From military tradition to Friday night lights, Redwood’s Color Guard brings precision, teamwork, and creativity to every performance.
By: Mayce Gutierrez
With shimmering flags, sharp choreography, and weeks of preparation, Redwood’s High School Color Guard is more than just halftime entertainment – It’s about hard work, team collaboration, and school pride.
According to the website EM Flag, color guard began as a military tradition, where soldiers were assigned to protect a regiment’s flag during battle. Over time, this responsibility evolved into ceremonial flag presentations and eventually transitioned into a visual performance art within marching bands.
Kamille Mosher ‘27, a five-year color guard veteran, enjoys color gaurd although there can be challenges. Mosher says, “It’s hard getting those tosses down and sometimes”.
Mosher also says, “sometimes just the people aspect, trying to make sure everyone’s on the same page”.
Modern color guard, especially at the high school and college level, combines flag work, dance, and theatrical elements. According to Winter Guard International (WGI), today’s performances are designed to visually interpret the music of the marching band, using equipment like flags, sabers, and mock rifles. The shift from military-style movements to expressive choreography began to take hold in the mid-20th century.
Grace Baker ‘27, another color guard veteran, says practices can be long, but she says they “run through their work, going through routines and practicing with the band”.
Baker also says that despite the nerve-racking aspect of performing in front of people, she says, “I just remind myself, it’s a football game, just to have fun, to perform, and to smile.”
The growth of color guard also led to the formation of year-round circuits, including indoor “winter guard” competitions. One of the earliest was the Continental Divide Color Guard Circuit, established in 1972. These independent circuits allowed teams to perform outside the traditional marching season, helping expand the artistry and athleticism of the activity.
Today, color guard is recognized not just as a supporting element to the band, but as a competitive, creative, and athletic activity in its own right.
Layla Beltran ‘29 is a new member with about a year and a half of experience in total. Says she joined color guard “because a bunch of my friends said it was fun”
Mayce Gutierrez
Tags: color guard, friday night lights, Grace Baker, halftime show, Kamille Mosher, Layla Beltran, Marching Band Culture, performing arts, redwood high school, Redwood marching band, school spirit, Student Performers
