What is Color Guard/Winter Guard?
Color Guard is a performance art that uses dancing and acting while spinning and tossing flags, rifles and other equipment to give a visual interpretation of music. The Color Guard performs alongside the Wildcat Show Band (marching band). As a section in the Show Band, we engage the crowd by adding color and visual interest that complements the music and helps tell the story. 

We use flags, rifles, sabres, swing flags and any other equipment or props that help.

Winter Guard is the same except they perform and compete on their own to prerecorded music.
To see examples of both fall & winter seasons, please visit our website, social media and/or YouTube
pages. Our Website: https://www.ohhssbandboosters.com/colorguard

How hard is Color Guard?
Color Guard can be physical and mentally demanding. Like any other sport, you will need to build endurance, muscle strength as well as increase your mental sharpness and focus. Don’t worry, we don’t demand that on the first day... We will teach you these skills starting with basics and progress as we go.

Who can join the Color Guard?
All students in the Oak Harbor School District, including those that are homeschooled, that will be in grades 9-12 in the fall.

Experience needed?
No experience needed. We have instructors and current members to help you learn what you need to know.

Video Presentations

Two videos were shown. 

- 2024 Fall "New Beginnings" Show. Color Guard was 0.2 away from winning the High Color Guard award at this show. Click HERE to view it.

- 2025 Winter "Axe Me If I Care" Show. Winter Guard came in 2nd place at state championships with this show. Click HERE to view it.

Performances
Football games: All home varsity games (Friday nights), 4-5 average, we had 6 last year due to play offs.
Competitions: We attend two; both in October.
Parades: Possible OH Veterans Day parade (November) and planned trip to do Torchlight parade in Spokane followed by a trip to Silverwood theme park (April/May)


Goals/Benefits
As a member of the OHHS Wildcat Show Band we get to enhance the performance and music alongside the show band by giving the music a sense of life and theatrics. Each toss and each spin tells a story that captures the crowds gaze. Each of us brings our own flare of personality and creativity to the show and make it truly unique.

You get to be part of a team! And with that you get to gain friendships, build trust and respect with one another, and learn to depend on one another and be there for each other. You will have lots of friends on your first day of school!

You will encounter lots of personal growth and development. You will learn how to overcome mental challenges and persevere, you will also learn how to communicate respectively and keep an open mind with other people's opinions and learn to compromise. When mistakes are made in color guard you will learn to hold yourself accountable and take responsibility of your important part in the show band. All of these things can be carried with you beyond your high school color guard days to become a mature and successful adults.

How We Teach
- No one is ever left behind. We take our time and break everything down so it’s easy to understand and replicate.
- We teach foundational/basic skills first (flag and body).
- We gradually increase students flexibility, stamina & endurance. Students go on to develop higher level skills & join weapon lines (rifle/sabre) as foundational skills show consistency.
- Student’s personal growth depends on their determination.

What does is cost to join?
There are no fees for Color Guard or Winter Guard. Costumes, and equipment are provided. Fundraisers will be done to help pay for team items.
You’ll need to purchase personal items: performance shoes, guard gloves. Approximate cost: $150+/-
- knee pads (high is $25)
- guard shoes (high is $36)
- guard gloves (high is about $25)
- black socks (long - any brand)
- long sleeve compression shirt (high is $20)
- proper supportive undergarments (high is $25)
      - sports bras
      - compression shorts

Dual Activities - If you are in a club, sport alongside Color Guard
We allow you to do both. With the clear understanding that you are responsible for catching up on choreography and drill. Choreography videos are provided in our app, drill catch up will be done in person.

If your schedules overlap, you will need to make sure your other activity staff knows and is okay with you missing days with them the same way will miss days with you.

If you miss a Thursday rehearsal that happens to be a day before a game and new drill or choreography is taught that day, you will not be allowed to perform the next night. You will be required to attend the game, perform pregame and stand tunes but you cannot perform the halftime. It’s a safety issue, not a punishment. We do this because we don’t want you to get lost or hurt by others if you are not sure where you are going or what you are doing.

Parent Involvement:
Parent support creates a more cohesive and supportive environment for the students. You are not just the ride to/from practices and events, your encouragement and involvement is a positive reinforcement, it acknowledges their hard work and dedication.
- Stronger team: Parental support creates a more cohesive and supportive environment for the students. 
- Enhanced fundraising: Parental involvement can help increase fundraising efforts, supporting the team's needs. 
- Increased communication: Open communication between parents, students, and the director ensures everyone is on the same page. 
- Positive experience for students: Knowing they have parental support can improve the students' overall experience in the color guard. 

How 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 (dancing, acting & spinning) along with committing to our rehearsal and performance schedule.
- Come in every day to learn different skills in guard: flag, rifle, sabre and body movement. Each day will include basics and some choreography to a song. 
-Student decides on the last day if they want join the guard and completes overview and performing choreography learned. Everyone performs together as a group unless requested otherwise. Students will receive position-offer results in envelopes before they leave on Friday.

What are the rehearsal/training requirements if I am accepted into Color Guard?
We understand if family trips were scheduled and/or maybe you have another activity you’ll be at and you didn’t know about knowing about these states. Please communicate with us about that.

Summer Training (3 weeks in August)
- Color Guard Camp: August 4-8, 8am-3pm at the high school. You get multiple breaks and an hour for lunch. Includes in depth dance, flag, rifle & other training along with team bonding activities and games.
- Band Camp: August 11-15 & 18-22, 8am-3pm at the high school. You get multiple breaks and an hour for lunch. Additional guard training along with marching and drill training with the band along with team bonding activities and games.
- Summer Additions (OPTIONAL): Depending on instructor availability, we may meet 1-2 a week to get a head start during the summer. These are optional practices. Dance camp/class may also be available also. We are working on that still.

When School is in Session (all are required)
- Color Guard rehearsals: Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 6:00-8:00pm. 
- Show Band Rehearsals: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 3:00pm-5:00pm. 

*Days/times may change pending on approval for the season. Updates are given as we get closer to August.

I want to give it a try, what do I do next?
- Fill out the Audition Agreement, OHHS Progress Report (which is filled out by your current teachers) & then come to audition camp.

- The Audition Agreement must be signed by you and your parent/legal guardian. You may also choose to submit the online form on our website. Either way, the agreement and progress report is due May 13th.

When is Audition Camp & Auditions?
- May 12th: 6:00pm - 8:00pm in the OHHS Gym (enter Wildcat Way doors)
- May 13th: 6:00pm - 8:00pm at North Whidbey Middle School Commons (cafeteria area, enter by bus loop and head downstairs)
- May 14th: 6:00pm - 8:00pm in the band room D220 (enter Wildcat Way doors)
- May 15th: 6:00pm - 8:00pm at North Whidbey Middle School Commons (cafeteria area, enter by bus loop and head downstairs)
- May 16th (Audition Day): 6:00pm - 8:00pm in the OHHS Field House (enter Wildcat Way doors)

Wear work out clothing and gym shoes (no hoodies or jeans). Bring knee pads and a water bottle. If you have long hair, you must tie it up so that you keep it off of your face. We need to see you and you need to see us - no hats or beanies.


You will learn different skills along with a short audition routine. We provide all the equipment needed. It is important that you show up willing, eager, and open to every aspect of the audition process. It is highly likely that we will ask you to do some things that we know you have never done before. We recognize that you will likely be stronger in some areas more than others. And that’s okay. Just come ready to learn, give it a try and have fun.

Again, students decide if they want to officially audition on Audition Day (last day). Everyone will know whether they have been offered a position on the team at the end of the day.

What happens next if I am offered a position on the Color Guard?
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 the position will be given on the last day of camp.

If/when you accept your position, the first REQUIRED 2025 Color Guard meeting will take place. This a parent & student meeting that will be held in-person on Tuesday, May 28th at 6:00pm in the band room. This meeting will outline the Fall season. You will receive additional info, get handbooks, schedules, fill out required paperwork for parents and more. Most important, measurements for your uniform will be taken.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. Do I need to buy a flag? Or any other equipment?    
A. No, all equipment is provided. If you choose to purchase your own, we can provide links to equipment that is like ours so you are practicing with the same type.

Q. What kind of knee pads do I need?

A. Volleyball style works, nothing with a hard shell.

Q. How do I get into the OHHS gym or field house?

A. Enter through the glass doors on the very left of the main building. It has "Wildcat Way" written above it. Someone will be there to let you in. 

Q. Where do I go at North Whidbey Middle School (NWMS)?

A. You will enter the entrance by the bus loop area. Someone will be there to let you in.

Q. What do I do if I am late and no one is at the door?

A. Send us an email right away at guard@ohhsbandboosters.com.

Q. Do I have to attend all days of Audition camp?
A. No, but in order to get the full experience, we suggest you do.

Q. In regards to Color Guard camp and/or Band Camp, I have another camp during August that I’m already signed up for and/or my family has a planned vacation and I can’t make it. Can I still join?
A. Yes, you can. Communication is the key to this along with you understanding that you will need to work at home to learn as much as you can. Instructors and teammates will be available to help you online as well.

Q. Do I have to have good grades?
A. You just need to be passing your classes. We give you additional time to catch up on studies if needed.

Q. What can I do if I am unable to purchase all the required personal items?
A. The Band Boosters may be able to help you out. Please speak with the instructors as soon as you can about that.