Color Guard / Winter Guard

When are fees due for color guard?

• We will follow the band fee schedule, as outlined in the marching band information packet, with the exception of the two first camp and clinic payments. The two payments listed as being due on April 1st and May 1st, need to be paid by the first day of band camp, on July 29th. If you ever have questions about fees, what you have paid, what you need to pay, etc. please constant Jen Worthen @ [email protected].
• All fees must be paid before getting on the bus for our California tour. If not, students will not be allowed to participate.
• Students are encourage to participate in as many fundraisers as possible. There are many fundraisers available to help students earn their fee money.

Why are there more fees for color guard than for marching band?

• For the fall season, the color guard does have an additional fee for their uniforms and flags, which is added into the total number outlined in the marching band information packet. Band members do pay their instruments and instrument supplies throughout the year, it just is separate from the overall marching band fees.

What additional supplies does my student need?

• Students who are spinning weapons are required to have a set of color guard gloves. Students spinning flags are not required, but recommended, to have the same gloves. When taken care of, gloves can last students many years. You can find these gloves by searching “nude color guard gloves” on Amazon, and I will also be providing links later into the season.
• Students will also need a pair of jazz shoes to march and perform in. Again, when taken care of, these shoes can last students many years. I will be providing links to those later into the season.
• Students will need a flag bag to carry their equipment to and from practice in. These can be purchased on Amazon, or they can be sewed. I can provide links and patterns. Students can also choose to share a flag bag with a friend, if cost is a concern. 

When are practices and are they the same as the band?

• During the week of May 28th-June 1st, we will have practice form 3:30-5:30 on that Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. We will then march in the South Jordan Parade on that Saturday, June 1st. If you have any conflicts with this, please just let us know ASAP.
• Our regular practices begin the first week of June and be held every Tuesday and Thursday from 9-12 at Bingham. These practices will continue until the band begins rehearsals on July 9th, at which point we will follow the marching band practice schedule, throughout July and into the start of school.  
• Once school starts, practices will be held Mondays from 6:00-9:30, and Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3:30-6:30.
• This schedule will occasionally change due to holidays and conflicts with practice spaces. A full scheudle breakdown can be found on the calendar @ binghambands.org.

 Why is the color guard practicing in June?

• Color guard is a skill that many students are learning for the first time. We have decided to hold rehearsals in June to help students master this skill.

What happens if my student needs to miss a practice?

• We understand the summer is busy and students have other commitments. We ask though that if a student is in town, they are at practices. If they need to miss, they will need to communicate an absence to the coaches and their captains. The two weeks of band camp are mandatory. 
• Once school starts, students need to be at rehearsals and attendance is counted towards their overall grade. In the event a student needs to miss, we ask that it be communicated to us ahead of time, except in extreme circumstances. Our main priority is communication.
• We will have a new system in place for students to make-up the time they missed when absent. These will be communicated to students once the season gets started. 

How do we communicate with students and parents?

• For color guard specific information, we ask that students download an app called “The Band App,” if possible. This app is used to immediately communicate announcements, changes, information, ect. with students. We also keep an updated calendar on the app for students to refer to.
• Additionally, we have a Band App group set up for parents, so they can receive the same information, but without all the chatter from students. :) 
• During the school year, I try to send out an email every 2ish weeks with upcoming needed information. 
• This year, the marching band will be setting up an “Announcement Only” GroupMe to help communicate to students. More information on that will be forthcoming.