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Color Guard & Winter Guard

Auditions for 2012-13
The Providence Catholic Color Guard Flag and Dance Team will be having auditions on Wed. 5/23/12 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

In preparation for the auditions there will be three workshops for interested students, Mon. 5/14 and Thur. 5/17 and Mon. 5/21 all from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

This year we are pleased to announce a new coach joining our team; Mrs. Jen Ward will be bringing 20 years of Dance experience to our group.

Please contact Mrs. Ward jen.ward26@comcast.net at or Mr. Wiles at dwiles@providencecatholic.org to let us know that you will be attending or for more information. You can also call at (815) 717-3152.

Color Guard FAQs

It is a co-ed group which performs with the marching band. The color guard is a non-musical section that provides “color” and visual effects to the performance. The marching band and color guard performance generally takes place on a football field while the color guard interprets the music that the marching band is playing via the spinning of flags, sabers, rifles, or other pieces of equipment, or through dance. The color guard uses different colors and styles of flags to enhance the visual effect of the marching band as a whole. (Excerpts taken from Wikipedia)

What does the Celtic Color Guard do at Providence Catholic High School?
The color guard performs with the marching band during football games (including home playoff games), parades and competitions (including the Illinois State Marching Championships).

Who can join Celtic Color Guard? Do I need experience?
Anyone who will be enrolled in Providence Catholic High School when the school year begins can join this includes both girls and boys. No experience is necessary, dance experience is preferred. Beginners are welcome and will be evaluated through spring auditions and the summer program.

When are practices and where are they held?
Practices take place at Providence, either in the band room or outside (field, tennis court, football field, etc.). Tryouts are held in the spring with practices beginning in the summer. Those who make the squad will be required to participate during the summer as well as attend full band camp and drill camp.. We will be working 2-3 times a week. Once school begins, practices will be held on Monday from 4pm – 6pm and on Wednesday’s with the band from 5:45 – 9pm. On Game Days, Color Guard rehearses with the Band after school from 3:00pm-4:00pm on Fridays with at 5:45pm call time for pre-game. Note: Celtic Color guard starts in the summer, before school begins.

How long is the season? How many performances are there?
The season begins in June and runs through the middle to end of October. Performances begin at the end of August. There are generally 3 to 5 football games, 3 to 5 competitions (on Saturdays or Sundays), and 1 to 3 parades (throughout the year).

Can I participate in other sports/clubs/activities while I do color guard?
Yes you can. But please remember that Color Guard will take up much of your time. Color Guard’s success is based on precision and team work. You will be expected to be at all practices, games, competitions, parades and other events. Please see the Color Guard Guidelines for further information. Remember, Marching Band members cannot participate in Color Guard (they are on the field at the same time)!!

Winter Guard FAQs

What is Winter Guard?
Winter guard is similar to outdoor Celtic Color Guard (see above), except performances are indoors on gymnasium floors through the winter season. The traditional marching band seen during the fall season is replaced with a recording of any type of music. The gym floor can be covered by a tarp and there may be backdrops/panels to set a “stage”. Like in color guard, the guard interprets the music via the spinning of flags, sabers, rifles, or other pieces of equipment, or through dance. (excerpts taken from Wikipedia)

What does Providence Catholic High School winter guard do?
The winter guard performs at competitions throughout southern Wisconsin, Northern Illinois, and Northwest Indiana.

Who can join winter guard? Do I need experience?
Anyone who is enrolled in Providence Catholic High School can join this includes both girls and boys. No experience is necessary, dance experience is preferred. Beginners are welcome and will be evaluated for participation.

Do I have to participate in color guard to join winter guard?
No, winter guard is a separate activity. Celtic Color Guard is not a prerequisite but is preferred.

How long is the season? How many performances are there?
The season begins in November and runs through the end of March. Performances begin at the end of January. There are generally 5 to 6 performances.

Can I participate in other sports/clubs/activities while I do winter guard?
Yes you can. Please remember that Winter Guard is a big time commitment. If a student thinks it may be a big issue they should speak to the instructor to see if both activities can be done. Marching band members who could not participate in Celtic Color Guard can join Winter Guard!!