Some might say the color guard is an easily dismissed part of the band. However, those who truly appreciate the art of it say that the guard is essential to enhancing the visual pulse and flow of the music.

“Color guard is a significant part of marching band,” co-captain Lora Edelman said. “We are the visual aspect of the band, providing color, dance and energy. We enhance the show with our visual elements. Some of the things guards may use in routines are flags, rifles and sabers.”

In order to add new members to their group, this Saturday the WSC Color Guard will be hosting an open tryout for students to further enhance the band. The tryouts are in Ramsey Theatre at 1 p.m.

Although some guard experience is helpful to be a part of the squad, it is not required. Knowing some basic skills is a great way to jump-start a college color guard experience at WSC, Edelman said. Additionally, there is not a certain number of spots to be filled, so the tryout is open to anyone who shows talent and potential.

“During the season, we learn routines in a very short amount of time. We have no problem taking the time to teach, but it also needs to be picked up at a decent rate,” she said. “With guard experience comes the capabilities to learn routines faster and catch onto choreography.”

The tryouts entail learning the routine of the WSC school song, and a one to two-minute routine created by Edelman and her co-captain, Breann Sweeney.

“No preparation is needed; we teach everything the day of the tryouts,” Edelman said. “But just getting a black flag into your hands and going over the basics can refresh your brain to prepare you.”

Edelman believes trying out and being a part of the color guard is a challenge that can help students learn and grow throughout their college careers.

“Color guard is an experience of a lifetime,” Edelman said. “It helps with the adjustment of freshmen moving to campus because you’re forced to spend time with this certain group for almost a semester. It also is just being a part of something greater than yourself.”

In addition to being a challenge, being a part of the WSC color guard teaches many skills that some students may not have access to otherwise. There are skills that can be learned on and off the field.

“People learn how to do intense choreography that is hard. We improve our guard skills but also our marching skills,” Edelman said. “As a guard, we have to look like a unit. We can’t be all over the place. Learning unity on and off the field is a very important skill.”

If potential tryouts have questions, both co-captains are available via email at [email protected] or [email protected].