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Color Guard
Color guard members are performers who use choreographed dance, flag, or weapon work to contribute a stunning visual effect to the marching band. They are vital to the production, and greatly enhance the overall performance of the ensemble. There is no previous dance or flag experience necessary.

​Cory Miller
Color Guard Coach

Columbia Central Color Guard 2021 HANDBOOK

Guard Instructor: Corey Miller (931)374-7339 *text preferred but calling is fine too
Director Contact: Mr. Baxter (629) 395-6436 (cell)   tcbaxter@mauryk12.org
Please be sure to sign up for remind on the band website: www.columbiacentralband.com
(If you have any questions or concerns AT ANY TIMES, please do not hesitate to call or text. We are more than happy to help in any way possible)


Congratulations and Welcome to the 2021 Columbia Central Color Guard!! We are looking forward to a great season and wonderful year. The goal of this season is to increase our spinning capabilities, develop professionalism, compete for championships, but most importantly: Have fun!
OUR MOTTO THIS YEAR IS “MAKE IT HAPPEN!”
 
Schedule & General Rules
  •  After-School Rehearsal days are currently Mondays 4:00-7:00 (sectionals), Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:00-7:00 pm.
  • Students are expected to attend every rehearsal for the full time scheduled. ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY FOR ALL REHEARSALS, GAMES, COMPETITIONS, OR BAND COMMITMENTS!
  • Missing any rehearsal without prior permission is 100% UNACCEPTABLE!
  • IF YOU ARE RUNNING LATE, MAKE CONTACT BEFORE REHEARSAL STARTS! Emergency situations can be discussed privately. Please follow all protocols and necessary paperwork in the case of unavoidable conflicts.
  • DO NOT SCHEDULE ANY APPOINTMENTS ON REHEARSAL DAYS! This includes dentists, doctor’s, therapy, etc. If this happens, they should be rescheduled. These types of appointments will be NOT excused unless you have spoken to necessary authorities and we come to an agreement.
  • To excuse any absence, you must complete a form of consent signed by your parent or guardian and it should be turned into Corey at least two weeks prior to the rehearsal.
  • Any pattern of absences may result in consequences or dismissal from the program.
  • Responsibility goes hand and hand with rehearsal. If you don’t come, you hold the rest of the team back. You can’t complete a puzzle if you’re missing pieces
  • Remember that YOU are part of the BAND. It is not CHS Band and Guard. We are one unit. All school rules and overall band rules apply for your safety and participation.
 
 Consequences
  • Consequences will be served when assigned to the person. When given by any figure of authority, you are to presume the punishment without question.
  • Punishments are given when an individual has displayed any form of inappropriate behavior during rehearsal, towards a staff or leadership member, or when it is out of conduct.
  • Consequences include running laps, in-practice or out-of-practice suspension, grounds cleanup, and any other ethical punishment that may fit the situation.
  • If a pattern of inappropriate behavior is shown, the individual may be suspended long term or expelled from the program.
Punishments will also be given when one shows up to rehearsal missing any of the following items:
  1. Appropriate attire
  2. Gloves (when required)
  3. Adequate equipment
  4. Water or refreshments
Stay respectful, focused, and on your best behavior and we are set for a good time!
 
Equipment
  • When equipment is distributed, you are to maintain proper care over it.
  • Your number AND initials must be printed BOLDLY and CLEARLY on every piece of equipment you spin in the show.
  • This means that flags are to be taped completely with the cheater tapes in the correct areas.
  • Rifles and other equipment must be maintained and taken care of. Abuse of equipment will result in punishment and could get you removed from the program.
  • You are responsible for your own tape (both white and black electrical)
  • IF SOMEONE IS NOT IN COLOR GUARD, THEY ARE NOT ALLOWED TO TOUCH YOUR EQUIPMENT! (the only exceptions to this are staff, parents, or Corey’s permission)
 
 Health Measures
  • Masks are required indoors at rehearsals, with some allowance if we are in a big enough space to social distance.
  • Bring hand sanitizer or disinfectant wipes to clean your hands, equipment, etc.
  • Do not share food or drinks! Bring your own. Occasionally, food and drinks will be provided for you all but limit sharing.
  • Make sure you eat before rehearsals so that way you do not get lightheaded or sick. Greasy foods, dairy products (especially milk), or acidic foods may not be the smartest choice, especially in the heat. Be smart about what you eat. Bland may taste bad, but your guts will thank you :) DRINK WATER PLEASE!
  • IF YOU ARE FEELING SICK AT ALL (and it is something that you’re unfamiliar with), DO NOT COME TO PRACTICE! Stay at home, get tested if you think you might have COVID, and make the proper contact so that we know what your situation is. If you have been in contact with anyone who tested positive for COVID, STAY AT HOME AND GET TESTED. Return when you are finished with quarantine and are feeling better. You will not be penalized for missing rehearsal for this reason.
  • People with these symptoms may have COVID-19: Fever or chills, Cough, Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, Fatigue, Muscle or body aches, Headache, New loss of taste or smell, Sore throat, Congestion or runny nose, Nausea or vomiting, Diarrhea, etc…
 
 Personal Hygiene
  • First and foremost, TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF :)
  • Drink plenty of water, stretch to reduce soreness or muscle strains, and shower frequently!
  • Nails - Keep your fingertips at a reasonable length as they may interfere with your spinning abilities. Rifles and acrylics are not besties. NO ACRYLICS (safety concern)
  • Jewelry - It is dangerous to wear jewelry during any performance. You don’t want to endanger yourself. There may be some exceptions depending on the theme and what Corey seems reasonable, but jewelry is a no.
  • Hair - Hair should be kept neat. If you are considering dyeing it, just tell Corey first. During rehearsals, your hair is to be neatly tied back and out of your face. Don’t come to rehearsal looking like you just woke up, got hit by a bus, rained on, and/or survived the apocalypse. Take a little pride in looking nice!
  • Clean out your water jugs often and try to wash them thoroughly as bacteria will produce. Again, DO NOT SHARE WATER.
  • A regular intake of vitamin C through fruits, pills, gummies, or powders is highly recommended. When you work so hard, it’s easy to attract various illnesses. A healthy body is a happy body.
  • If you get hurt, don’t be afraid to ask for help or let someone know. Don’t let an injury get worse over time. Treat it right away so that you can heal to the best of your abilities.
  • Bring AND wear deodorant! Bring fragrances (if that’s your thing). A good smelling guard is a great guard! No one wants to smell ya stank pits the entire rehearsal, loves. In regard to sprays, just be cautious of where you spray things. Some people may have asthma.
 
 Social Network Policy
  • No pictures in uniforms, recordings or clips of show music, and show concepts or ideas may be released to ANY social networking site until OFFICIAL permission has been given.
  • Inappropriate comments are not permitted regarding the Columbia Color Guard, CHS BAND, any members, staff, or scores. (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram). Using social media in a negative way will result in strict consequences including a referral to school administration.
  • Do not jeopardize the image of the CHS BAND by posting any negative things online. Just be nice to one another :)
 
School Etiquette
  • You are expected to attend all your classes and maintain adequate grades.
  • Understand that you will need to find some balance between guard and school. Responsibility.
  • Just like at shows, you are representing our program.
  • Excessive skipping will result in a detention, referral, or removal from the program.
  • Do not bring any illegal substances to school. You know what they are. You will receive a criminal charge at school. Just be smart. Zero Tolerance will be strictly enforced.
Guard Room Etiquette
  • The Guard room will be kept clean, tidy, and organized at ALL TIMES! NO EATING ALLOWED IN THE GUARD ROOM!!! Food and drinks are to be consumed OUTSIDE of the guard room. Clean up crews will be established and will be done once a week. You will go in cycles.
  • When equipment is put away, it is put away neatly in its correct area.
  • Personal items that are kept in the guard room unattended are at their OWN risk. It is not the responsibility of the staff or instructors if any of your items are lost or stolen. Bring at your own risk.
Rehearsal Etiquette
  • It is imperative that you arrive to every rehearsal on time. If a practice is scheduled for 4:00, that is NOT the drop off time. Arrive at least 15 minutes early. The infamous saying of “early is on time and on time is late” still applies today!
  • There is to be NO TALKING during stretch block, while a figure of authority is talking/giving instruction, during rehearsals, between sets, during warmups, during meetings, or while we are spinning.
  • REHEARSALS ARE STRICTLY FOR CHS BAND MEMBERS ONLY!! Your significant other or anyone who is not a part of the program is not permitted to stay. If you do not ask them to leave, someone can kindly do it for you.
  • Appropriate attire must be worn at ALL TIMES!
  • What is “appropriate attire”?
  • Tank tops, crop tops (reasonable length), fitted or semi-loose shirts
  • Leggings or tights, athletic shorts, sweatpants (when it’s colder), appropriate undergarments.
  • Tights should NOT have holes, rips, or tears!
  • Kneepads are also wonderful to have, pavement will eat you up and we WILL be going on the ground :)
  • Athletic shoes, tennis shoes, no sandals, or flip flops.
  • Bring essentials for sun protection ex. Sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, bandanas, fans, cooling rags, etc.
  • Make sure you always look presentable!!!
Performance Etiquette
  • When we arrive at the designated show site, no matter where it is, no matter who is there, football game or competition, you are ALWAYS being watched!
Because of this, you begin your performance the second you step off the bus! All hair and makeup must be 100% done and approved BEFORE we reach the site. NO CURSING, RUDE COMMENTS, HORSE PLAYING, OR DISRESPECT TOWARDS OTHER MEMBERS, STAFF, OR OTHER GROUPS!!
When in uniform and at a show site, you are to be on your best behavior!
Remember, you are representing the Columbia Central Color Guard and ultimately the CHS Band.
  • All eating and bathroom runs must be done at least 15 minutes before a scheduled warm up.
  • We will have specific hairstyles and makeup for most performances (always for contests) so make sure you have your own makeup or a way of using makeup, boys included.
  • Stay aware of ALL meeting times and places. It is of the utmost importance that you report to the group and meeting place 10 minutes before the time given as we are on a tight schedule.
  • Failure to comply with any of these rules may result in you being excluded from the performance that night.
  • When in the stands during a performance you are to refrain from talking and you must show the utmost respect for the ensemble on the field. Clapping and cheering is encouraged. Respond the way you would want the audience to respond to you during your show.
 
Expectations & Friendly Reminders
  • Color Guard is a sport that requires athleticism, dedication, sportsmanship, spirit, cooperation, trust, patience, friendship, and above all else, fun.
  • This program is home to people of various backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. You will respect one another. Discrimination, body shaming, hatred, racism, sexism, homophobia, and transphobia are just some of the few things that will not cut it here. Love can go a long way so use it to its fullest advantage. Also, WE RESPECT PRONOUNS IN THIS HOUSE!
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help. It is LITERALLY our job to ensure that you are growing in this sport. We will do everything possible to make sure you are taken care of.
  • If you are frustrated or unsure of yourself, just breathe. You will not always get everything right the first time, or even the 10th time, but relax and be patient. Continue to practice and ask for help! Start being more comfortable with not being good at something right away, it’s fine to fail a few times. We are working to perfect our craft together.
  • You’ll be surprised how much you’ll have progressed by the end of the season.
  • Everyone needs to be 100% dedicated to this team, or the show won’t work the way it should. YOU AND ALL THAT YOU HAVE TO OFFER MATTERS!
  • Always strive to do better than you did the rehearsal before.
  • Believe in yourself! Sometimes, the most cliché sayings are the most true. Have confidence in anything you’re doing.
  • Laugh with your fellow teammates, smile when you perform, make long lasting memories, and just go for it! You’ve got nothing to lose. The season is entirely what you make it !
  • Be Professional! With this requirement, all we’re asking is for you to take things seriously! Don’t talk when we’re working, make sure you’re practicing your work outside of class/rehearsal time! Go full out in dance class! Strive to be the best you can be at any moment :)
 
Work hard and enjoy the journey. “No one ever said it was easy, they just said it would be worth it.”
 
 
Costs
  • Guard Fees will be $600.00 (please refer to the other sheets for cost breakdowns
  • Uniform (included in fee) = TBD roughly between $100.00 - $150.00
  • We will also be ordering rifles!
  • Guard fees will cover regional performances and championship fees, transportation fees, staff payment, uniforms, performance shoes, gloves, flags, equipment, and sometimes props (if needed).
 
Accepted Payment Methods
  • Check made payable to Columbia Central High School Band
  • Cash
  • Money Order
WE ARE HUMAN AND WE UNDERSTAND FINANCIAL ISSUES! PLEASE MAKE ARRANGEMENTS WITH MR. BAXTER AND WE WILL SEE WHAT WE CAN DO TO HELP YOU :)