Color Guard is Working Hard

By: Audrey Longan

Color Guard is working hard everyday on their routines for a field show. Kalysta Holland ‘20, Color Guard Captain, says Color Guard is “helping us to prepare for the future and to get others involved.” At the next home game, this Friday the 12th, they will have another field show. Holland explains that, “We show what we have been working on since July.”

Color guard has to do a visual performance that goes along with the band’s music. Andy Villarreal ‘19 says that “we have to practice and perfect out choreography” and “make sure our practicing is consistent.” but, he also thinks “color guard is the best it has ever been this year.” Mr. Ray, the band teacher, says, “they process music with color….It’s a really important part of what we do.” and he thinks “they do a really incredible job, I’m really proud of what they do.”

Both Sophie Avila ‘20 and Kalysta Holland ‘20 say they love being color guard captains. However, it is really hard work. Holland says, “I like it as long as everything is in check” and Avila adds to that saying, “It can be super stressful, I have to be the first to get the toss right and I can then help people to do the toss….there is no time to relax.” Avila explains that, “It takes a lot of confidence, strength, and thinking in the moment and ahead.”

Not only does it take a lot of work, it also takes a lot of time. Krystal Mendoza ‘19 tried out for color guard in 8th grade and made it. As of right now, she is a four year member and she has been spinning for 6 years. It took her a long time to get to her current level. “It took a lot of blood, sweat, and tears.”, says Mendoza and she knows the field show will be harder than ever this year.

The coaches, Carlo Raneses and Shanee Raneses have coached the color guard team to be the best they can be. Carlo commented that, “we test how far they are willing to push themselves and how far they are willing to go.” Shanee followed up on that saying “we teach them to be a team, work together as a team….to know they have friends in any situation that comes up.” They know the team will do well in the field show as long as the do what they prepare themselves for. Raneses’, coaches, will continue to coach them throughout the year with instructions and choreography for marching events in the fall, other football games, a christmas parade, a St. Patrick’s Day parade, and the winter circuit.

“I want to thank them for letting us push them… we are always willing to take them to the next level.” – Carlo Raneses

“We are really proud to work with these kids.” – Shanee Raneses