Color Guard

The 12 Things Being A High School Color Guard Taught Me   –  by Lauren Rutledge 

1. You can perfect almost anything with just “one more time.” Now, as most band and guard kids know, “one more time” never actually means one more time. That “one more time” more often than not turns into 13 and a half more times, and by that point you’ve basically perfected whatever toss or combination you were struggling with. Since this has been a habit for four years of your life, now you can’t do anything just once.
2. It is possible to get dressed and look cute in less time than it takes to watch and episode on Netflix. Whether you were on a bus or in the bathroom of some school in the middle of nowhere, you mastered the art of getting ready in less than 20 minutes. Bobby pins littered the floor, the smell of hairspray was tangible, and you made a game out of who could put their tights on the quickest. Now, in no time you can wake up from your mid-afternoon nap, turn on the latest episode of “New Girl,” and look like you own the town.
3. Failure is inevitable. Accepting this simple fact made life so much easier. Instead of being afraid to release that daunting 45 toss or attempt that split leap, you just went for it. You knew that you wouldn’t get it right the first time. And that’s okay. What matters is that you tried, and you knew you’d do better next time. And while accepting failure’s mocking glance is hard, learning from your mistakes and persevering taught you much more than you could’ve ever imagined.
4. Smiling can change your perspective. You hear “Chins up! Smiles on!” countless times before a performance. You remember that through the sweat, mistakes, and equipment changes that the only thing the audience really sees is your smile. Your enthusiasm and energy for the performance. Life isn’t much different. You might be having a bad run or a bad day, but how you present yourself and view the day determines how you feel at the end of it. No matter how many times you dropped your rifle or got off count, if you were smiling at the end and gave it everything you had, you probably thought it was a good run.
5. You are stronger than you give yourself credit for. There isn’t really a type of weather that you haven’t spun in, right? Humid heat, frigid winter air, rain, maybe even snow. You’ve suffered through early morning rehearsals and late-night band camps. And you’ve survived. Even the morning workouts that tested you and the 15-minute run-throughs that pushed you to your breaking point. You survived them all, and you got stronger. You’re going to go through similarly difficult situations for the rest of your life. And you’ll conquer those too, growing stronger with each one.
6. Your instructors actually do know best. You’ve rolled your eyes at their odd and seemingly random techniques, like making you stand on your knees so you wouldn’t jump under your rifle tosses. They made you repeat phrases to scrutinize your free hand, they made you learn dance sequences on the left side to increase your versatility. And yet, all of these strange and extreme techniques worked. They made you a better performer and a better person, teaching you to be flexible and appreciative of the people that chose to give you their time.
7. Laughter is the best camera. This may sound like a weird thing to have learned. But think back to your favorite memories from guard. Weren’t they usually accompanied by laughter? You didn’t always need to take a picture to remember the frigid fall nights sitting on the bleachers, waiting for awards to begin. You remember the laughter that would resonate on buses and during stretch block and while eating dinner. You valued those little moments of laughter that characterized your time in guard, and value the moments that have yet to happen. Expect them, and appreciate them.
8. You hold yourself back more than anything else ever could. You’ve gone through several phases where there was one specific toss you just couldn’t get. You tried and tried, and if you’re like me, you probably gave it up for a while in order to focus on another fancy new toss. I normally gave up on myself before I could fully grasp that toss. But maybe that next attempt at nailing it would have been the one. You can’t give up on yourself before you get the chance to fully embrace your skill. Because, after all, you were good. And you knew it. So embrace life with the expectation that you can do anything if you try hard enough.
9. Discipline is one of the greatest traits to have. You mastered the art of freezing under your tosses and standing at attention during awards block. You managed to remain in set while that menacing drip of sweat was sliding down your back. And now, you can probably withstand much more stress than you thought possible. Guard taught you discipline and, like me, you probably didn’t realize it until you saw that discipline in action either at work or in school.
10. Believe it or not, exercise can be fun. After two weeks of band camp each summer for four years, you were used to morning workouts. Yes, you’d complain about it. But when it came time to do lunges and burpees, you managed to be okay. Probably because your best friends were there suffering with you. Even now, exercise can still be fun if you tolerate the pain with those that can push and encourage you.
11. There aren’t many mistakes that can’t be fixed. Whether it was a bad run, a broken finger, or a ruined relationship, you moved on and survived each awkward encounter or mistake. Maybe you made a friend mad, royally screwed up your solo, or even forgot a piece of your uniform. But it ended up okay, didn’t it? This taught you that you’re allowed to mess up, and forgiveness is possible if you ask for it.
12. Friends are forever. This is the most important lesson you learned in guard. Through the ups and downs, the tears and bruises, the wins and losses, your friends always had your back. They were there when you had a fight with that cute boy in the drumline, and they were there each time you managed to lose all of your bobby pins. They are there now, too. Wherever you are in life, those friends will have your back if you call them. They’ll be ready to talk about life, relive the “good times,” and maybe even do an impromptu practice session to make sure you don’t lose your skills. Through it all, they are with you.

Please take the time to watch this important message!

Interviews of  parents from various band programs – Great perspectives of the importance of being in music.

We have been selected out of over 600 applicants for one of the 12 positions to represent not only the tai-state area but the entire east coast. We are the only band representing the all of the states from Maine into Georgia.  Please Enjoy the Link – 2019_Sizzle Reel

Sign up instructions are on last page – Remember – All 8th grade band members must be signed up ASAP

Link  –  Student Trip Itinerary and Sign-up Instructions

This is the trip parents should sign up for if they are interested in traveling to Pasadena for the Tournament of Roses trip. Be advised the parents will not be traveling with the Band. This trip is parallel to the student itinerary and will take you to all of the performances. For additional information, please click on the link below. The decline is fast approaching. PARENTS SHOULD NOT SIGN UP ON THE STUDENT TRIP.

Link  –   Friends and Family Trip Itinerary and Sign-up Instructions

PARENT SURVIVAL SUPPLEMENTAL 

We are very excited that your family has chosen to participate with one of the most successful band programs in Pennsylvania. The Downingtown West Blue & Gold Marching Band has a successful tradition of excellence spanning over 60 years. This will be a unique and rewarding experience for both you and your student.

This supplement has been put together to assist both the student and parent. The band and guard programs provide many great opportunities for your student. As with all great programs, there is a lot of preparation and support required to make everything work. We know each year many questions will arise. This handbook has been designed to help answer many of the concerns. If you are unable to find the answer to your question, please contact one of the Downingtown High Schools Music Parents Association Officers. Have a great year!

BAND MEMBERS SHARE WISDOM AND SURVIVAL TIPS

The Top 25 Things You Should Know as a Student

1. ALWAYS be on time, which really means 10-15 minutes early.
2. When in doubt, stop talking. No really – it’s that simple.
3. Show respect to everyone and listen to what “veterans” have to say. They’re probably right. A “vet” is usually defined as a 3^rd or 4^th year member.
4. Don’t expect to know everything the first day. Even people who have marched before still have things a lot to learn. No one has all of the answers. You will be fine!
5. Make sure you are doing everything correctly. Try your hardest and never accept anything less from yourself or for
6. You job is not to criticize others. If you hear Mr. Otto say, “There are no “J.i.’s”, he is referencing Junior Instructors.
7. Take things seriously, but not TOO seriously.
8. Knowing your material as an individual is as important as being able to play in the ensemble. Just because you know your music as an individual does not equate to knowing it as an ensemble.
9. We are very good at what we do because we can focus when we need to. Focus is not an option
10. Stay well rested, fed, and hydrated. You are responsible for you. If you re supposed to bring water – BRING WATER. You know your limitations and needs.
11. Always have all your materials on you or close enough that you can get them quickly. You should never have to walk back to the band room during an outside rehearsal.
12. Know how to work, but also know how to relax. Know that the two NEVER occur at the same time, EVER.
13. Keep up on your schoolwork. Take every opportunity to do your homework. On the bus, extra time in class, at appointments — do whatever it takes. Be as productive as possible. Missing a rehearsal for homework seems like a good idea or an easy way to solve a time management problem but in the long run you will then be behind in band. It will cause you to take up time from everyone so you can catch up, all because you failed with your time management skills. See how the “snowball effect” happens?
14. “A Lack of Responsibility on Your Part Does not Constitute an Emergency on the Part of Others”…unknown (especially the other members, your parents and the staff)
15. You will be called out eventually. Don’t be afraid. When it happens, just speak up and don’t worry about being wrong.
16. Always trust the instructors. Especially when you think they aren’t right. They are rarely wrong.
17. You may want to quit. But DON’T!
18. Hard work and excellence isn’t for everyone. Did all of your friends join? What are they doing instead? Colleges look for band on your resume! It shows you are a part of something bigger which uses ALL of the skills they value.
19. When your friends did not sign up for band and you did, know you made the right decision.
20. Your attitude is more important than your skill.
21. Never be the “except for me” person. You will gain a lot of respect if you deal with the same situations at the same time. Everyone has the same amount of schoolwork and the same amount of band responsibilities.
22. STEM and Downingtown West both have high standards. Neither school is any more difficult than the other. Neither school will get you in any higher of a college. The data shows this to be 100% accurate. What will get you into a high level college is your hard work, your grades and activities, which the colleges already know, takes dedication – band. Need proof; at our Spring concert each year, the seniors of both schools announce what schools they will be attending and what their majors are going to be. Over the past six years, BOTH schools have students attending MIT, Virginia Tech, University of Alabama, University of Delaware, The Naval Academy, West Point, University of Pennsylvania, West Chester University, UMASS, University of West Virginia, Penn State University, University of South Carolina,……and BOTH schools have students majoring in pre-med, engineering (environmental, chemical, aeronautical,..), robotics, business, education,…and the list could go on. There is ONE band but many important lives; each with a dream and goal!! This is why band is GREAT!
23. “If you say you can’t do something or you say you can do something, you will always be right.” Think about that statement. Don’t let yourself down.
24. Keep up your charmsoffice.com account information
25. If your parents are helping with the band, you rarely see them. Don’t worry about their assistance. Plus, they ­­usually have money on them if they travel with us………..(from a senior band member)

The Top TEN Things You Should Know as a Band Parent (from other parents “over the years”)

 Your student is probably more capable than you realize. Even if you have all the time in the world, you will start to feel like a personal servant if you don’t ask your kids to take some responsibility for their own stuff. Water jugs, lunches, props, and laundry — it never ends. Your student can make a sandwich, fill up a water jug, and set out their ‘stuff’. If you are inclined, help them create checklists so that they remember everything they need to bring. It will be a lot of stuff, so be ready.

1. Get out of the car and come join us. Adults can enter the band room without ill effect! Be respectful of practices going on, but come on in and see what is happening. Frequently, there are parents working on projects or hanging around. It is a great time to make introductions and let people know you are new to the band program and would like to get involved. Park the car and come down to the field. The last 15-20 minutes of practice will be a run through of what the kids have learned so far. Thursday nights are the traditional nights to view, but you will find parents watching at any practice. Watching the evolution of the band and the kids is really inspiring. Speaking of parking: DO NOT PARK IN THE Lower Lot near the band room. You may have become accustomed to dropping off your student near the band room but for all of the students safety, do not park in the lower lot when picking up. When the kids come off of the practice field, many of them have instruments they have to push up to the band room through the parking lot. Leave that space free to make the process run smoothly. Join the welcoming crowd outside and come on in to see what all the excitement is about! The kids love the encouragement.
2. Learn to manage your time and teach your student how to manage theirs. You WILL be busy — especially from August until the middle of November. You will receive calendars in emails, but you MUST find a way to keep track of everything. More importantly, your student will have to balance band and school work. Most of the band kids are honor students, and the time management skills they learn will help them throughout their life. EVERYONE WANTS TO GET GOOD GRADES. Not being a part of the band because you want to get good grades implies two things: 1) others don’t want good grades and 2) colleges do not value your time in band. Both are simply not close to being true. Remember, this is high school and all things will have a different level of rigor than middle school.
3. Bring cash, warm clothes and something to sit on. Most school functions require that you bring cash. Competitions charge admission, anywhere from $7 to $12 per person. Children under 5 are usually admitted free. You MUST bring cash. Concessions are cash only, as are some souvenir vendors.
4. Take care of your Chaperones and “Rhoadies.” If you would make a drawing of the perfect Chaperone or Rhoadie, she/he would have six arms, three heads, and a heart of pure gold. Remarkably, Chaperones and Rhoadies accomplish amazing things without the extra appendages. These are the people who help fit/dress your student, fix their hair, move percussion instruments/props, load and unload trucks and possible even wash their socks. They dispense wisdom, encouragement and snacks with laughter and generosity. They are the people on the front lines who make sure your student is ready to go on the field. This is a job that deserves far more recognition than most understand, so please ask how you can assist.
5. Band Directors are people, too. But they are BUSY people. They work long hours and their main focus is the kids. If you have a specific concern about your child and the band program, set up a time to discuss it. If you need general information, directors are probably not your best resource. Try a fellow parent first, another Band Booster. On another note: Marching band requires dedication and discipline from your student. The job of the directors is to help your student excel in band. Directors speak loudly, pointedly and sometimes without pleasantries. When mistakes are made, especially due to inattention or lack of effort, there are consequences. Try to relax and allow the process to work. Encourage your student to do their best, listen, and work hard. Everyone wants your child to be successful. You will learn this as you move through the season. It is great preparation for college. Students have to be advocates for themselves. This process will help them learn self-advocacy. When they get to college, parents are out of the equation with regards to communication with the professors and other instructors. High school is supposed to be the metamorphosis period.
6. We can’t do it without you—volunteer and come to the booster meetings. You will be asked to commit time, energy, donations and the band fees to the band program. Unlike many sports programs, the DWest Blue & Gold band must have parent volunteers for the programs to run smoothly but to exist,….. plus it is the best way to get to know the other parents. Plan to attend as many Booster meetings as you can. They are only once a month for about an hour. Mr. Otto usually addresses the parents with updates on the show and will answer parent questions. It is time well spent. Regarding volunteering; no experience necessary. No, REALLY! There are tasks that require specific skills, but most opportunities do not. If you can pull a soda from a cooler, take tickets at a gate, use scissors, sew or build props, count money, drive truck (especially if you have a CDL for the one truck) – you have all the skills you need. Better yet, there is so much to do, you are bound to find something you actually enjoy doing. You will be helping YOUR band immensely and have fun doing it. Trust us, we’ve been there.
7. Use CHARMS and READ YOUR EMAIL. This could be said a thousand times and still not be said enough. As the season progresses, you will get multiple messages each week. READ THEM. CHECK YOUR EMAIL DAILY. You may not always completely understand the emails, but READ THEM. It is your responsibility to keep your contact information up to date in charms. You have that access and ability.
8. Yes, it’s worth it! All of the rides, time, and effort that as a parent, you put into getting your child to practices are worth every second. You may not be able to appreciate that in the beginning. Your student may get discouraged at first. There is a lot of repetition, hot sweaty days, failures, and disappointments. Then the show starts to come together and everything changes. There is a new energy, a new excitement. This is the point where they will either LOVE band, or plan a different activity next year. Most of the kids LOVE band by the end of the season. Make them tough it out for the whole season. It will be worth it. If they quit when it gets a bit tough, it might start a habit. One school really makes it easy to quit – and because it is easy to do so; it does not make it necessarily a good idea. The remaining members have to pick up the slack when someone quits. “Following through” is a character builder, not just for themselves but for the entire group. Peer respect goes a long way when entering into high school. If you want your child to be dedicated and successful, then surround him or her with dedicated and successful people. Band is made up of dedicated and successful students and a staff who are all dedicated toward a common goal. Excellence and hard work isn’t for everyone BUT it can be. You are the deciding factor!
9. A “Stick to it” attitude is catchy. You get more with a positive attitude and a smile. You will enjoy life more. It takes more muscles to create a frown than it takes to create a smile!

CharmsInstructions

Recordings for you. Use these for practice!