Color Guard

at the Music for All Summer Symposium, presented by Yamaha

• Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana
• June 24-29, 2013
• Leadership Weekend Experience: June 22-24

What do the 2012 students and faculty have to say about the Color Guard division? See for yourself!

The color guard camp at the Summer Symposium is for every student who loves to perform. If you are a high school color guard student who wants to perform at a high level, take a look at the MFA Summer Symposium. Music for All's color guard curriculum provides time with leading instructors and immerses students in hands-on, experiential learning opportunities.

What You’ll Learn

The color guard curriculum includes “master classes" for advanced students; extensive and intensive instruction and technique classes in all levels of flag, rifle and sabre; daily dance and movement sessions; performance opportunities; and hands-on experience with talented young performers from the  country’s top drum and bugle corps. Students meet and get to know others from across the country and spend time with students from a variety of backgrounds who share their love of color guard performance.

Students experience a national faculty of the finest educators in the world, many from top WGI winter guards and DCI drum and bugle corps, national standards and a safe away-from-home collegiate campus experience. Leadership is the theme that runs throughout the camp curriculum. Teachers appreciate the leadership skills that students gain through the Music for All experience.

Download the 2013 Color Guard Division Flyer

What do you need to bring?

• ALL Color Guard students considering EITHER the Master Class, Rifle or Sabre classes are asked to bring ALL THREE PIECES OF EQUIPMENT to camp. The audition process creates an interesting mix of talent from around the country. Some students may be asked to take the challenge to be in the most advanced group even if they hadn’t signed up for this Master Class.
• MOST students will NOT change their chosen class. This added equipment preparation will also give additional overall guard training for ALL of these multiple equipment students. A sample Master Class if you will!
• A specific Master Class audition will be held MONDAY at 10am during the main auditions. Individual warm up will be available at 9am with the audition beginning at 10am in a gym setting. This will be a World-Class audition with skills and abilities expected to be at the highest levels. Attendance is mandatory for any student who wishes to be considered for the Master class for 2012.
• Mark your flag pole, rifle, and/or sabre with your name, address and school on each piece of equipment. Permanent marker and clear tape should do the trick.
• It is REQUIRED that ALL students (including weapons) have a flag pole height at 6 feet. Beginning weapons will not need flag poles.
• A solid colored silk (flag) for the 6 ft pole, with the following size:NOTE: It is preferred that this flag isn’t a show or performance flag. It is suggested to bring an additional practice flag due to inclement weather. Bring this practice flag for use all week.It is recommended that all students bring white and black electrical tape in case of any needed repairs.
  • 35’’ x 50’’ - minimum, 35’’ x 60’’ - maximum
  • If you do not have these dimensions, please bring a flag closest to: 35’’ x 50’’.
• TWO 1’’ carriage bolts (length from 1-2" from a local hardware store). These bolts will be used to weight your flag pole. If your poles are properly weighted, still bring these as extra!
• Recommended and appropriate clothing includes: Athletic shorts and t-shirts or tops. Layers are recommended because of the extreme weather at times. (Sports bras may be worn under shirts ONLY.)
• Not allowed: Boxer shorts, spandex shorts, short shorts, halter or tube tops. (Sports bras may be worn under shirts ONLY).
  
• Please note: We WILL be outside for the majority of your day. PLEASE bring head covers like hats, headbands and scarves and sunglasses. Bring plenty of sunscreen, water bottles, a small towel and more sunscreen!
• Bring two (2) pairs of lace-up athletic shoes with proper arch support for ALL sessions for good and inclement weather. Dance sneakers are great; dance shoes are not as we are outside most of the week. Sandals/Flip Flops are NEVER acceptable for any color guard session!
• Performance attire for Saturday’s Finale will include: shorts, white top or T-shirt and tennis shoes.
• Multiple equipment students should bring their equipment in a simple equipment or flag bag. This equipment bag should have enough space for all of your equipment, be labeled properly with your name, address and school and be made with a strong, durable and waterproof fabric. If possible, borrow your guard’s equipment bag for the week.