The McLean High School Color Guard is a vital component of the Band Program. This extra-curricular ensemble performs with the Marching Band in the fall and as an independent Winter Guard for the remainder of the year. We work to build leadership, confidence, and pride in our students and their achievements.

If you are interested in getting more information on interest meetings or auditions please email us at mcleanguard@gmail.com or check back for regular updates.

What is Color Guard?

Modern color guard has evolved over the years into a form of entertainment that's a form of Dance Theater. It uses props, along with movement, to express dynamic passages in the music accompanying the show. A color guard is traditionally the visual representation of the music. Modern color guards use a mix of ballet, jazz, modern, and contemporary dance styles along with flags, sabres, rifles, swing flags, and a few other pieces of equipment to create a show. Acrobatics such as tumbling and lifts are also used.

Winter guard is similar to outdoor color guard (marched with a drum corps or marching band), except the performances are indoors on gymnasium floors through the winter season. The traditional marching band music heard during fall season is replaced with a recording of various musical genres. The gymnasium floor typically is covered by an individually designed tarp (called a floor mat or floor by members) that generally reflects the show being performed on it. To learn more about winter guard go to wgi.org: http://bcove.me/zafoiq92

A few examples of what indoor guard or Winter Guard is like:

Traditional color guard first began during the English reign around the time of the American Revolution. A band would accompany the soldiers to play music to keep their spirits up and to keep them in beat. Along with the band, they also had a soldier holding a flag with their colors on it.