News
Mohonasen Color Guard in a category of its own
April 2008
The
Mohonasen Color Guard is entering into its 12th season. But, if you
ask most students or parents what the color guard actually is,
they’d most likely respond with, “I’m not sure.”
“Color guard is a perfect blend of theatrics and sports,” says Lori
Marshall, color guard director and developmental skills teacher at
Draper.
The Mohonasen Color Guard is a school club open to all students in
grades 8-12. In their performances, members tell a story through
dance as they spin flags and throw and catch rifles. Performances
are full of movement and music wrapped into one. The outdoor guard
usually performs alongside the marching band in a parade or on a
school field, and in the winter the indoor guard performs to
prerecorded music in a gymnasium or indoor arena.
At Mohonasen, the color guard is essentially self-funded. The Music
Parents, Band Boosters, parents and staff all provide financial
support and are loyal fans. Students in the guard even create their
own props and design their own costumes.
“We’re like a well-oiled machine,” said Marshall. “But, we can’t do
it without everyone.”
In general, the outdoor guard has about 20-30 girls who participate.
The winter guard is a more select group; this year there are 18 team
members.
A lot of Mohonasen Color Guard members go off to college to
participate in their college guard programs, or even start a college
program. Some even come back to help coach at Mohonasen, which is
how the Draper Middle School Color Guard feeder program was started
three years ago.
Each summer the outdoor guard starts practicing and also
participates in an intense two-week band camp. Winter guard
typically conducts three-hour practices on Wednesday nights and then
practices for five hours each Saturday before competitions. They
also practice on Sunday afternoons following competitions.
“You really have to be passionate about color guard because of the
time involved,” said Marshall. “As the director I have become so
connected with these kids. You’re their friend, confidant, and
family member.”
Color guard practices are just as rigorous as any other high school
sport or theater practice. Students work on strength and
conditioning, run through technical dance training, learn how to use
equipment properly and safely, and then pull all of their skills
together for a show.
The Mohonasen Color Guard is part of the Mid-York Color Guard Circuit.
At Mid-York competitions, teams are judged in
five different categories: ensemble (how well the team works
together), general effect (GE) I and GE II (how well the program is
tied together visually), equipment (how well the team uses proper
technique and safety precautions), and movement (how well the team
marches and dances).
The Mohonasen Indoor Winter Guard won the Mid-York Class A
Championship in 1997 and in 2003. In 2002, Mohonasen placed second,
and won third place honors in 2005. The 1998 and 2002 teams also won
the George O. Cowburn Award, which is awarded to the team that
displays the true spirit of color guard.
In addition, each year the New York Mid-York Color Guard Conference
awards a scholarship to a special high school senior color guard
member. Lori Marshall received the scholarship in 1998, Valerie del
Prado was awarded it in 2002, and Alan Schults won it in 2007.
While Mohonasen’s Color Guard has had a very successful 12-year
stretch, Marshall makes a point to say, “We’re not out there just to
win, it’s about the growing too.”
The Mohonasen Color Guard would like to extend a special thanks to
all of the Mohonasen staff, hardworking parents, and devoted fans
for their continued support and dedication to the program.
The Mid-York Championships will be held on April 5 and 6 at
Shenendehowa. See the Mohonasen Color Guard perform this Sunday,
April 6, at 1 p.m. at the Mid-York Championships!
