How to Become a Color Guard Instructor

Becoming an instructor is a great way to turn your love of color guard into a profession. Instructors are often former color guard performers who have demonstrated a talent for choreography, an understanding of all equipment, routines and body movement and an ability to pass that information onto others. Read on to learn how to become a color guard instructor.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Get experience by joining a high school color guard or winter guard program as a student. Many instructors have high school color guard experience, as well as marching band, dance and cheerleading experience.

2. Join a performance group. Many camps and schools recruit through organizations such as the Blue Devils. Learn about the Blue Devils and how to apply for membership on their website. See the Resources section below for a link.

3. Become a summer camp instructor. It is a great way to get experience that can be valuable when searching for a full-time position. Contact organizations that offer summer programs such as MA Auxiliaries and apply for a position on the "Staff" page of their website. See the Resources section below for a link.

4. Become a high school color guard instructor. Search online for job openings in your area. Most require no certifications, but do require an ability to choreograph routines and proficiency with all movements and equipment. Some require previous experience as a color guard instructor and/or college credits.

5. Contact color guard organizations throughout the country for instructor needs in their area. Find directories on the Dance Cheer website. See the Resources section below for a link.

6. Become a freelance instructor. Many organizations hire freelance choreographers to create routines. As color guard becomes more popular, more opportunities are opening up all over the country.

7. Gain leadership experience by becoming captain of your high school color guard. Captains often are required to audition and may be asked to choreograph a routine. You usually need at least a year of experience before going out for captain and may have to interview and write an essay to be considered for the position. In addition to technique and color guard abilities, other components such as grades and community involvement may be considered.

8. Coach your own team. Some high schools may have students who are interested in color guard, but not the budget. Recruit interested students and perform as an independent unit.

Tips & Warnings

• Approach local schools and ask about starting a color guard as part of their marching band program.
• Find out about instructor positions by networking with other color guard enthusiasts through message boards online.

Resources

• Information on Camps on the MA Auxiliaries Website
• Color Guard Organizations on the Dance Cheer Website
• Blue Devils Website

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[dalekeeney]

on 1/23/2009 I have been a color guard instructor since 1977. I am looking for a guard that might need some help? All the groups I teach win trophies and awards!! My lats HA won the most outstanding section of the band
dale keeney
[e-mail]