Hey there. My band teacher talked me into trying out for my highschool's guard (i originally play flute). I made it )))

But.... i feel behind. It's going to be my sophmore year and I Feel like i do worse than the freshmen (even though they tell me that they look up to me) My first Guard camp starts this monday through friday, then a second guard camp, then band camp (whoot!!!) Do you guys have any tips for me?

Thanks
Julia

First of all, congratulations on making the team! As a sophomore and a previous marching band member, you don't have to worry about what our guard calls the "freshman body" (You know, that thing that's still figuring out what it wants to do, while you're trying to rope it in c:).

Even with that experience though, we're still teenagers, and one of the hardest aspects of colorguard is understanding how to hold oneself. At the base, this means always keeping your core in mind. In our guard, "holding yourself up" means that the performer is holding her (we only have girls) ribs up, while keeping the shoulders down. As you become more experienced, you extend this awareness to controlling your limbs as you move through tosses, turns, and other movements you come across. The most simple way to work this into your day is to move around your house (or your school, or the grocery store even) jazz walking (or if your guard roll steps, do that) with your ribs up and shoulders down, chin up and a smile gracing your features.

Throughout the season, we reinforce the idea that guard is not learned (or perfected after basics camp) at practice, it is learned at home. All this means is to take around twenty minutes on every piece of equipment you are responsible for (which can be flag, rifle, sabre, and body). Initially, most members are responsible for flag and body/movement, but that doesn't mean weapons shouldn't be attempted. If you aren't put on weapons, or if you're only on one, get a veteran to teach you what you don't know and add that to your practice regimen.

I know that was a lot, but I hope it helps you some as you move through your season. The most important thing to come to practice with is a ready-to-work attitude and an understanding that critique isn't a personal attack, it's a movement meant to help you get better.

If you want some specific exercises or have any questions, I'd be happy to email your or something.

Thanks for reading,
Plum