Carmel’s Color Guard on Top of the World

The CHS World Guard after performing at the parent preview night.

When you hear the words “World Guard,” most of us think of some military force or group. However, to Carmel High School, the term is far from that. To local residents, World Guard means greatness, dedication, and to be the best of the best. To be a part of the Winter Color Guard is to be at the highest level of competition and achievement possible.

To be a part of this elite squad, a participant must first be a part of the 35 flag participants for Carmel’s Marching Band, which is also known as Color Guard. This group coordinates their dance and flag routine to the music of the band on a football field. But in the off season (December through April), this same group, whittled down to only 25 through an extensive audition process, continues in what is called Winter Guard. Winter Guard does not use music from the band, but rather performs to its own mix of music and specialized choreography on a gymnasium floor.

So what’s the big deal about Carmel’s World Guard? These ladies have made their way to the top of their class status in just four years, which is unheard of. Most teams don’t even make it to World Guard status. “This has been a huge achievement,” explains Rosie Queen, World Guard Director and founder. “We are a fairly new team and to make it that far in such a short period of time is just amazing.”

Being in the World Guard Class means not only are you competing against teams from the United States, but also international teams, such as Japan and Europe. “Last year we placed 4th,” said Queen. “And we are trying to work our way into the top 3, which is a difficult task!”

The guard’s practice regiment is grueling. Guard members, who are all high school girls, go straight from the marching band season (May through December) then into the winter guard season ending in April, taking only a week off for the holidays. This means they are practicing in some way, shape or form throughout most of the year.

“The level of dedication is unbelievable,” says Miller. “That is why they are so successful.”

During the school year, the guard practices three nights a week for three hours, every Saturday for eight hours when they are preparing for competition, and up to 6 hours a week during their “Dance Performance” class at the high school.

“It is really fun, but a lot of hard work,” said Rachel Zimmer, who is a freshman on the team. “You get plenty of exercise!” Zimmer also explained that by joining the guard she was able to meet a lot of new people before she entered high school. “We are like one big family.”

“I’m so thrilled about the opportunity my daughter, Rachael, has in the guard,” said Sherri Zimmer, Rachel’s mother. “I was in Color Guard during high school and my husband was a trumpet in the Marching Band. It taught us so many life lessons. I love watching these girls practice and compete. I just stand there amazed at their showmanship and dedication,” she says.

“The most important factor is the growth you see in the young ladies, the self-confidence they gain, and the strong work ethic that is required,” says Queen. “The program builds life skills that are wonderful tools for these high school girls to have. There are a lot of valuable lessons learned.”

On top of upholding such a grueling practice schedule, the logistics of managing the program can be just as challenging. “It takes an entire team of people to get us organized,” explains Queen. “There’s everything from costumes, flags and chorography to chaperones, staff and parents. I also have full support from the Band Directors, which is crucial for our program to continue to grow,” she adds.

Guard Mom Kim Ware eagerly touts the good things about the program. “We are so fortunate to have the caliber of directors, instructors, choreographers and parents. Under their direction; the girls have accomplished unbelievable success in the color guard world.”

The program is funded primarily from member fees, as well as support from the Band Boosters and typical fundraising efforts, such as bake sales, car washes, pancake breakfasts and dinners. In addition, a mini-clinic for elementary through high school age students will be held on April 17, from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., and will include instruction on basic flag techniques, a performance, a pizza lunch and a t-shirt. The fee is $40.

The Carmel World Guard’s 2010 production is entitled, “You Never Know …,” which is based off the famous Forrest Gump quote, “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.” You can see these ladies perform at the WGI Indy Regional Prelims & Finals on March 13 & 14. For a complete list of competition dates and more information, visit www.carmelbands.org/winterguard.