October - Giles High School

Chelsea Booth, Ashley Estep, and Alex Brehm
practice their routine during fourth period in the
auditorium.
sometimes get aggravated with each other at practices, we leave our
problems at the door. We come together and support the football
team. For example, when the band plays Thriller or The Fight Song,
Colorguard stands on the bleachers and screams and cheers no matter
what. Basically, somewhere along the way we forgive each other and
just have a blast.
However, Colorguard isn’t just fun and games. Being a member
of Colorguard takes more than slapping on some make-up, getting
dressed up in sparkly outfits, and twirling a flashy flag. It takes up a
huge amount of time. Practicing constantly is the key ingredient. The
only way to memorize the routines is by practicing for long periods
of time. No matter the bruises, the bumps, the jammed fingers, or the
weather, practice continues after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays!
It takes time to learn dances and routines, especially for the new
members. So it requires patience, tons of it. Captain Heather Katz
said, “By being captain for two years, I learned you need patience.
You have to work with people and realize that everybody has
different abilities. If you don’t take the time to work with everyone,
Colorguard by Chelsey Williams
Over the past few years, Giles High School Colorguard has consisted
of few members. Last year there were only five. So it was a bit of a surprise
when 14 girls joined Colorguard this year. Why did so many join? “I joined
because it looked fun and exciting,” said Ashley Estep, “It is exciting to
know that you’ll be the visual effects, especially for The Phantom of the
Opera directed by Kevin White.”
From the beginning of summer, Colorguard had to participate in
several weeks’ worth of camps and practices. A few weeks after school let
out for the summer, the Fundamentals Camp started. We covered the basics
such as how to march with our flags and how to perform fundamental
moves used regularly in routines. Colorguard Camp came soon after. We
learned our first two routines for The Phantom of the Opera. The last camp
that Colorguard attended was Band Camp. It was probably the hardest of
all. During the week long camp we put marching, the routine, and the sets
together.
Personally, I think being a part of Colorguard is like being in a big
family
with only
sisters.
Even
though we
Cierra Riggs, Sara Stallings, Heather Katz, Chelsea Booth,
Chelsey Williams, Brianna Boone, Alex Brehm, Katie
Davis, Katie Meredith, Elizabeth Meredith, Mascot Matt
Perkins, Amber Hurley, Rose Glarner, and Ericka Cottle
pose for a group picture after an energetic pep rally.
Photo by Courtney Songer
there will be a serious problem. We wouldn’t be able to perform as well as we are capable of achieving.” Although it is very time
consuming and involves more than a little effort, I don’t regret joining Colorguard. I love it.”
4
Captain Heather Katz stresses the
importance of patience.