Zionsville Color Guards

Color guard is the visual storytelling component of the marching arts. Using equipment, dance, and expressive performance, color guard members bring music to life through vibrant visual elements. Our color guard performs alongside the Zionsville Marching Eagles during the fall season and transitions to winter guard for indoor competitions from November through March.

Color guard combines athletic skill with artistic expression. Members develop strength, flexibility, coordination, and performance abilities while creating meaningful visual interpretations of music. Unlike other activities, color guard demands both physical precision and emotional expressiveness, making it a unique blend of sport and art.

Upcoming try-it-out days for 2025 color guard!

On Wednesday and Thursday, May 7 & 8th and 12th & 13th from 6-8pm, any incoming 9th-12th grade Zionsville student can “try on” color guard! This is a great way to meet directors, members, and parents and get information about color guard. This is a great, low-stakes way to see what all the fun is about!

WHAT: Get information, meet people

WHEN: May 7 & 8th, 12 & 13th from 6:00-8:00pm

WHERE: Zionsville Community High School

2025 POP!

PEOPLE ELEMENTS

Color Guard Captains

Selected guard members who demonstrate leadership, technical skill, and positive attitudes. Captains help lead warm-ups, provide peer coaching, and serve as role models for the entire guard.

Flags

The foundation of color guard, flag performers develop skills in spins, tosses, and expressive movement while manipulating fabric attached to poles. Flag work creates broad, flowing visual elements that fill space and enhance the overall visual impact.

Weapons

Advanced performers who master specialized equipment:

  • Rifle - Wooden replicas spun and tossed with precise technique

  • Sabre - Curved metal equipment requiring strength and flexibility

Dance

All members incorporate dance elements throughout performances, ranging from ballet-inspired movement to contemporary styles. Dance connects equipment work and enhances emotional storytelling.

PROGRAM ELEMENTS

Equipment

Color guard utilizes specialized equipment to create visual impact:

  • Flags - Varying sizes and fabric designs customized for each show

  • Rifles - Wooden replicas of firearms with specific weight distribution for spinning and tossing

  • Sabres - Curved metal equipment that creates sharp, precise visual lines

  • Props - Additional elements that enhance the thematic storytelling

Choreography

Movements designed to interpret music visually through:

  • Equipment Work - Synchronized manipulation of flags, rifles, and sabres

  • Dance - Expressive movement that connects equipment sequences

  • Staging - Strategic positioning on the field or floor to create visual formations

  • Emotional Expression - Facial expressions and body language that convey the show's theme

Costuming

Specially designed uniforms that complement the show theme. Unlike the standardized marching band uniform, color guard costumes change annually to reflect each show's unique concept.

TWO COLOR GUARDS

Color guard has two seasons:

  • marching band season

  • winter guard season

Information about marching band can be found on the marching band page.

WINTER GUARD (Indoor Season)

Winter Guard International (WGI) organizes competitions in divisions:

  • Scholastic - School-affiliated guards (like ZCHS)

  • Independent - Community-based organizations

Guards are further divided into competitive classes:

  • A Class - Developing programs

  • Open Class - Intermediate level

  • World Class - Most advanced programs

Performance Elements

  • Floor Tarp - Custom vinyl floor covering that extends the visual theme

  • Professional Sound System - High-quality audio playback

  • Theatrical Lighting - Enhanced visual presentation

  • Specialized Staging - Custom props and set pieces

Competitions

Winter guard competes in:

  • Local circuit contests (January-February)

  • WGI Regional competitions (February-March)

  • State Finals (March)

  • WGI World Championships (April) for qualifying groups

Judges evaluate:

  • Equipment - Technical skill and expressive quality

  • Movement - Dance technique and performance qualities

  • Design - Creative and effective composition

  • General Effect - Overall impact and communication of the program

Practice Method

Similar to marching band, our color guard programs utilize a progressive learning approach. Members begin with foundational skills before advancing to more complex techniques. We believe in mastering elements before moving forward, allowing performers to build confidence and develop artistry over time.

Our instructional staff breaks down complex sequences into manageable parts, gradually combining them as skills improve. This method accounts for the cognitive and physical demands of the activity while promoting long-term growth and development.

Annual Fees and Costs

The color guard program requires specialized equipment, costumes, and instructional staff. Costs include:

  • Equipment - Flags, rifles, sabres

  • Uniforms/Costumes - Custom designs for each season

  • Transportation - Travel to competitions

  • Entry Fees - Competition registration

  • Staff - Specialized instruction and choreography

  • Floor Tarps - Custom vinyl performance surfaces (winter guard)

  • Props - Show-specific visual elements

We work diligently to minimize costs while maintaining competitive excellence. The Zionsville Band Boosters offer fundraising opportunities to help offset expenses. Financial assistance options are available—please contact the Band Booster Treasurer for more information.