So I just started really getting into teaching guard and I totally identify with you poor souls out here so here we go:

1) When I say, practice these counts, DO IT! There is a reason why I had to stop rehearsal and have you go over it, because you or people in your guard do not remember the work! And I don't care if you think you are "da bomb" and you know it, just go over it, set the example, and make it better.

2) Do not come to practice, and ask to speak with your daughter while we are going over information, extremely important to the first show in two weeks! She will miss something important.

3)Practice the 60 some odd counts you learned through out the week on the weekend. RETENTION RETENTION RETENTION! I hate going over things again and again.

4) Be on time to practice! The most important things we do happen at the BEGINNING of rehearsal...basics and stretching.

5) It is a hundred degrees outside (literally, I live in Texas), when we say get some water, you should thank your lucky stars, and get some water, not sip a little bit of water and talk to all ten of your friends (who also should be drinking water).

6)Pay attention to how many counts we are doing! Doing too many or not enough makes the rest of the people look bad and you even worse.

7) This is not a fun activity! The fun part happends when you nail that toss on the field, or you perform for that standing ovation at finals, or you watching that video and see the flags going round and round perfectly together. This rehearsal will not be fun...it can be, if we are getting it right, but most of the time it won't......if you don't like it leave, complaining to your parents who yell at me, will change how this rehearsal works!