I don't know anything about guard.  Are you sure I can keep up?

Absolutely! We will teach you everything you need to know about guard. Yes, you may be learning some new skills, but under the direction of our amazing teachers, you'll be proficient in no time. Don't be discouraged by what you see in the video, or what you've seen our veterans do. Remember, they started with no experience as well. You'll be great!

How much does it cost to be in guard?

If you're new to the program, please know that the Freshmen year is always the most expensive. No matter if you're an instrumentalist, in the drum line, or in the guard, purchasing the required gear for the activity is an investment. After your Freshmen year, you will own the majority of the required gear and will only be responsible for the new year's thematic changes. Each year, we offer guard families the option to complete their purchases with a payment plan. Arrangements are made with the Fine Arts Administrative Assistant at the beginning of the season (August). The plan requires 30% down, and then monthly payments can be made for the remaining balance until the deadline in December. Here is a list of the required items for guard:

1. Uniform - $250 (customized to each year's show theme)
2. Flag - $35
3. Flag Bag - $45
4. Guard Gloves - $17
5. Guard Shoes - $40
6. Guard Rehearsal Shirt - $18
7. Guard Rehearsal Shorts - $12
8. Band Shirt - $16
9. Bottled Water - $5

Is guard a class?

Yes! Just like an athletic class, students will be enrolled in Guard Techniques. This class is single-blocked, and meets during 8th period on Gold Days. This class allows us to teach you the fundamentals and choreography required for each of the shows in which you will be participating. If you are a Freshmen at the Ninth Grade Center (NGC), you will ride the bus provided for you at the beginning of 8th period over to the High School for class during Color Guard season. This is the last class of the day, so you will be dismissed from school at the HS building. For Winter Guard season, Freshmen stay at the NGC for class during 8th period.

When does the guard practice?

Color Guard Season:

• Guard Techniques class during 8th period (during the school day - at HS)
• Monday Night Rehearsal - 6:00-9:00 PM
• Tuesday - 4:30-6:30 PM
• Wednesday - 4:30-5:30 PM
• Thursday - 4:30-6:30 PM
• Friday - varies; game day; travel; etc.

What's the difference between Color Guard & Winter Guard?

For guard, the school year is divided into two seasons - the Color Guard season, and the Winter Guard season. Color Guard

• takes place in the fall (Aug - Nov)
• guard performs as part of the award-winning Frenship HS Marching Band on the football field for halftime shows, marching festivals, Bands of America (BOA) contests, and UIL contests
• performs to the music provided by the marching band during the show
• rehearses at the HS Band Hall & practice field

When does the guard perform?

Color Guard Season:

• All football games
• All marching & auxiliary festivals
• All UIL contests
• All parades

Does the guard travel?

Yes! The guard is part of the Frenship Band, so we travel to every location where the Band is performing. In the spring, we travel to D/FW, and sometimes Austin, for winter guard contests. We also enjoy time at Six Flags each spring season. All travel, food, and lodging is paid for by the school. Students usually bring along extra money for snacks, souvenirs, etc. In addition, the Frenship Band tries to take a spring trip each year. Trips in the past have included:

• Honolulu, Hawaii
• Orlando, Florida (Disney World/Universal Studios)
• Branson, Missouri
• Denver, Colorado
• New York, New York
• South Padre Island, Texas
• Dallas, Texas
• San Antonio, Texas

Who teaches the guard?

Ms. Amanda Knight is the Guard Director for Frenship HS. She brings over 20 years of guard experience and wonderful insight to each performing ensemble. In addition, she is also the Guard Director for Texas Tech University's "Goin' Band From Raiderland". Caitlen Kinder serves as the Guard Tech and works closely with Ms. Knight to ensure all guard members are proficient in technique and choreography. Caitlen is a graduate of Marcus HS in Flowermound, TX, where she served as captain of their Scholastic Independent guard program. In addition, she is a member of DCI's Boston Crusaders and will march this summer's DCI tour.

Is there fundraising available?

Yes! Each season, we try to do a poster sale. With the sale of these posters, students can cover the entire cost of the uniform. We also have a full-guard fundraiser during Summer Band. Profits made from the Meal Deals will go to offset some apparell costs. In addition, parents who become members of the Band Boosters can work at the concession stand during the home football games to earn money for their student's account.

When do we start?

For you, the first guard experience will be the Guard Training Sessions (April 20, 22, 26, 28, 30), and then the Audition on May 4. Those who make the Guard will then be measured for a uniform and issued some practice equipment. We have weekly "Skill Enrichment" training throughout the summer. This helps you to build the skills necessary for the upcoming marching season and the choreography that will be performed on the field. It's ok to miss a Skill Enrichment session during the summer if you're on vacation, gone to a camp, etc. There will be a required guard camp during the summer (date TBA) to learn the show choreography, and full Summer Band will begin on August 1. Summer Band (required) will be in session Aug. 2-12. School will start on Aug. 16.

Will I get to perform at everything?

When it comes time for performances, we will take into consideration all skill levels. We want each student to feel confident as a performer. So, if we feel a student is not quite ready for a particular section of the performance, we will alter the staging to accomodate what's best for the show.

What is Charms?

Charms is the name of our third-party online database. The Frenship Band program uses this database from middle school through high school for all band students. It allows all band programs at all levels to keep track of all the information pertinent to our students - names, contact info, locker combinations, financial accounts, travel funds, parent involvement, and more. Students who have been with the program for at least one year can use funds in their Charms account to assist with any program related purchases (apparell, repair, trips, etc.). Parents can check Charms online to keep the information up to date, and keep track of their student's fundraising accounts.

Can't find an answer?

Please contact our Guard Director, Ms. Knight, by emailing aknight@frenship.us . She will be happy to help!