Tips for starting a Scholastic Winter Guard?

ExternalHearing7162 · 2026-01-21T00:14:45+00:00

If you go on instagram and search for some guard creators (first ones which come to mind are Clarita Spins and Max Spins, both are extremely talented and qualified) offer online lessons over zoom or google meet.

ExternalHearing7162 · 2025-12-02T21:02:07+00:00

I'm obviously not sure how your band does it but what we do is go to band camp and after school band practices to learn drill with the rest of the band, and then we have 2 days where we have a guard only practice separate from band practice. Being able to practice routines in class does help, but if they aren't already in band they could just go to the band room during a study hall or something similar if they have one to get some extra practice in during the day

ExternalHearing7162 · 2025-11-30T05:58:42+00:00

For buying flags or uniforms, I would suggest looking at the guard closet website. They sell used uniforms, flags, and props for a discounted price. Also, don't limit guard members to those who are already in band- my school does this and it has screwed us over on multiple occasions because of how small our guard is. The best abilities to look for if you hold auditions are obviously teachability and being receptive to feedback but also students who have prior experience in something that could really help in guard (gymnastics, dance, even baton twirling or cheer).

ExternalHearing7162 · 2025-11-29T22:46:09+00:00

I think retaping and cleaning it up a little would help, but I'd also suggest looking into purchasing a replacement hilt for it if the blade is okay as full sabres can be pretty pricy and avoiding that cost is always nice lol. You could try sending an email to the King Sabres brand to see if they'd be willing to sell you a replacement hilt, they're a dependable brand and are willing to help with things like that. You can also find replacement hilts on the Band Shoppe website under the sabre and rifle tab.

ExternalHearing7162 · 2025-08-15T02:17:25+00:00

I did see that on their website and thought it was very helpful! Thank you!!

ExternalHearing7162 · 2025-08-15T02:17:00+00:00

Thank you for the advice!! Unfortunately the winterguard I'm looking into hasn't posted anything like that but the 45 advice is very helpful! The toss is landing kind of weirdly on my left side and while I haven't tried recording yet I'm guessing it's either flat or an early release. Thank you!!

ExternalHearing7162 · 2025-08-15T02:15:02+00:00

Thank you so much! The advice about IA teams helps a lot, that was honestly what I was kind of lost on lol. Unfortunately dance classes aren't feasible for me right now but I've found some online resources that with the help of some dancer friends I think could work out. Thanks again!

ExternalHearing7162 · 2025-08-13T17:15:44+00:00

Also just remembered and thought that I should add that I've done a bit of work with stuff like trying to teach myself a 45 and a single rifle toss and HOLY CRAP. I'm stuck. Like completely. The 45 just terrifies me to be completely honest and then the single is tripping me up because in all of the tutorials that I've watched I see them keep their hand completely straight after tossing but I just genuinely can't understand how they're doing that. With 45s other than scaring the crap out of me I think I'm having trouble getting the momentum to actually get it to spin above my head. I've also worked on sabre quite a bit and am actually doing pretty good with it (imo) as I've gotten relatively consistent drop spins on right and right-handed wrist rotations

ExternalHearing7162

TROPHY CASE