FAQ

 

Can I do other sports and guard at the same time?

 

YES! It is definitely possible. We have had students do swimming and guard, track and guard, etc. The most important thing is that students communicate to the instructors their conflicts. We can work around things, so long as we know what is happening.

 

When are practices?

 

During the fall, the practices happen on the same days the band practices outside of school. This 2015-2016 school year, the schedule is Monday and Thursday, 5pm-9pm

 

During the winter for the  2015-2016 winter guard season, most practices will be held Monday and Wednesday from 5-9pm. Because of Monday holidays and other events, a few weeks 

 

This sounds like a lot of time. Why are practices so long?

 

Unlike the marching band, we do not have a class in which to practice our basics and work. The practice is broken into movement practice and conditioning, equipment practice, and drill practice with the band on the field. We need this time to make sure we can teach safe movement and equipment practices, the work for the show, and the drill with the work on the field in conjunction with the band.

 

During the winter, the practices have been traditionally Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5pm-9pm. We are looking into an alternate schedule this year to help students better stay on top of their studies and be in touch with their families. It can get grueling.

 

Do I have to pay for this?

 

There is a fairshare of $500, same as band, for the fall season. The first $100 payment must be made to the bookstore as non-tax deductible, while the other $400 can be made as a tax-deductible donation. 

 

In the winter season, we work hard to keep costs low. Our goal is to raise money so that students can participate for less than the estimated fair share--about $350.

 

Is there another way to pay for guard?

 

Color Guard: Though we ask that the 1st $100 is paid to the bookstore, the other $400 can be made by anyone who pays Arizona taxes, including aunts, uncles, friends, grandparents, and any others who wish to support the program. This money is directly deductible from taxes and will come back to the donor once they file their next year's tax return. 

 

 

 

 

 

Click Here to make a Tax Credit Donation

 

What do I need to have when I come to practice?

 

Students should be dressed in athletic gear, never jeans. We ask that students wear leggings or spandex under short shorts, as students do a variety of dance work involving bending over and rolling to and out of the floor. No jewelry should be worn, with the exception of small studs as earrings. 

 

Bring a LARGE waterbottle, a snack that is quickly edible, athletic shoes, the issued lanyard, and color guard gloves (ever-dri gloves are sold on amazon, bandshoppe, or any other band supply websites).

 

I still have unanswered concerns.

 

Please email the band director, James O'Halloran, at james.ohalloran@dvusd.org, or the colorguard caption head, Lexi Fimbres-Krznarich, at bouldercreekguard@gmail.com. We can also set up a face-to-face meeting to address any concerns.