WHAT IS COLOR GUARD?

Color Guard is a performance art. We visually bring music to life through dance and theater with the use of flags, rifles, other equipment and props. We perform & compete with the OHHS Wildcat Show Band. At football games, not only do we perform the halftime show but we also perform stand dances to pep tunes alongside the band to hype up the crowd and cheer on the team. Go Wildcats!

WHO CAN JOIN OHHS COLOR GUARD?

All students who will be in grades 9-12 within the Oak Harbor School District, including those who are homeschooled, may audition to join the OHHS Color Guard.

HOW OUR AUDITIONS WORK

Our auditions are not done in a traditional manner. We are willing to offer a team position to any student that shows zeal and commitment to learning all aspects of our program (dance, act, spin) along with committing to our rehearsal and performance schedule. Every team member has a purpose within our shows. When one is missing because they don't know their part, it throws off the balance and the whole team suffers. Students will only be able to learn and progress in their skills if they attend all rehearsals. 

There are NO FEES to join Color Guard, but there will be some personal items that will need to be purchased, such as gloves, shoes, undergarments, compression attire & team t-shirt  (+/- $100).

Because this activity does require a lot of physical exertion, we need to make sure parents/guardians are aware and allow their students to participate. An info packet that includes an “Audition Agreement” will be available online and must be signed by a parent/guardian. It must be submitted before Color Guard Audition Camp begins.

INFO MEETING FPR PARENTS & STUDENTS

We have an Informational Meeting students and their parents/guardians. This year, it's being done right before the first day of camp begins; on May 6 at 6:00pm in the OHHS band room. Meet the instructors, current team members, learn about the program, how auditions work & ask any questions.

If parents/guardians can’t make it to the meeting or have additional questions, send the instructor an email at guard@ohhsbandboosters.com.


AUDITION CAMP - WHERE YOU LEARN HOW TO SPIN

Students will learn alongside current members and learn basics in flag, rifle, sabre and dance. We will teach students everything they need to know and supply the equipment. We HIGHLY recommend you come to each camp day as you will learn something new that ties in with what was taught the day before. 

Students will need to wear athletic attire that you can stretch and sweat in (NO jeans and no hoodies), wear gym shoes, bring knee pads & a refillable water bottle. We also ask that anyone with longer hair bring something (hair ties) to keep it off of their face. We don’t care if your hair is messy, you just need it off of your face and out of your way. No hats or beanies.

AUDITION DAY

On the last day of camp, student will decide if they want to audition for the team. They will perform the audition routine as a group, unless they choose to audition individually. Students will receive audition results before they leave that day. If offered a position on the team, students have until May 23rd to officially accept their position on the team. As stated above, we want students to be fully committed to our program and our schedule, so we leave the final decision up to them. Directions and info on how to accept an offered position will be given on the last day of camp.

IF YOU ACCEPT YOUR OFFERED POSITION

There will be a REQUIRED parent & student meeting on May 28th at 6:00pm (in the band room) for all members where you will meet staff, get schedules and get measured for your uniform. You will then return in August for REQUIRED Color Guard Camp along with two weeks of Band Camp (3 weeks total). Here is the 2025 tentative schedule:

Color Guard Camp (OHHS): August 4 - 8, 8:00am - 3:00pm 
Band Camp (OHHS): Aug 11 - 15 and Aug 18 - 22, 8:00am - 3:00pm
September - November: Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
September - November (with Show Band): Tuesdays & Thursdays, 3:00pm-6:00pm

*Note: This was last season's schedule.  Subject to change depending on this season's approvals.

These camps teach students specific techniques and skills for performing as individuals, as a Color Guard team and as part of the OHHS Wildcat Show Band. These are required in order to properly prepare students for their first performance which happens usually the first week of school, at the first home football game. This program is a "grow as you go" type of activity. Each rehearsal builds onto their show, leading up to their completed show which is used for football half time performances and more important, the band competitions in October. 

After school rehearsals will vary depending on approval for the upcoming school year. Times shown are from the previous year and will be similar but days, may vary. Official team members and their parents are always updated via our BAND app group and email.

TENTATIVE 2025 PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

All Varsity home football games (Friday nights; Sept through October, possibly November too - schedule coming soon))
Music in Motion Marching Band Competition (October)
Puget Sound Festival of Bands Marching Band Competition (October)
Veteran's Day Parade in Oak Harbor
Additional non-local parade (currently being planned)