Winter Guard 2017-2018
Audition Info Packet
What is color guard?
A color guard is a group of performers that performs with the marching band during their half time show. Color guard members spin flag, rifle, saber and dance to visually enhance the music of the band’s show by adding color and character. Color guard is considered the sport of the arts!
Who can audition for color guard?
Anyone! As long as you will be at least a freshman at Abilene HS in the ‘17-’18 school year. Color Guard is considered a UIL activity-- meaning you must be passing all of your classes in order to participate. The AHS Color Guard is seeking hard working members who love to be part of a team! It is free to attend the prep camps and audition. Prep camps are required for new members.
Judge(s) will be looking for dance and equipment technique-- but more importantly, a willingness to learn and a friendly smile! Your progress and attitude will be observed throughout prep camps and the audition process. The AHS Color Guard strives to maintain an open and creative atmosphere while holding the standard for excellence high. Every person learns at their own pace! Veteran members will be present during prep camps to help auditionees individually.
During the ‘17-’18 fall semester all color guard members are required to attend morning rehearsals (daily, 7am) and be in the color guard class. New members should notify their counselor about being in the 7th period class.
What do I need to know for auditions?
-No experience is necessary! Dance or theatre background is preferred. All audition material will be covered at the prep camps (4-5:30pm-October 26th, November 13th, 14th, 15th, Audition day 16th. )
-Wear dance/ athletic clothes and shoes you feel comfortable moving around in! No jeans, skirts, tank tops, flip flops…
-Do you best to be early! Bring water! Stay hydrated!
-Bring your friends! Come see what we are all about!
When/ Where are the prep camps/ auditions? What will be taught?
- October 26th, November 13th, 14th, 15th 4-5:30pm in the AHS East Cafeteria.
-Auditions are Thursday, November 16th.
Detailed Schedule
-October 26th- Into to dance and flag
-Nov. 13th- Dance Technique (stretch sequence, center floor/ turns, across the floors) Flag Technique (Drop spins, extensions, windmill, windmill toss, pull hits, pop toss, flat toss)
-Nov 14th- Review Dance Technique, Review/ Finish Flag technique, begin learning audition routine
-Nov 15th- Review dance/ flag technique, focus heavily on audition routine.
So then how do auditions work?
Thursday Nov. 16th at 4pm, all auditionees (new and returning) will choose numbers at random. Auditionees will be called in groups of 4-5. While waiting on other groups, auditionees will be measured for uniforms. Everyone will perform the same routine for the same judge/ panel. Results will be posted on Monday, Friday November 17th. Each guard will have between 12 and 18 members.
If I make the winter/ color guard, then what happens next?
You need to be registered for the 7th period color guard class. We will practice every day for our winter/ spring show. You will also be graded on various aspects such as performance technique, show choreography and an end of the year choreography project
Required Dates
Winter Guard 2017-2018
Audition Info Packet
November
Prep camp- 6th- 4-5:30pm
Prep camp- 7th- 4-5:30pm
Prep camp- 9th- 4-5:30pm
Audition camp- 13th- 4-5:30pm
Audition camp- 14th- 4-5:30pm
Audition camp- 15th- 4-5:30pm
Auditions- 16th- 4-7pm
Technique camp- 27th- 4-8pm
City Sidewalks (fall members only)-28th- TBA
Technique Camp- 29th 4-5:30pm
Technique camp- 30th- 4-6pm
December
Staging camp- 1st- 4-8pm
Staging camp- 2nd 10-3pm
Rehearsal- 7th- 4-6pm
Design camp- 11th-4-7pm
Design camp- 14th- 4-7pm
Rehearsal- 18th- 4-8pm
January
Rehearsal- 8th- 4-8pm
Rehearsal- 11th- 4-6pm
Optional rehearsal- 15th- 10-2pm
Rehearsal-18th- 4-6pm
Rehearsal- 22nd- 4-8pm
Rehearsal- 25th- 4-6pm
Rehearsal- 29th- 4-8pm
February
Rehearsal- 1st- 4-6pm
Show- 2nd- TBA
Rehearsal- 5th- 4-8pm
Rehearsal- 8th- 4-6pm
Show- 9th- TBA
Rehearsal- 12th-4-5:30pm
Rehearsal- 19th- 4-8pm
Rehearsal- 22nd- 4-6pm
Rehearsal- 26th- 4-8pm
March
Rehearsal- 1st- 4-6pm
Show- 2nd- TBA
Rehearsal- 5th- 4-8pm
Rehearsal- 8th- 4-6pm
Rehearsal- 19th- 4-8pm
Rehearsal- 22nd- 4-6pm
Show- 24th
Rehearsal- 26th- 4-8pm
Rehearsal- 29th- 4-6pm
April
Rehearsal- 2nd- 4-8pm
Rehearsal/ Prep camp- 4-5:30pm
Show- 7th- SA Champs
Prep camp- 9th- 4-5:30pm
Prep camp- 10th- 4-5:30pm
Prep camp- 11th- 4-5:30pm
Audition camp- 16th- 4-5:30pm
Audition camp- 17th- 4-5:30pm
Audition camp- 18th- 4-5:30pm
Auditions- 19th- 4-5:30pm
Spring show dress rehearsal- 30th- 4-6pm
May
Spring show dress rehearsal- 3rd- 4-6pm
Spring show- 4th- 7pm
Mini camp- 7th- 4-5:30pm
Mini camp- 8th- 4-5:30pm
Mini camp- 9th- 4-5:30pm
Mini camp- 21st- 4-5:30pm
Mini camp- 22nd- 4-5:30pm
Mini camp- 23rd- 4-5:30pm
June
Workout Wednesday- 6th
Workout Wednesday- 13th
Workout Wednesday- 27th
Winter Guard 2017-2018
Audition Info Packet
Ok, how much is this going to cost?
New members should expect to spend $250-$400 their first season. This fee covers uniform, gloves, practice flag/ rifle, wind suit jacket/ pants, jazz shoes, pep/ travel wear, section shirt, duffel bag, flag bag, make up, equipment tape, rain poncho.... The first season is the most expensive. After your first season, you will not be required to buy most items again unless yours are in inoperative condition/ lost.
Payments can be made in installments throughout the winter. The first installment is due December 20th, 2017. This is the day uniforms will be ordered! The amount will depend on exactly what the member orders but will be approximately $200. Fundraising opportunities are available. Don’t let the money part scare you away!
What is the rehearsal/ performance schedule?
This calendar is still under construction and is subject to change but is fairly accurate. For more information on scheduling, see our calendar on eagleband.com. Winter season lasts from November to May. Most performances are on a Friday nights/ Saturdays. Some days are longer than others!
Once auditions have happened, we will release an OFFICIAL calendar for the Varsity/ JV
Name______ID______
Previous Performance experience (color guard, dance, theatre, ballet, etc….) ______
Current (Nov 17- May 18) Involvement in other activities (in school and out of school, jobs, etc...)- List Known Conflicts
______
INTERESTED IN AUDITIONING FOR (circle all that apply)
VARSITY JV
Interested in auditioning for (circle all that apply)
Flag Rifle Sabre Dance
Officer ----- > Logistical/ Performance
Position: ______
FOR DIRECTOR’S USE ONLY
Comments ______
Audition Number ______