Hamilton County Senior High’s Color Guard program is still in its infancy after a 15 year hiatus, but in just its third year, the seven member squad (with only two returning members) is headed to state this Saturday. Head Coach Lindsay Hansen describes just what Color Guard is.
We perform 3-minute shows on a gym floor to pre-recorded music. We utilize 6 feet tall flags and incorporate them into dance performances.
Hamilton County launched its program after Hansen, working in the guidance office at the school at the time saw an opportunity and interest. Seasons start in August with a parade team which Hansen describes as a light and fun learning experience where kids can decide if they want to be on the competitive team. Judges throughout the season are looking for both hitting marks and how engaging the show is. Hansen explains.
We have two separate scores for each performance…a general effect and an execution score. Each score is out of 50 points totaling 100 so in order to qualify for state, you have to score 80 points. If you scored under 80, you can still win first place and have the highest score and not get a state bid. That’s a common question. Our general effect really focuses on the show and the concept…how we communicate what we’re doing and what you feel when you’re watching it. Execution really critiques the how. How the movements are being completed, are they unified as a team, are they using the equipment properly. We have to focus on technique a lot to avoid injury. When you’re flinging a 6 foot pole around you can get hurt pretty good. And when they’re completing their dance skills, are they using proper technique and good form throughout.
The team won first for both Lyrical with their Pure Imagination show inspired by the music from Willy Wonka and also the Precision division with a Paint It Black performance and qualified for state with both routines.
And now they have a long day ahead of them Saturday in Springfield where they’ll compete against all Single A teams for a Grand Champion title. In all, there will be almost 200 performances. Hansen says the squad’s goal is simply to give it their all and to shoot for their best performance yet.
Hansen says the school has been supportive and building the program hasn’t been difficult. And while not a traditional sport, she says it was an important part of her high school career and she sees how it’s going to benefit these students far into their future with real life skills.
I can’t imagine my high school years without it. That’s where all my memories kind of stick. I feel like it’s a unique sport. Everyone is vital. If we have someone sick, we don’t have a bench to pull from. We have a hole and it’s noticeable. So everyone is equally important and the respect and teamwork that builds from that is just really fun to watch grow in the girls.
Even if a trip to Springfield this Saturday isn’t possible for you this weekend, you can still find performances on the group’s facebook page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555518119496. There will also be a Friends and Family night planned for Wednesday, February 25th to celebrate the end of this year’s season.