|
COLOR GUARD |
 |
No other performing unit can add the color, motion,
and field coverage provided by a color guard. The USA Jaguar Marching
Band sought a group of dynamic performing men and women who could
provide these elements in our opening season and in seasons to come. Auditions for the 2010 Color Guard will take place in
an all-day event held on the USA campus Friday through Saturday,
May 15, 2010. A free informational clinic will be held on the
USA campus on Sunday, April 25, 2010; the clinic is not
required and plays no role in the audition process, but can be
helpful to students curious about the traits we are seeking in a
color guard member. Students must be fully admitted to
the University in order to audition, and must be full-time students
to participate in the Color Guard. Also, students may not
exceed age 28 as of August 1, 2010. To be the first to receive
information regarding Color Guard auditions and clinics,
fill out our Interest Form.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When will auditions
for the 2010 Color Guard be held?
Auditions for the 2010 Marching Band Color Guard will be on
Saturday, May 15, 2010 on the University of South Alabama campus.
Applicants will be informed about the specific locations and hours.
Do color guard members receive a scholarship?
Yes, all members receive a $1000 scholarship. There are no
dues, fees, or fundraising, and all equipment is provided.
How many students will
be chosen for the 2010 Color Guard?
We have no set number to choose for the Color Guard, though
we will not select more than 28. We are interested in quality rather
than quantity. ALL candidates will be judged on the essential
elements listed above in addition to their work ethic and
ATTITUDE!
Is there an age limit?
Yes. Students may not exceed the age of 28 as of August 1,
2010.
The audition process
requires that I make up a short routine. I don’t write work very
well will that affect my passing the audition?
No. We are not interested in your writing ability. We
are interested in your performance ability and if you have invested
time and thought into your presentation. Your writing ability will
not be judged.
Do I need to bring my
own equipment for the audition?
The Marching Band will have equipment available. You may
want to bring equipment that you are familiar with to perform your
individual routine. Everyone will use our flag poles for the group
routine.
Do I need to have
props for my individual presentation?
No. Props are not allowed.
What size flag poles
does the Color Guard use?
We use 6 foot poles.
Are there any
requirements for auditioning?
In order to audition for the Color Guard, you must be a
current USA student or have been accepted to the University of South
Alabama as a transfer student or a freshman for fall 2010. The age
cap for students selected into the USA Color Guard is 28 as of
August 1, 2010.
What do I have to wear
for the audition?
White tank top, with Black shorts or jazz pants, Black or beige
split sole jazz shoes (shoelaces are optional). Your hair must be
worn in a bun (no part).
Is there anything I
can practice to enhance my chances of making passing the audition?
You can stay current on all the equipment fundamentals you
have learned. Movement is an important part of all our work! You
might want to consider taking a dance class to enhance your
skills in that area.
Are there any height
and weight requirements?
Appearance and physical fitness are very important in the
Color Guard. Appearance includes personal grooming, body
proportions, poise, and posture. All Color Guard members should look
well proportioned in their uniform. We DO NOT have specific height
and weight requirements; however, a healthy figure is demanded by
our uniform design and the physical demands of our performances. A
simple way to determine desirable body weight is as follows:
-
Women: 100 pounds of
body weight for the first 5 feet of height, 5 pounds for each
additional inch.
-
Add 10% for a large
frame size, and subtract 10% for a small frame size
-
Body fat testing and
weight is taken and monitored by an athletic trainer. Color
Guard members should remain in the healthy recommended
guidelines. (See Chart Below)
Body Composition
(based on ages 18-39 years)
Percent Body Fat %
Risk Category Females
Essential
8-12
Low/Athletic
13-20
Recommended
21-32
Overfat 33-39
Obese >39
Sources: Gallagher D. et al.
2000. Healthy percentage body fat ranges : An approach for developing guidelines
based on body mass index. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 72: 694-701.
This information as well
as more in depth information can be found on the
National Institutes
of Health and U.S. National Library of Medicine
website.
(Simply search height and
weight and you will see the explanations for "BMI" Body Mass Index.
The normal weight range is what we are using as the Appearance
Standard.)
For membership in the
Color Guard, body composition should be between the normal healthy
range of 12% to 32%.
Is there an appearance
standard for the Color Guard?
Yes. The Color Guard is a visual part of the Marching Band
as well as representatives of the University of South Alabama. All
those selected as members of the Color Guard will agree to uphold
the Appearance and Performance Standards set by the Director of the
Marching Band. These standards include but are not limited to:
performing all required choreography, maintaining exemplary physical
condition (refer to the above information), and adhering to the
uniformity of the group as set by the Color Guard Director. Any
violation of these standards may result in probation or dismissal
from the group at the discretion of the Color Guard Director and the
Director of the Marching Band.
If I am selected for
the Color Guard, will I be able to receive credit for band?
Yes. All band members receive one-hour credit. You must
register for band.
Are there any fees
associated with being in the Band or the Color Guard?
There are no fees associated with being a member of the
Marching Band. All travel and hotels are funded by the University.
Your pre-game and halftime uniforms, as well as your warm-up suit,
will be furnished by the band at no expense to you. In addition,
all gloves, silks, poles, three dry-cleanings per season, band
shirt, and more are provided by the band. You pay nothing.
When will I find out
if I am selected?
On Saturday May 15, registration and a brief meeting will be
held prior to the beginning of the clinic. The clinic will continue
after a lunch break and the audition will be held late in the
afternoon. When the results are tabulated, the 2010 Color Guard will
be announced.
If I am selected, do I
have to participate in all performances of the USA Marching Band?
YES! As a member of the Color Guard, you are expected to
participate in all performances. You will also be expected to follow
and adhere to all rules, policies, and procedures in the Marching
Band Handbook.
If I am selected, do I
have to attend Band Camp in August?
YES! Attendance at Band Camp is required!
What is the rehearsal
schedule after classes begin?
On Mondays from 4:00 to 6:00 PM the Color Guard will hold
their sectional to work ahead on the show. The band will rehearse
with you Tuesday through Friday from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM, and on
Saturday prior to football games. There are no additional rehearsals
or sectionals.
What must I do to
apply?
Click on the
Application link. Please fill out the application and mail
it along with a recent photograph of yourself to the following
address:
ATTN: Colorguard
Auditions
University of South
Alabama Marching Band
1072 LPAC
University of South
Alabama
Mobile, AL 36688-0002
Applications must be received no later than April 30, 2010.
For more information or if you have questions, please contact Mr.
Ward Miller, Director of Athletic Bands, at:
rwmiller@jaguar1.usouthal.edu |
