Flying flags and rifles at halftime during the school’s football games may seem foreign to some students at MTHS, but to those performers, all they dream of is to catch.
Color guard, a sport of the arts, serves as a visual representation of the music played by the marching band during halftime games, pep rallies and showcases. It weaves together elements of jazz, ballet and gymnastics to perform a routine, along with props such as flags, sabres and rifles. The activity takes place during the fall season and supports the football team with school spirit in the bleachers. Additionally, they perform in showcases to other marching bands.
Color guard is open to anyone, whether or not they have dance experience. It specializes in building community and connections and is especially helpful for rising freshmen looking to find a familiar face and community before the school year begins.
Color guard clinics were freshman Alicia Capaldi’s first impression of Manheim Township. Transferring from Conestoga Valley, she was unsure of how to feel about the change.
“I felt nervous about joining a new school district,” says Capaldi. “Color guard helped ease my way into high school by meeting people who could help me make friends. It’s a creative and fun sport that helps you make friendships that last and you get to gain more confidence.”
Going into my third year of being a member of the MTMB color guard, I’ve experienced firsthand how the sport allowed me to make new friends and have another place to call home. Even though the activity is time consuming and requires ample patience and discipline, it teaches you lessons in the process.
Mr. Siegel, director of the Manheim Township marching band since 2008, believes that marching band and color guard are a necessary part of the school.
“Graduates of our marching band develop the ability to multitask, develop self-discipline, understand teamwork, learn how to represent themselves in a professional manner and develop leadership skills,” says Siegel. “All these skills translate into successful college experiences and prepare students for a life as adults.”
I’ve jammed my thumb, bruised my arm and have had quite a few scares during my time participating in color guard, but no sport comes without a few scratches along the way. Without the occasional blood, lots of sweat and even more tears, the activity builds strength and bonds that are difficult to break. The beauty of color guard is its own allure.
Paige Paules, MTMB’s color guard instructor for 16 years, was a Manheim Township graduate herself after transferring from East Pennsboro High School. A terrified student herself, she found a safe place in Township’s color guard.
“Color guard is truly an activity that is achievable by virtually everyone. You don’t have to have any experience to become great at it!” says Paules. “It’s an activity that is open for all who are willing to learn and take a chance on themselves. And the rewards of learning to spin a flag or a rifle, to dance, to march, to perform are infinite and long lasting.”
Joining color guard, or even just trying it out during their spring clinics, is something you will not regret. Though different from any other activity at school, by signing up and dedicating yourself to the art you will be guaranteed a team you can count on, an activity that will keep you on your toes (literally) and a newfound appreciation for the harder things in life.
The color guard at MTHS is currently holding clinics from March through mid-May. You can find all of the clinic dates, registration information and general information here. Examples of the shows that the marching band and colorguard perform can be found on the MTMB YouTube channel.
