Music echoes from the field while flags, sabers and rifles spin and soar through the air, providing the visuals for the marching band. Through their choreography and skills, the color guard integrates athleticism with performing arts to bring the field to life.
During warmup on Sep. 19, senior captain Mars Barry, senior Stephanie Nicholson, senior Amelia Maurer and junior Hee Theng Chong practice their sautés, which are leaps where the front leg is used to land and the back leg is extended. According to Drum Corps International, practicing dance makes guard members’ skill on equipment even higher because they can move their bodies in an enhanced way. “The hardest part about guard, for me, has always been the dancing,” Barry said. “It’s not really something I’m good at, but I get over it by doing it a bunch and practicing.”
Story continues below advertisement
