What's Going on the Next Couple Weeks

OK, so I know you guys had to basically learn a completely different show these last two weeks. You just have to deal. I know Evergreen will not be up to what Lulu and I expect because of all our time and rehearsal space restraints. Good news is, we are not going to completely rewrite the show after this competition, changes of course here and there, but nothing as major as what we just did. You need to understand that we changed the show so it's more "visually impacting" and "interesting" and more challenging for you guys. It's all in efforts to pull a good show together. So after Evergreen, the most major changes we'll have are dance work sequences. Maybe change a few counts of flag work so it fits better. Tweak transitions. Nothing major.

But of course, this means that we'll be CLEANING like Mr. Clean himself for these last few weeks. Being clean is a major issue for us, so we need you guys to RETAIN everything we tell you, just as if you were learning new work.

On another note, I found this on this website I like - www.colorguardeducator.com and it's a list a things to get yourselves ready for competitions:

10. Do your homework...for color guard that is. You know best which parts of the show you need to improve. Even just 10 minutes a day can make a big difference in getting more comfortable with the choreography.

9. Be prepared! if you have academic obligations tend to them PRIOR to show day. Pack your bag the night before, get plenty of rest, set 2 alarms, and STRETCH before you go to sleep. This will help you relax prior to turning the lights out.

8. Conserve your energy. Show days are long and while time may fly by, don't underestimate the toll it can take on you mentally and physically. Choose wisely how you spend your time prior to the performance because in the end the main event is all that matters.

7. HYDRATE the right way. (Drink water. Not soda/coffee/energy drinks.)

6. Time is of the essence. Arrive at the show site (just meaning Tigard HS) with plenty of time to spare and use it wisely to prepare.

5. Familiarize yourself with entrance and exit locations, timing lines, lighting, and bleacher height. (This is more of an instructor thing, don't worry about it.)

4. Revel in the rituals. Many guards have a cheer or pre-performance tradition that allows members a moment to bond and get excited prior to performing. Make it fun, friendly, and fast so you don't lose focus.

3. VISUALIZE and mentally prepare. Your costume is one, your show hair is done and your makeup is flawless. Now it is time to get your head in the game. Find a quiet corner, play your show music, and visualize yourself performing [the way you want to perform it]. Take a series of long, deep breaths and imagine yourself releasing all your nerves and tension.

2. Follow the flow. Most competitions will have the same warm-up progression (body, equipment, deck). Allow your instructors to coordinate volunteers so you can stay focused (?). Don't allow one specific toss to consume your time. If you make mistakes in warm-up brush them off and move on to another part.

1. Stay cool, calm, and collected! Move with PURPOSE as you set your equipment and survey the crowd. Take long deep breaths to steady yourself, stand tall, and get your game face on (SHOW FACE)...it's show time!

(written by Meghan McCourt Feb 12, 2009)