Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pursue Color Guard as a full-time job?
Pursuing Color Guard as a full-time job isn’t just a dream, but a possibility with a lot of hard work. Teaching Color Guard can provide a living, but initially, it may require taking on multiple jobs, such as teaching at various schools, and having supplemental income to earn a livable wage. Another option is to get involved in the design aspect of Color Guarding, creating drills, and showing concepts to schools. It’s worth noting that, unlike other sports, Color Guard and Winter Guard performers aren’t typically paid to perform on teams. It may also be necessary to have a side job unrelated to Color Guard that is flexible enough to work around your schedule to support yourself financially.
Unlike other sports performers can not make money or are not paid to perform on teams…yet.
Other ways to pay the bills if you plan on doing colorguard full time is have a side job that has nothing to do with colorguard that is willing to work around your schedule.
What's the difference between Color Guard and a Winter Guard?
In the Color Guard community, the terms “Color Guard” and “Winter Guard’ are often used interchangeably. Some may argue that “Color Guard” is associated with the fall season when performing with the marching band, and ‘Winter Guard’ is related to the winter season when performing in a gym without the band. However, in my usage, I use “Color Guard” for both contexts but reserve “Winter Guard” specifically for the winter season.
When do you start planning for the fall and winter seasons?
As a Color Guard director, planning always continues. I typically prepare for the fall season in May after the winter has ended in April and for the winter season in September when the fall season is still ongoing. Overlapping and planning are crucial for maintaining organization and achieving success year after year.
What’s the most critical factor when applying for a Color Guard job?
The staff is a crucial factor when applying for a Color Guard job. It’s essential to consider the atmosphere and the level of care and passion exhibited by the band director and other staff members involved in the hiring process. The staff can significantly influence the experience, and a lack of compatibility with the staff can dramatically affect one’s job satisfaction.
Is it essential for parents/guardians to volunteer or attend Color Guard or Winter Guard competitions?
Yes, volunteering isn’t usually not mandatory, but it greatly benefits the staff and performers to have involved parents. Attending Color Guard and Winter Guard competitions isn’t obligatory, but supporting your child’s passion is significant. Being present at their Color Guard performances can provide comfort and encouragement for the performers, and your involvement is a crucial part of the Color Guard and Winter Guard community.
Can performers receive financial assistance?
Financial assistance for Color Guard and Winter Guard performers may be available through various programs, including fundraisers and scholarships. It’s essential to inquire about the options available within your specific program. Rest assured, we’re here to support you in every way we can!
Why did I start ColorGuard Creative?
Upon returning to the Color Guard community, I noticed certain essential elements needed to be added, such as comprehensive education, increased social media engagement with coaches, and a centralized resource hub for the Color Guard and Winter Guard community. Recognizing this gap, I established Color Guard Creative to address these needs.
Colorguard Dictionary
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| Bolt | A bolt that is used to a flag pole on either end of a flag pole |
| Bottom cheater | A marker on a flag pole closes to the end of the flag pole |
| Bottom stopper | The bottom of the flag pole that protects and hold the bolt weight |
| Captain | A performer that is the team leader and top example of a the colorguard skill |
| Choreography | dance, flag, rifle, or sabre moves and tosses that form a show design elements |
| Circuit championships | |
| Circuit competitions | |
| Colorguard | A performing art sport in the marching band and group performance during winter involving dance, flag, rifle, and Sabre |
| Colorguard assistant director | The second in command leader of the colorguard team that assists the colorguard director run the entire team, manages the budget, and is usually the assists with decision making and provides advice on all things dealing with the colorguard program. They usually report to the colorguard director |
| Colorguard director | The head leader of the colorguard team that runs the entire team manages the budget, and is usually the decision maker on all things dealing with the colorguard program. They usually report to the band director |
| Colorguard tech | A leader of a colorguard team that specializes in a specific skill and manages the improvement of the team in the skill that the tech focuses on. They mainly report to the colorguard director |
| Drill | |
| Electrical tape | |
| Independent A, Open, World | |
| Independent Regional A | |
| King sabre | A piece of equipment spun by colorguard performers typically made of metal in the shape of a sword made by the company Designed by King and a top choice by performers |
| Marching band | |
| Props | |
| Regional AA, A | |
| Rifle | A piece of equipment spun by colorguard performers shaped like a rifle but made mainly of wood |
| Rookie | A new performer with little to no skill usually in the first season or year on the team |
| Sabre | A piece of equipment spun by colorguard performers typically made of metal in the shape of a sword |
| Scholastic AA,A, Open, World | |
| Six foot flag | The main piece of equipment spun by colorguard performers |
| State circuits | |
| Stopper/crutch tip | A cover that protects and holds the bolt weight on the end of both ends of a flag pole |
| Strap | A leather strip that is attached to the rifle |
| Strapping tape | Reenforced tape that is used on rifles to keep the wood more protected from braking and splintering |
| Tab | A marker that is the spin point of the flag and also hold the end of the silk onto the pole |
| Tape | A general term relating to any type of tape a colorguard performer or instructor uses |
| Tarp | A portable vinyl floor that has a design related to the winterguard show theme sizes can range depending |
| Tarp Cart | |
| Top cheater | A marker on a flag pole closes to the tab |
| Top stopper | The top of the flag pole that protects and hold the bolt weight |
| Vet | A performer that has more then one year on the team with multiple performing skills |
| WGI | |
| WGI regional | |
| WGI world championships | |
| Winterguard | A performing art sport in the winter and spring months involving group performances involving a floor tarp, probs, a song, dance, flag, rifle and sabre |
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