Northwood’s color guard has become a haven where free expression and diversity thrive. After a successful fall season performing a Star Wars-themed show alongside Northwood’s marching band, color guard is currently preparing for its winter season.
Unlike the rowdy fall football games where the point is to energize and hype up the crowd during halftime, winter guard rehearsals and performances focus on elegance and mastery of skill. Indoor competitions pit Northwood against color guards from IUSD and across Southern California.
Every school day at 7 a.m. in the gym, team members learn the choreography for their upcoming show, Snowfall. During rehearsals, students work through unique flag techniques, which include single tosses, double tosses and 45-degree tosses – a beautiful yet dreaded toss where performers toss the flag above them at a slanted angle. Although these skills seem difficult, with collaboration between members, students within guard make them look easy-peasy.
In addition to daily rehearsals, weekly after-school Wednesday sessions have fostered a close community where students can show their individualism through dance and flagwork without any fear of judgment.
“It’s inspired me to be more open about myself,” junior Avery Diaz said. “I’ve gotten to meet so many people whom I never would’ve talked to otherwise, and I don’t have to worry about what others think, as it’s such an open community.”
Many students now view this activity as a unique outlet of expression outside of traditional male-dominated sports, and a way to express their true self.
“I love the tight-knit sense of community present within guard, as it isn’t seen within the larger sections in marching band,” said junior Elin Hong, a guard veteran who has been on the team since they were a freshman. “We really love seeing new people in guard, as we’re always open to more variety.”
Whether with a flag, rifle or sabre, anyone can spin and feel included in this community of color guard-ers. The team hopes to freeze audiences in awe with Snowfall next semester.
