, each member of the team is responsible for paying all fees that are required to participate in the performance. This includes uniform shoes, warm-up suits, show gloves and practice flags. In addition, most schools and organizations also charge a marching band fee and fees for band camps. In some instances, the color guard team may decide on other personal items, such as spirit wear, which each member is also responsible for purchasing.

    Financial

    • The color guard equipment is extremely important to the team and performances, as without the equipment, the team would not be able to give their best and most entertaining performance. Each member of the color guard practices with the equipment and is responsible for its care and maintenance. Color guards must store the equipment properly and never leave the equipment out or unattended for any reason. Color guards must also refrain from allowing any other individuals access to play with or practice with the equipment, unless the individual is also a color guard.