What is Color Guard?

Series Summary

One of the most interesting parts of watching a marching band is the color guard. While the patterns of musicians rhythmically marching across the field may hypnotize, some of us may find our gaze broken by the frenetic twirling of brightly colored flags. The color guard has the unique responsibility to interpret the music through visual effects. These effects can range from flags, mock rifles, sabers, or even shields. Using a variety of colors, members of the color guard can set the mood of any marching band song. Due to the relationship between color guard and military drills, you have to practice to become a member of a color guard team. How many people do you know that can throw a flag ten feet in the air and catch it? There is a lot of work that goes into color guard routines. So, while there are many artistic elements to this sport, there is also a great deal of competition. Due to its increasing popularity, some have even suggested that it should become an Olympic sport.

In this free video series, learn how to do various color guard moves. Brittany Davis illustrates some of the different techniques for you to practice. She shows you how to toss, spin, and flourish a color guard flag. Brittany also shows you how to do some techniques with a rifle. By learning these moves, you can begin creating your own color guard routine. So, what are you waiting for? Start learning about the exciting world of color guard today!

Video Transcript

"Hi my name is Brittany Davis and today I'll be teaching Color Guard. I'll be doing both flag and rifle. I've been doing Color Guard for the past 6 years. I started in High School, in the 9th grade, at Sirius High School and I did two years there. I then transferred Silverado High School and I did two years there which I served as captain. Color Guard goes back really, really far back and we mostly march on the field with the football team and there we show our flags in school colors which really shows school spirit."