Keeping up with Color Guard

The Antioch Community High School color guard is a section of the marching band that adds movement and a story to the halftime performance. According to the The History of Color Guard, the activity came from Switzerland and evolved into the high school tradition that is known today. Color guard is an integral part of school ceremonies and spirit events so members work hard to be their best in each performance.

“The hardest part of color guard would probably be the tosses and learning how to control your body,” sophomore Cheyenne Shefka said. “It’s muscle memory that you have to gain.”

Although it can be challenging, the bonds made within color guard can last a lifetime. Practicing to execute unified movements is something that takes a great amount of teamwork. Members have to be in time with one another and the band, all while maintaining creative movements.

“The students [create] parts of the choreography,” color guard coach Tina Bairstow said. “I would say that the stuff they came up with was so much better than anything I would have come up with.”

Being on color guard requires an open mind to new ideas because many do not join until high school. Holding up the tradition of color guard takes immense skill and coordination to avoid injury. Members must challenge themselves to make the movements look effortless and clean.

“Learning something that a lot of people don’t know how to do is special to me,” Shefka said.

The ACHS color guard works hard to overcome challenges, and adapt to any changes thrown at them. Being a member means dedication and perseverance to maintain the colorful routines seen at halftime.