The LCM Color Guard recently held tryouts to determine the 2016-2017 squad and several new members made the cut, including Victoria Robinson, Kennedy Swiney, Tori Bland, Hailey Perkins and Alyssa Kelly.

According to Color Guard sponsor Brittany Tawater, there are two auditions every year – one in December for Winter Guard and then one in April or May for Marching Band.

“A week or so before the audition we have prep camps after school, where we teach all the audition material,” Tawater said.

Junior Color Guard member Ciarra Kendall said those who make the squad need to be skilled, flexible and able to handle any challenge or task that comes their way. They also need to be able to dance or have the confidence to learn, as well as have an open mind and the ability to get back up when they fall.

“It’s not easy and it’s not something you you can learn and master in one night,” she said. “I practice every day to get better. To hear the swish of a perfect toss and catch the flag flawlessly is a wonderful feeling.”

Kendall said one challenge the new guard members face this year is being able to get out of their comfort zone.

“We all try our best to help one another,” she said.

In order to perfect the show for marching season, Color Guard members must follow a vigorous practice schedule, which includes going over the routine every day in 8th period and then marching with the band after school for about two hours. Kendall said a typical practice starts with stretches and sometimes workouts, then moves onto basic flag techniques and usually ends with perfecting that year’s show.

Sophomore Tori Bland is one of the few who made next year’s squad and said she is looking forward to another year of fun times with her friends.

“The positive energy has helped me get through the year,” she said. “It’s super fun and we make a lot of memories.”

Since next school year is a “State” year for band, all of the Color Guard members are looking to make it the best year ever.

“Hopefully we will be competing in San Antonio for the UIL State Marching Band Contest in November,” Tawater said. “The last time we were eligible was back in 2014. It was such an amazing experience!”

According to Kendall, who has been on the squad for two years, being a part of Color Guard requires a lot of effort – but it also creates wonderful memories.

“I wish more people would join because it really is so much fun,” Kendall said. “You just have to be willing to put in the hard work. Yes, you can get hurt but it’s all worth it.”

The Color Guard’s next performance, their Spring Showcase, will be on April 30.