guest - cassandra rohl
each year given the number of students in marching band, the number of students who tryout and talent. Over the years our numbers have varied from 12 to 22 based on these factors.
As we begin our season together I am very specific in my instruction of routines. We break each routine down count by count. This detailed oriented instruction allows students to have a conscious count or beat in their head. After they have a particular move down, we discuss being smooth and fluid. Fluidity is something that comes with experience and lots of practice. In addition, I often use experienced mem- bers of the guard as positive examples. These models allow young members to visually see concrete examples of what to achieve.
Likewise, we talk about our character roles throughout the season. From day one we discuss what we want to portray to the audience. For example, within a particular song a guard member may be asked to illustrate playfulness, softness and anger. Not all members will easily understand how to visually illustrate these emotions. Thus in depth discussions and models are used to express what we hope to represent. With time and experience, role portrayal becomes second nature.
I vary my rehearsal schedule on a daily basis. This, too, is planned on the needs of members. Although it changes on a daily basis, we do have some concrete daily routines that do not change. First, we always warm up. Warm up can be something as simple as four eight counts of right drop spins followed by four eight counts of left drop spins. Or for variety we add some across the floor sequences. If we are limited on time, we may warm up with repetitious drilling of a particular move that we are struggling with. The key is that we always warm up in some way.
Color guard can be a very strenuous and physical activity, so to stay without injury stretching is critical. Stretching is also crucial in striving to be a better dancer and performer. As part of our routine we always stretch. Stretching can be modified
Wisconsin School Musician
Color guard members work on character/role portrayal on the field and in parade.
lacking ideas, look to other successful groups for some insight and reach out for
based on the particular moves incorpo- rated into the show or as needed by the members of the color guard.
After we have warmed up and stretched we start to clean our routines. The guard members know to keep their equipment and body quiet while I am teaching and fully realize that the less distractions and off task activity, the more productive the rehearsal. If they have something to offer to the group, they raise their hand.
What I choose to clean/drill depends on the previous rehearsal or performance. If changes need to be made in our show we address those first. Problematic areas of the show that we are struggling with come next, followed by general cleaning of each routine. Cleaning/drilling can be done a number of ways but I find it works best to clean sequences of eight counts. For example, we will focus on cleaning three eight counts, then add the eight counts before it and the eight counts after it, run- ning them together. After we have cleaned various sections of the routine, we always try to run the entire song continuously. In all we do continuity is critical.
Resources
When I was first starting out, I was unsure of many things, but I was never fearful of experimenting. Listening to the music was my biggest inspiration. Feel the music and do what comes naturally. If you are
encouragement. In addition, throughout the years we have purchased numerous videos to spark ideas and teach us new things. We have ballet, belly dancing, and rifle/flag videos in the music department collection.
Likewise, with today’s technology You- Tube is a great resource. You can search just about anything and find hundreds of helpful videos. There are also numerous helpful web sites such as
www.color
guardeducator.com. Try to bookmark helpful web sites and videos so you can use them at your convenience as well as sharing with student leadership in the color guard.
In Cumberland, the color guard knows that we always say, “We will try.” I incorpo- rate that philosophy into my teaching style as well. With no formal training, no staff and little money I have managed to main- tain a standard of excellence. Throughout my seven years as the Cumberland High School color guard instructor, we have nu- merous trophies and state championships to show for our success. While all of this is very exciting, nothing beats the pride I have for my students. The best reward for me is to see students succeed, have fun and learn life lessons.
Cassandra Rohl is color guard instructor for Cumberland High School. Email:
caseyrohl@gmail.com
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