WAHS color guard basics for tryouts

Basics you need to know for tryouts UDATED VIDEO HERE: • WAHS Color Guard Basic...
You can check out all thing you need to know for tryouts in detail at Coach Z's KZbin Channel
/ coachz4ever
Color Guard & Winter Guard Basic Info
In America, color guard and winter guard are two terms commonly used to describe the group of performers that spin [or twirl] a flag, or other equipment. The purpose of the color guard with a marching band is to display color and enhance the performance. Marching Band season is usually in the Fall, August - November, in America.
Winter guard, is typically the color guard now performing together over the winter months. Routines are more of a theatrical performance for guard performing in Winter Guard International [WGI]. Dancers typically enjoy the extra challenge of dancing and manipulating equipment.
If you would like links to see color guard and winter guard performances please let me know. I am happy to share them. 
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter_...
Flag Pole
What, Where, How
• WHAT - Flag poles for this activity are usually 1” [inch] diameter, and come in a variety of sizes. The most common flag pole size is 6’ [feet] in America, and is made of high quality aluminum. Each end has rubber caps to protect the user. The caps are the rubber crutch style tips that fit on the end of a crutch. Some flag poles are weighted under the caps. This helps provide more control while spinning the flag. The flag itself comes with either Velcro or tabs. If your flag has Velcro, your pole will need adhesive backed Velcro, so you can “stick” the flag on. It is has tabs, loops, you will need electrical tape to tape the tabs to the pole.
• WHERE - You may have to really search for a place in your area. The USA has many suppliers, my favorite ones are Bandshoppe.com and McCormicksnet. Net
• HOW - To put a flag together? This varies by instructor or group. Sometimes what you have on hand can also be used. Example: While an aluminum pole would be great to have, you might need to improvise with a mop handle, or a paint handle until you can purchase an aluminum pole.
LINKS in the USA:
Bandshoppe.com
McCormicksnet.com
Flag Pole
www.bandshoppe.com/shop/color...
Select: 6’ pole, aluminum
*comes with rubber crutch tips and adhesive Velcro for the pole
Flag for the pole [approx. 36 x 54” suggested for a 6’ pole]
www.bandshoppe.com/shop/color...
Curved rectangle, Select: 36 x 54.
The most important measurement is the FIRST measurement. The Flag “header” is the sleeve that actually goes on the pole, the first number is the length of the header. 35-36” is standard and best
for a 6’ pole.
Crutch tips from Bandshoppe
Crutch tips - If you order a pole from Bandshoppe, it comes with the crutch tips. If you get a pole
from a different source be sure to ask for rubber crutch tips. If they don’t have them you can use the plastic tips, but they tend to break eventually. I find the rubber crutch tips last longer and work best.
www.bandshoppe.com/shop/color...
Weights for the flag pole - I like to use weights to help spin the flag. Weighted flags provide a little more control because the weight helps you “slice” it thru the air. Some guards do not use weights. It’s a matter of preference. Here is a link to different weight sources:
Bottom Bolt [larger bolt] [3 inch]
www.bandshoppe.com/shop/color...
Top Bolt [smaller bolt] [2 inch]
www.bandshoppe.com/shop/color...
NOTE: I have never used the Bandshoppe weights. I am recommending them here in case you want a one-stop shop. They recommend using them with their weight anchors. TIP: if your weights “clank” and make noise you can wrap the bottom with a cushion of electrical or masking tape.
Lastly,
Electrical tape: always good to have at least ONE roll of tape in your bag. I suggest tape color to match your crutch tips. I typically have a roll of white in my bag.
White electrical tape from Menards, Home Depot or Lowes.
NOTE: CHEAP electrical tape from the Dollar Store is NOT a great choice if you are in a humid or hot environment. It’s best to splurge a little and purchase a higher quality electrical tape. Electrical tape will break down over time. Always check your poles regularly. Make sure your flag is firmly attached, the caps are in good condition, and the tape is secure.
Replace tape and make repairs as needed. I have had my flag and pole at home since 1996 and it’s been great! Once you buy a proper flag and pole/caps/weights/tape/Velcro - it should last a lifetime!

[@nyxie682]

I'm starting cologuard this year as a substitute for pe I'm a freshman and never have done this so I'm a bit nervous but I'm trying to watch videos to learn and these help a lot!

[@rainnyrainbow199]

Color guard is one of the best decisions I've ever made. It's a lot of work but so worth it, I promise

[@EverydayEnglishUSA]

You can do it! Visit my other channel. I have LOTS of videos where I really break down the basics. Here's the link: kzbin.info

[@EverydayEnglishUSA]

Hey there, I have a new channel with just color guard stuff on it if you want to head over there and subscribe. Here's the link kzbin.info

[@EverydayEnglishUSA]

Hey there, I have a new channel with just color guard stuff on it if you want to head over there and subscribe. Here's the link kzbin.info

[@brooklynnstewart1930]

Same here lol!

[@solbyedits8385]

I am a Freshman, and I’m going to do Color guard in my sophomore year. So this is very helpful! But I will also be trying Winter guard next semester

[@EverydayEnglishUSA]

Good luck!! I'm glad the videos help. You should check out my guard channel! Here's the link: kzbin.info

[@solbyedits8385]

@@EverydayEnglishUSAthank you! Just coming back to this comment after finishing my first year of color guard and starting my first year of Winter guard in a few weeks.😊

[@eloraalbright9874]

In our color guard, we are so desperate for people since we only had 3 people last year and 4 people this year, that we don't have auditions. Our auditions is if you fit in with our group and if you don't cause drama.

[@CopperCoinz]

Same

[@jenn2487]

My guard with 35 people and no coach💀

[@stephaniking7274]

We have had 3 people for the last 4 years! We finally got 10 for next year! But yeah if you show up then you are on the team! Hahaha

[@Icyfoxeditz]

I’m in 8th grade and starting colorguard and this was a lot of help, thanks!

[@daniagarcia6282]

I hope this helps me I’m trying out for freshman color guard and I’m 4’8 😔

[@EverydayEnglishUSA]

No worries. The biggest thing is to understand how to center the pole on your body so you don't look short. We had someone your size a few years ago and she did great. Just believe in yourself!

[@daniagarcia6282]

Johnni Zabka thank you!

[@Ariana-ty5qy]

I’m trying out too! good luck!

[@EverydayEnglishUSA]

@@Ariana-ty5qy You can check out all thing you need to know for tryouts in detail at Coach Z's KZbin Channel kzbin.info

[@swerenaa]

Dania Garcia i’m trying out too i’m 5”0 haha

[@rainyy_days444]

we dont have auditions at my school, then again we atarted with three people last season- next year we are starting with 11, and im proud of us

[@Ava-ol1ry]

for drop spins I've always been told to spin at my waist to not look like we're flying away but that might just be my guard

[@EverydayEnglishUSA]

correct. they should be spinning at their waist. we are constantly working to improve this. check out my channel where I teach basics. coachz4ever

[@Madiiiiiiiii316]

My teacher tells us to hold at our belly button

[@emilyo.o2966]

I'm not ready for another year of guard to come but it's crazy to see what other places call some movements

[@EverydayEnglishUSA]

I agree. We have a new guardie from another state this year and we talk about what her guard calls things vs what we call things. And I learned many of my terms from the Fred J Miller camps back in the 90's . LOL

[@trinityg.5620]

Thank you

[@lizv9323]

i march clarinet but i’m thinking about trying out for winter season!

[@dannalizarazo3573]

Ahh I was in colorguard at WAHS in 2009-2010 the best time I’ve ever had in high school besides marching band lol now I work at a high school as a TA and about to apply for their jv colorgurd coach. ☺️☺️☺️☺️🥰🥰🥰🥰 so excited but nervous to do the interview and hoping to get the job!

[@Nastaciaeden]

Its crazy to see what other guards calls their motions, I've never heard of extensions before. We call figures 8s Carves, and then the flutters we cal them flourishes

[@EverydayEnglishUSA]

Extensions are very common for us. We use them on the field all the time. Great way to add big color.

[@Madiiiiiiiii316]

We call the figure 8s cones

[@ana7icia]

thanks! :)

[@tutorialsforyou3981]

trying out in 2 days and this is my first time ever hearing about it 😭

[@sparks9417]

I’m a sophomore and I think color guard seems really cool but I don’t know a thing about where to start

[@EverydayEnglishUSA]

Try my color guard channel. Here's the link. kzbin.info/door/nJAUSfAv1YkgQoUmB4ojjA

[@lh9591]

Those elbows during drop spins are triggering me. I remember my colorguard “big sis” standing behind me holding my elbows down my first year haha

[@EverydayEnglishUSA]

I agree. It is something we continuously work on. No "chicken arms" and "keep it low."

[@Nastaciaeden]

We would have to put shoes under our armpits 😂

[@Evelovesya]

Thank you! ^^

[@travelanimal8723]

I'm not being rude or anything I'm just saying on our color gaurd team we call flutters windmills

[@EverydayEnglishUSA]

Yes, there are guards that call different moves different things. There is no "universal" language. Especially when it's handed down from one member to the next.

[@Primples]

I'm an upcoming freshman and I might consider doing this, but my main concern is the catching and holding flags/rifles etc. the wrong way...

[@Nastaciaeden]

Well it would be ur first year anyway. Plenty, and I mean Plenty, of amazing guard members have started off like everyone else. Thats not something to worry about bc thats what they are supposed to teach you

[@EverydayEnglishUSA]

With guard they teach you what you need to know. That's what so great about this activity! Just go in with a positive attitude and willingness to try. :)

[@audgepodgeeee]

I am new to colorguard I need some tips

[@Jsch-]

Is there a way I can figure out during extensions? It seems easy but I can’t rlly figure it out

[@EverydayEnglishUSA]

Here you go. Here's my other channel where I have started putting guard stuff: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2jJen2hg7Olf9E

[@teresahulbert21]

I did flag club when I was in seventh grade, but they stopped giving clubs when I was in eighth grade

[@maddyx0x0]

i’m a upcoming freshmen and i wanna sign up i just don’t know how to do it and i’m scared i’m going to embarrass myself.

[@xoo.ang3lina147]

I have try outs this weekend even if I didn’t know how to do a flag can they show u

[@EverydayEnglishUSA]

Yes, that's what is great about color guard. They will teach you what you need to know

[@bryannamoseley4901]

If I don’t have like a flag to practice with what can I use to practice? My mom keeps sending me videos of color guard to tryout in 10th grade and so I am really wanting to learn but I don’t know what to use to practice

[@EverydayEnglishUSA]

Go to this channel. You can practice with a broom. Plus the great thing about guard is they teach you everything you need to know. Just go with a positive attitude and willingness to learn. kzbin.info

[@mariahconklin4150]

This is hard 😂

[@mattssecretlover]

not really

[@julzplaylists5040]

I'm trying out for color guard today and I'm so nervous

[@EverydayEnglishUSA]

How did you do? I hop the videos helped!

[@julzplaylists5040]

@@EverydayEnglishUSA I did good ♡

[@Piendo]

Bro I still can’t do this

[@adelaidequeenpink8677]

Colorguard

[@EverydayEnglishUSA]

Are you a color guard member or looking for basics for trying out?

[@adelaideadebi2254]

I am a member already. I joined this summer and we start band camp tomorrow

[@Luvstraykids]

I'm so happy to see this video I'm a freshman and I have tryouts next week and I'm worried that I won't make it🥲

[@vowelllll]

Thank you