Mizzou Color Guard

Six-foot tall, weighted flags thrown into the air, while memorizing synchronized dance routines. That’s MU’s Color Guard team. MU’s marching band, Marching Mizzou, consists of woodwind and brass instruments, twirlers, and Color Guard. Color Guard, particularly, consists of 20 girls, including 3 captains. They practice with the band, perform with them, and travel with them. The members practice Tuesday through Thursday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. every week in the fall semester, until the University’s football season ends. Their practices are lead by the coach, Simonne Lockwood. 

 

During practice, the members run through their routines they will perform at the next game. Color Guard’s purpose is to coordinate their motions to the marching band’s music while dancing and throwing their flags into the air. While most people think of the instruments played when hearing “Marching Mizzou,” Color Guard makes the half time show visually exciting. 

           

Color Guard is year-round, non-scholarship commitment. Although there are no scholarships given to the members, the team receives a meal before every game. Color Guard does not have a GPA requirement, but a Marching Mizzou course required to pass to stay a part of the group. 

 

Tryouts are held in April of each year, with a week in the summer required for camp. About 20 to 30 people try out, with 20 spots on the team. To become a captain of Color Guard, members have a separate try out so the coach can see who is fit for the job. Three captains are selected, and are in charge of writing their routines for the games. They also remind members of important dates and items to bring to practice or games. At practice, the captains stand in front of the members as an example as they practice their routines. 

 

During tryouts, potential new members are tested over three different parts. The first part is fundamentals, where potential new members are tested for their physical strength, hand-eye coordination, and their sense of rhythm. They’re also judged on their “audition routine,” where members trying out are required to learn a routine and perform it for the judges. The third part of the tryout is the potential new member’s “attitudes.” The coach wants those who are energetic and bring a positive vibe to Color Guard as a whole. 

 

“Traveling is an exciting part of Marching Mizzou,” Emily Solverson, one of the captains of Color Guard states, “We travel for all season appearances and any NFL guest appearances, or hosted road games at neutral sites. 

 

This year we will be traveling to Ireland for an international appearance.” Color Guard travels with the band to the SEC Championship, Bowl Games, Rams or Chiefs games, and this year, they went to the Brigham Young University game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. Traveling is one of the perks that come along with being a part of Marching Mizzou, especially this year, because they received the opportunity to travel across the ocean to Ireland for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Solverson explains, “We were invited by whoever is in charge of the parade in Dublin. I think it has to do with qualifications and standing.” When asked about the cost of the trip, Solverson clarifies, “We don’t fundraise because we’re a university-sponsored organization. A lot of our trip costs were cut down because of the university, but we still have to pay a substantial amount.” Although the trip to Ireland is an amazing opportunity, there is a price to pay for the experience.   

 

Color Guard brings Marching Mizzou a visually appealing aspect.  While the band gives the audience a performance of different styles of music, Color Guard provides the visual aspect to keep the viewers entertained. Practice, traveling, and performances during games are what take up majority of the member’s time. Since Color Guard can be time consuming, the members get a chance to get to know one another, which makes joining the team worthwhile.  

                                                                                          Morgan Partney