What is Color Guard/Winter Guard?

Color Guard is a performance art that uses dancing and acting while spinning and tossing flags, rifles and other equipment to give a visual interpretation of music. The Color Guard performs alongside the Wildcat Show Band (marching band). As a section in the Show Band, we engage the crowd by adding color and visual interest that complements the music and helps tell the story.

We use flags, rifles, sabres, swing flags and any other equipment or props that help.

Winter Guard is the same except they perform and compete on their own to prerecorded music.

To see examples of both fall & winter seasons, please visit our website, social media and/or YouTube

pages.

How hard is Color Guard?

Color Guard can be physical and mentally demanding. Like any other sport, you will need to build endurance, muscle strength as well as increase your mental sharpness and focus. Don’t worry, we don’t demand that on the first day... We will teach you these skills starting with basics and progress as we go.

Who can join the Color Guard?

All students in the Oak Harbor School District, including those that are homeschooled, that will be in grades 9-12 in the fall.

Experience needed?

No experience needed. We have staff and current members to help you learn what you need to know.

Video Presentations

Two videos were shown.

- 2025 Fall "79 A.D." Show. Click HERE to view it.

- 2026 Winter "Thanks for Playing Show. Click HERE to view it.

Performances

- Football games: All home varsity games (Friday nights), 4-5 average, we had 6 last year due to play offs.

- Competitions: We attend two; both in October.

- Parades: Possible OH Veterans Day parade (November)

Goals/Benefits

As a member of the OHHS Wildcat Show Band we get to enhance the performance and music alongside the show band by giving the music a sense of life and theatrics. Each toss and each spin tells a story that captures the crowds gaze. Each of us brings our own flare of personality and creativity to the show and make it truly unique.

You get to be part of a team! And with that you get to gain friendships, build trust and respect with one another, and learn to depend on one another and be there for each other. You will have lots of friends on your first day of school!

Personal growth and development. You will learn how to overcome mental challenges and persevere, how to communicate respectively and keep an open mind with other people's opinions and learn to compromise. When mistakes are made you will learn to hold yourself accountable and take responsibility of your important part in the show band. All of these things can be carried with you beyond your high school color guard days to become a mature and successful adults.

More benefits listed HERE.

How We Teach

- No one is ever left behind. We take our time and break everything down so it’s easy to understand and replicate.

- We teach foundational/basic skills first (flag and body).

- We gradually increase students flexibility, stamina & endurance. Students go on to develop higher level skills & join weapon lines (rifle/sabre) as foundational skills show consistency.

- Student’s personal growth depends on their determination.

What does is cost to join?

There are no fees for Color Guard or Winter Guard. Costumes, and equipment are provided. Fundraisers will be done to help pay for team items.

You’ll need to purchase personal items: performance shoes, guard gloves. We give you a full list and links/stores at your first team meeting. Approximate cost: $150+/-

- knee pads 

- guard shoes 

- guard gloves 

- black socks 

- long sleeve compression shirt 

- proper supportive undergarments 

Dual Activities - If you are in a club, sport alongside Color Guard

- We allow you to do both only if rehearsal and performance schedules do not conflict. Meaning, you cannot have practices for both at the same time where you would miss one or half of one to be at another.

- Safety can become a concern when students are physically exhausted from balancing multiple demanding activities.

- Consistency is important because the show depends on every member being present to learn choreography and equipment work together.

- Missing rehearsals can affect the entire band, not just one student, since drill (formations on field) and timing rely on everyone knowing their spot.

- That said, some students successfully do both when schedules align and communication is strong. It usually depends on time management, physical endurance, and the expectations of both programs. Talk to staff for both activities to determine expectations and availability.

What are the rehearsal/training requirements if I am accepted into Color Guard?

Summer Training (3 weeks in August)

- Color Guard Camp: August 3-7, 8am-4pm at the high school. You get multiple breaks and an hour for lunch. Includes in depth dance, flag & more.

- Band Camp: August 10-14 & 17-20, 10am-6pm at the high school. You get multiple breaks and an hour for lunch. Additional guard training along with marching and drill training with the band.

Summer Additions (OPTIONAL)

- Depending on staff availability, we may meet 1-2 times a week to get a head start during the summer. These are optional practices.

- Dance camp/class and/or color guard camps may also be available.

When School is in Session (all are required)

- Color Guard rehearsals: Monday, Wednesday & Friday. Monday, 2:00pm - 4:00pm, Wednesday & Friday, 3:00pm - 5:00pm. Days/times may change, pending on space availability and approvals.

- Show Band Rehearsals: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 3:00pm-6:00pm. 

*Days/times may change pending on approval for the season. Updates are given as we get closer to August.

I want to give it a try, what do I do next?

Fill out the Audition Agreement, OHHS Progress Report (which is filled out by your current teachers) & then come to audition camp. The Audition Agreement must be signed by you and your parent/legal guardian. You may also choose to submit the online form on our website. Either way, the agreement and progress report is due May 22nd.

When is Audition Camp & Auditions?

- May 19th: 6:00pm - 8:00pm in the band room D220 (enter Wildcat Way doors)

- May 20th: 6:00pm - 8:00pm in the OHHS Field House (enter Wildcat Way doors)

- May 21st: 6:00pm - 8:00pm in the band room D220 (enter Wildcat Way doors)

- May 22nd: 6:00pm - 8:00pm in the OHHS Gym (enter Wildcat Way doors)

- May 26th (Audition Day): 6:00pm - 8:00pm in the OHHS Gym (enter Wildcat Way doors)

Wear work out clothing and gym shoes (no hoodies or jeans). Bring knee pads and a water bottle. If you have long hair, you must tie it up so that you keep it off of your face. We need to see you and you need to see us - no hats or beanies.

How Auditions Work - Our auditions are not done in a traditional manner.

- We are willing to offer a team position to any student that shows zeal and commitment to learning all aspects of our program (dancing, acting & spinning) along with committing to our rehearsal and performance schedule.

- Come in every day to learn different skills in guard: flag, rifle, sabre and body movement.

- Each day will include basics and some choreography to a song.

- Student decides on the last day if they want join the guard and completes overview and performing choreography learned. Everyone performs together as a group unless requested otherwise.

- Students will receive results in envelopes before they leave.

We provide all the equipment needed. It is important that you show up willing, eager, and open to every aspect of the audition process. It is highly likely that we will ask you to do some things that we know you have never done before. We recognize that you will likely be stronger in some areas more than others. And that’s okay. Just come ready to learn, give it a try and have fun. Students decide if they want to officially audition on Audition Day (last day). Everyone will know whether they have been offered a position on the team at the end of the day.

What happens next if I am offered a position on the Color Guard?

- Students have until May 29th to officially accept their position on the team. As stated above we want students to be fully committed to our program and our schedule, so we leave the final decision up to them. Directions and info on how to accept the position will be given on the last day of camp.

- If/when you accept your position, the first REQUIRED 2026 Color Guard meeting will take place. This a parent & student meeting that will be held in-person on Wednesday, June 3rd at 6:00pm in the band room. This meeting will outline the Fall season. You will receive additional info, get handbooks, schedules, fill out required paperwork for parents and more. Most important, measurements for your uniform will be taken.

Parent Involvement:

Parent support creates a more cohesive and supportive environment for the students. You are not just the ride to/from practices and events, your encouragement and involvement is a positive reinforcement, it acknowledges their hard work and dedication.

- Stronger team: Parental support creates a more cohesive and supportive environment for the students. 

- Enhanced fundraising: Parental involvement can help increase fundraising efforts, supporting the team's needs. 

- Increased communication: Open communication between parents, students, and the director ensures everyone is on the same page. 

Positive experience for students: Knowing they have parental support can improve the students' overall experience in the color guard. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. Do I need to buy a flag? Or any other equipment?

A. No, all equipment is provided. If you choose to purchase your own, we can provide links to equipment that is like ours so you are practicing with the same type.

Q Do I have to attend all days of Audition camp?

A. No, but in order to get the full experience, we suggest you do.

Q. In regards to Color Guard camp and/or Band Camp, I have another camp during August that I’m already signed up for and/or my family has a planned vacation and I can’t make it. Can I still join?

A. You can miss one day of Color Guard Camp. You cannot miss any Band Camp days.

Q. Do I have to have good grades?

A. You need to be passing your classes.

Q. What can I do if I am unable to purchase all the required personal items?

A. The Band Boosters may be able to help you out. Please speak with the instructors as soon as you can about that.