These are fall positions only with an option of staying for Winter Guard Season.

When the marching band performs, listen to the audience and you'll hear lots of gasps, sighs, "wows", and cheers when the color guard pulls out a new flag or tosses a rifle, making it turn 2, 3, 4, 5 or even 6 rotations.  Marching bands are rated based upon not only their musicianship, but also on the "visual effect" they create on the football field.  A big part of that visual effect comes from the Color Guard.  The Color Guard interprets the music visually, using movement, costumes, flags & props.  They are rated based upon their technical prowess and coordination in spinning and tossing flags, rifles and sabres. 

Students who join CHS Color Guard typically enjoy movement or dance, take pride in learning new skills, and enjoy being part of a tightly knit group while also getting the CHS marching band experience.   Just like band members, they earn PE credit for fall semester and fine arts credit for spring semester.  They can letter in "the sport of the arts" and try out for leadership positions. 

The CHS Color Guard is an integral part of the marching band during the fall semester, but during spring semester they function separately from the band, competing in Winter Guard competitions across Texas and at the Winter Guard World Championships. Winter Guard performs in the more intimate forum of gymnasiums rather than football fields, and uses recorded music rather than live music.   Band members can earn points towards lettering in band by serving as the "floor crew" during Winter Guard season.  The floor crew pulls out the floor tarp and sets up props just before our team competes.

This year, the CHS Color Guard will march approximately its performance artists under the direction of veteran guard director Mr. James Thomas and assistant director, Maddie Garrett.  Ms. Garrett was the lieutenant captain for the 2004-2005 CHS Color Guard and went on to compete in the "Independent Open" (college level) class of color guards as a member of the Black Gold team.  Black Gold took 1st place at the 2006 North Texas Colorguard Association championships and 7th place at the  Winter Guard World Championships.

How does one join the Color Guard? 
Through an audition process.  Although candidates need to be able to count out the beat, no prior musical experience or dance experience is required.  The basic moves are taught during the tryout camp and candidates are rated, in part, on their execution of those moves. 

Although it's relatively easy to audition for the group, participating takes hard work.  Physical coordination, stamina, and concentration are needed to combine movement and equipment work at the same time.  Similar to the Percussion section, Color Guard has two weeks of summer guard camp before band camp during which they learn basic techniques, develop flexibility and stamina, start learning the fall show, and bond with each other.  During the school year, the team practices during 7th period, rehearses after school and occasionally on weekends, and performs at CHS varsity football games and weekend contests.  In the spring, many members also compete in Winter Guard solo or ensemble contests to earn points towards their letter jackets.  They burn lots of calories and they definitely earn that PE credit!  Color Guard is an awesome experience for both the participants and the spectators!

What is Color Guard?

In the fall, the Color Guard is an integral part of the award winning Coppell High School Marching band.   Every Friday night we perform to live music before huge crowds during half-time at CHS varsity football games.  When the marching band performs, listen to the audience and you’ll hear lots of gasps, sighs, “wow’s, and cheers when the Color Guard pulls out a new flag or tosses a rifle, making it turn 2, 3, 4 or even 5 rotations.  We also march in the Fourth of July, Homecoming and Christmas parades and compete in marching band contests.

During the winter months and into spring, we compete as a Winterguard.  We perform choreographed routines using our bodies, dramatic expression, flags, rifles, sabres, costumes, props and recorded music to create an amazing show.  [Don’t worry – our rifles can’t shoot.]

Color Guard is a sport due to its physical and competitive aspects.  Physical stamina is needed to put together movement, dancing, and equipment work at the same time. 

Color Guard is also an art.  Performers use the elements of expression and their equipment to tell a story. The music and scenery set the stage, and the performer completes the show.  

Color Guard is a class offered during 7th period, first and second semester.  There are also some afternoon rehearsals, Friday night football games, and occasional weekend rehearsals or contests.

Color Guard fulfills CHS graduation requirements.  Fall semester counts as PE credit.  Spring semesters fulfill the fine arts requirement.

Color Guard competes regionally and internationally.  In past years, Color Guard has marched in the Rose Bowl Parade in California and the St Patrick’s Day Parade in Ireland and competed at the Winterguard International World Championships in Ohio and Bands of America super-regional competition in San Antonio.

Color Guard is an awesome experience for the performer and the spectator.

10 Reasons to Join Color Guard

• It’s fun!
• Perform in front of thousands at varsity football games…even as a 9th grader!
• Take pride in belonging to an award winning organization
• Enjoy the marching band experience without having to practice an instrument
• Fulfill your high school PE and fine arts requirements while having fun
• Make dozens of new friends before starting high school
• Burn lots of calories
• Hang out with your color guard friends in the guard room before school
• Earn a letter jacket
• Travel on band and color guard trips

Our Tradition of Excellence

Color Guard Team Awards

• 1st Place3 -- 2007 Sachse Winter Guard Competition
• 2nd Place – 2006 Color Guard Duncanville Marching Contest
• Best in Class Colorguard -- 2005 Mesquite Marching Contest
• Competed -- 2005 Winter Guard International World Championships
• Finalist -- 2005 Winter Guard International Power Regional
• 1st Place -- 2005 North Texas Colorguard Association Contest
• 1st Place -- 2004 North Texas Colorguard Association Contest
• 2nd Place -- 2004 Winter Guard International Midwestern Regional Championships

Color Guard Solo & Ensemble Contest Awards

• State ensemble champions, 2004 
• 3rd place, mixed solo, North Texas Colorguard Association, 2006

Be part of the Coppell Color Guard

Do you like music and dance?  Enjoy performing?  Want to make friends for life?  Want to be part of an award-winning CHS organization?  If so, CHS Color Guard is for you!

Tryouts are in the spring.  During a one-week, after-school clinic, candidates are taught a short routine and some dance basics on which they will be judged. 

Students in 8th through 11th grades in CISD may try out for the Color Guard in the spring.  (Transfer students should contact the director to audition during the school year.)  No previous experience is necessary.  Students do NOT have to be in band.  All members of CHS Color Guard, including 9th graders, perform at varsity football games.

Contact Guard Director This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information