When Color Guard as a competitive activity was young, we enjoyed a military approach where flags were carried erect, and only presented in formal salute. Rifles really did shoot, sabers really did thrust, and were used to guard the National Color. We did only a prescribed manual of arms based on a military code entitled FM22-5. From these roots of militarism, we incorporated historic ceremonies of pageantry and royalty, and somehow evolved into an amazing display of technical skills, manipulating a growing number of equipment pieces. In an unusually short time we eliminated the requirement to function around the National Color, eliminated penalties of major magnitude, and moved into an incredibly skilled artistic display.

As already stated, equipment was previously presented set on vertical bodies, where reference points were established relative to the shoulders, waist and body center. Things made sense. Hand positions were defined, and the equipment remained front and center. There was no confusion in viewing its statement; timing and accuracy was easy to see and measure. We still teach basics in this mode. Today's challenges test the talent of these young men and women by requiring that the principles be applied to changing shapes and rapidly moving bodies that must perform physical feats of significant stature. While doing this, they must emote, entertain, tell a story and never miss a beat. Once the show begins, the performer's reference points and balance are changed. They now must overlay a visual image of what they've learned to this moving grid as they move or dance. They must do the same kinds of things with their arms and hands in motion or on dance, requiring them to know and control the place WHERE THE HAND MEETS THE EQUIPMENT, with the motion beneath it. Our creativity continues to grow and expand as our equipment explores new and exciting challenges, multi-dimensional patterns, and creates dramas, music and stories.

(The above history is from the Winterguard International website!)

 Indoor Performances and Scores

In the year 2003 the Linganore High School Indoor Color Guard was positioned at the white division. Performing “A Breathe from 1983” music was used by Jimi Hendrix “On Fire” The white division is the second highest out of every division. They score differently from the highest division which is Blue. At the end of the season LHS was placed 3^rd. As the result of this placement the instructor decided to move them up to Blue.

(“A Breathe from 1983”)

In the years 2004 and 2005 the LHS color guard would be performing in the Blue division. In the year 2004 the performance of “I-Robot” blew everyone’s mind. So much energy was in the performance and led Linganore to a great start in Blue.

(“I-Robot”)

In the year 2005 Cirque du Solei’s “O” after the loss of the creative director they had, the show was written and finished by two seniors. Even though with no instructor and the whole guard tried to keep everything up at the end of the season the effort they put into the show resulted in the color guard placing last out of the blue guards.

(“O”)

 Pictures