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COLORGUARD PRAYER
When the music starts and we
stand proud and true
Please oh lord! Let the judges like what we do
May I stay in rhythm; let me not lose my count
for I dread they will see and point me out
This I well know is not so bad but,
buy the looks on my instructor
could kill my dad
I ask not for myself but for the whole
let us march in straight lines, and not on our toes
May
my hands be true even though they're black and blue
It's the price we must pay for the toss's that get away
Protect
me oh lord! from you know who
They couldn't catch a cold you know this is true
When the show's almost over and
the fans are on their feet
keep me smiling that same smile, even though I can not breath.
____________________________________________________________________
BANDS AT FOOTBALL GAMES
It seems that in the public mind today,
That bands and football are entwined to stay.
My history is weak, I can't recall,
How marching bands became entwined w/football.
They're not alike, by no co-interest
scaled,
All that they have in common is the feild.
I'll come right out and state right where I stand,
That of
the two my favorite is the band,
I've watched football for thirty years or more,
And never really cared about the
score,
It's half time which has drawn me to the stands,
It's then that I can watch and hear the bands,
Not hear
them well, the crowd is loud throughout,
Just waiting for the second half no doubt,
They've had poor training, you
can always tell,
When the bands march, you're not supposed to yell.
And sad it is, when happens in this land,
Some
fourth rate team backed by a first rate band,
That band applauds and cheers and plays, ahem, That football team should
be applauding them!
Mine's not the view of most I understand, For me there's something special 'bout the band!
Copyright
1994 by George Yenetchi
______________________________________________________________
MARCHING CONTEST DAY
Contest
Day has dawned gray dark, in torrents of cold rain,
The band members wake weary from last night's football game.
It's
been ten week's of practice after ten month's of plans,
To prepare for ten minutes before the judges' stands.
Check
if the T-shirt's dirty, find band socks, what a chore,
Check the horn, where's that valve oil? A quick trip to the store.
On the way they know they'll want something on which to dine,
Today the city's SUBWAYS note that business is fine.
Report prompt to the band hall, polish horns in a mass,
Lemon Pledge on the lacquer and fresh ketchup on brass.
Warm
up, play through the music, it is so loud in here,
Take it easy, save their best tone for the judges to hear.
On the
school's puddled car park in the wind and the wet,
March damply through the routine two more times and its set.
Last
words from the director, then load up the truck tight,
Everyone board the buses, drive to the contest site.
Suit up
fast, get those horns out, and warm up now with zeal,
They have done this many times, but now this time its real.
Clap,
Clap, Clap Clap its started, Step, Step, Step, Step, it's done,
Walk 'round back to the buses, gather round everyone.
Not too bad in some places, some good marching as such,
But those three different tempos, were two tempos too much.
Load all up, hit the snak bar, with a much improved mood,
Everyone feels much better once they're filled w/junk food.
They announce scores at last and the band learns the worst,
It was sure far from perfect, but they do get on "first".
Return late to the band hall, now a brief rest but, hey!
Can't relax now, the next contest, is just one week away!
Copyright
1994 by George Yenetchi
________________________________________________________________________
MARCHING PRACTICE
We practice each day since our great goal is All-State,
Sustained by hope and warm Gatorade,
"NO, THAT WAS RAG-GED!"
"TUBAS PLAY LOU-DER!"
Do it again, such a mess we've made.
Go forwards and backwards, two eights then three fours,
Get to our spots 'fore the music's done.
"STRAIGHTEN THAT FRONT ROW! "
"HOLD YOUR HORNS HIGHER!"
Do it again,
isn't this such fun?
We've marched and played 'cross this wide field for ho-urs.
From set to set under a hot sun.
"NO! ITS NOT RIGHT YET!"
"GO BACK TO SET ONE!"
Do it twice more before we are done.
_______________________________________________________
We Are The Show: Author Unknown
The time between seasons drags
And the days click by like dominoes
One
by one they tumble over
Countdown to begin the show.
Then finally the season starts
The date is set, the time,
the place
We organize another year
The calendars fill with practice dates.
Tosses, spins, amazing grace
The
music haunts us day and night
Foot here, hand there, the flag in place
Practice, practice to make it right.
Performance
faces, focused eyes
The music fills our hearts once more
Just like in practice all those times
We dance across
the wooden floor.
A show well done fills up our hearts
The end result of hours strained
We burst with pride
when we know it's good
And when it's not, we burn with shame.
All our shows improve by bounds
The season moves
on faithfully
And all too soon it has to end
When it's all over, where will we be?
A little wiser, a little
sad
To see another season go
But knowing we'll always treasure the time
When together, we were the show.
__________________________________________________
Those horrible, hot days of summer band camp. Rehearsing drill until your legs burn. Doing the show until you are
positively sick of the band director saying "lets do it one more time," loading and unloading instrument, carrying flags and
props on and off the field with the timing of a military offensive, day after day after day. Ice to relive bruises on wrists,
foreheads, ankles. Swollen lips. Doing push-ups. Standing at attention for five more minutes than you can bear. Sunburn. Wanting
to sell yoursoul for five more minutes of sleep. Flags in the face, rifles in the ribs. wanting to give it all up and join
the chess club. Hearing the show music in your sleep. Sectionals. Heartburn, Heartbreak. Drumming on everything in sight.
Tossing anything you pick up. Thinking marching band was a stupid way to get out of PE Running laps because someone else was
late, again. Realizing colrguard looked a lot easier than it is. Doing mor push-ups. Wondering what happened to your life.
Eating dinner in a car while changing and doing your homework. Lost shoes and lost mouth pieces. Blood Blisters on your palms.
Long underwhere under your uniform and icy wind in your face. Learning the fine art of sleeping on a buss. Tears and teasing.
Learning yo have 200 new brothers and sisters who stick by you through thick and thin. Know you have 300 new parents who will
cheer for you, no matter what. Laughing with others and learning more about yourself than you ever though possible. Doing
more push-ups. Thinking the show will never work. And then finally, it comes together and you have achieved perfection. Drumming
you hands off, playing you brains out, and tossing higher that the sky. A slice of time in a stadium when everyone cheers
and your mom cries and pictures get taken and once, just once, you have the world in you hands. And the band marches out of
the stadium ad down the street, always together whether it's success or not, and you know by the feeling in your heart that
it doesn't get any better than this. And you know that if your director asked you to turn around and "do it just one more
time, a little better," you would.
_______________________________________________________________________________
What
it's like
Adrenaline pumping hearts beating,
Fingers throbbing, music leading.
All a part of a sport called
colorguard,
The taste of sweat, you know it gets hard,
But ask any teammate, they'll probably say,
That's ok I
like it that way.
All teammates are friends, each helps the other,
But practice isn't a time to call for your
mother.
Tough it out, the coach might yell,
but with that phrase the attitudes swell.
Then those famous words
come a new,
Set it up once lets do a run through.
Your music ends and you're breathing quite a bit faster,
You
did a good run and you think you're the master.
Time to load the truck, it's not that bad,
Every one helps, even
the dads.
Now time to relax, getting on the bus,
Now wait your hair now there's a fuss.
The gel, the spray, it
all goes on there,
And now you don't even want to touch your hair.
Put on your makeup so it'll look right,
Don't
mess it up, we don't want to fight.
Put on the headphones and litsten to "your" song,
Listen, relax, it won't be very
long.
The bus comes to a stop, everyone knows that they're there,
Someone wakes you up and you check your hair.
Get
all your stuff people and get on out here,
Now it sets in, just a little bit of fear.
You get to your room and take
of your shoes,
Take a deep breath, there's nothing to lose.
Warm up and stretch out, get that equipment flying,
Don't busy yourself yet, don't want to see you crying.
Get your equipment and get ready to go,
Line up in the
hall to put on your show.
They pull all the equipment on to the floor,
You step a little bit closer and look through
the door.
The crowd is huge, you don't think you'll make it,
Breath nice and slow, you know you can take it.
It's
your turn to put on your show,
Walk with pride you know it will flow.
Is the guard ready? Ya you think so,
Northmont
High School you may present your show.
Look up at the crowd, make sure they see you,
It's your last chance, don't
let this thing beat you.
Vibrant flags fly fiercely over head,
Catch it right or your arm will red.
Crack
that rifle, you know you can do it,
All right, nice job, I knew you knew it.
Here comes the end, don't break down
just yet,
It will be awesome, this is what I bet.
The zip of the flag, the final snag,
It looks great, you
got it in the bag.
With hands trembling, you get up and say,
Yes, see I told ya I like it this way.
Watery
eyes, spontaneous combustion of tears,
Screaming, excitement initiated cheers.
Go ahead let it out, you gave it your
all,
Don't hold back, admit it, you had a ball.
You showed all those people what you got in you,
Some pain,
some love, need I continue?
Some strength, some friendship, some talent, and grace,
You spread it around all over
that place.
Just when you thought you were gonna be knocked down,
You bounced right back and refused to go down.
With all those going for ya, where next from here?
Do you know where you'll end up next year?
This is what
makes up a colorguard,
Some people try but don't make it because it's too hard.
All the stress and the anger, some
people can't take it,
And somewhere inside they know they won't make it.
All of my teammates have this desire,
Something in their heart that lights a fire.
To do all they need to, to pull off a show,
But what I hate the most
is to see them all go.
So just a little something to say to my girls,
To me, you mean the world.
I love you
all and I want you to know,
I'm so proud of you guys and our guard show.
I really, down deep, don't want this
season to end,
I'm gonna miss it all so much and all of my friends.
________________________________________________________
Winterguard
Everything is set up, and the ? Slaves??ve gone back to their seats to wait until they have to rush
and help us again, when it?ll over. I?tanding behind my backdrop, and I can feel the heat of the lights on me. I?o nervous
that the crowds of people seem larger and larger. All of these people are here, not necessarily to see us, but to see how
we compare to them. The announcer asks if we?ready, and Laurel gets into her position to begin her dance. The music begins
and I hear the sound of cellos come through the speakers. It?oothing music, but not to me, not right now. I?ust thinking about
all the people watching, especially the majority of them who are almost waiting for something to go wrong, for one of us to
mess up and hurt our chances of going on. As I take a deep breath I think about how ready I am for this. I strip my flag and
step out onto the floor. I know that what happens really shouldn?atter, but no matter what Lorissa says, it means so much
to all of us. We?been working so hard these past months and it all comes down to today, to right now. These are the AIA winterguard
championships.
To some of us, this isn?s important as it is to others. To the seniors and to the freshmen, it?verything.
We all want to go on tomorrow and win a medal, but to Nancy, Kayce, and Shannon, this is their last chance to be able to stand
up there and receive that medal with the rest of us. Even though the rest of us know that it would be so great to give Shannon
a medal for her birthday, we know that we have other chances for this. For the freshmen, they think that it would be the greatest
feeling ever knowing that this is their first year doing winterguard ever, and they could have a medal.
All of this and
more is running through my head as I step off the floor and wait until I?oing to go back on with my triangle. I haven?essed
up so far but I?fraid that I?oing to do something that I?never even done in practice before. I watch the other group as they?performing
and I hope that Shannon can get through her split work without any problems. I convince myself to stop worrying about her
and to just concentrate on the work that I?bout to perform for everyone. Again, I don?ess up on it, but my mind is now worrying
about the last thing that could possibly go wrong for me, my toss.
I remember about the time when the floormat wasn?et
up properly and there were wrinkles underneath the boxes. I?done the feature so many times now, and I still get scared every
time I have to step up on the teeny-tiny box to try and do elaborate work. I get through it all, and then comes the moment
that I?he most nervous about, the toss. I wouldn?ind it if the other 16 people on the floor were doing it with me, but it?y
solo. Not just the whole audience is watching me, but so are the judges, and the rest of the guard is turned around to watch
me. I catch it, and it?olid. As I hear the applause that I know is just for me, I feel a great relief come over me. I can
finally relax about the rest of the show, and even though I?been having fun this entire time, I know I can have even more
fun now.
The show is finally over, and we get all of our stuff off the floor within the time limit. We?folding the floor,
taking apart the backdrops, and rolling the flags, talking about how we did and how nervous we were. We all did well, but
this isn?he end. We still have to prove ourselves tomorrow at finals. The rankings on the wall in the cafeteria show that
we placed fourth, and now we know that we have to give the most amazing show of our lives to be able to win a medal tomorrow.
It?oing to be a challenge, but we?all up to it, and we want that medal, but seeing Lorissa smile about how well we did is
such a reward for us, and we know that it was a truly amazing performance.
____________________________________________________________________________
"Color Guard"
Flags . . .
Rifles . . .
Sabres . . .
Glitter and grace
Colors, bright and lively
Music
over the loudspeakers blare
One by one each guard performs
People applaud each on loudly
Art In Motion
Flags
moving in sweeps of color
Slap of the rifle strap after a solid quad
Roar of the crowd as a six is caught by the sabre
line
One girl with a grin of happiness of doing something right
Another's face clouded by the regret of a mistake
Another in tears of pain
For what?
Fun
Joy
Entertainment
The members come off the floor
Tired
Hot
Excited
Leaving their all on the floor
The are praised
Commended for a job well done
No matter
what the outcome
___________________________________________________
A Job Well Done
Dragging along wearily,
feet scuffing the floor
So relieved to finally enter home's door
Baggage is shed and forgotten for the night
Crawling
up the stairs requires all your might
As you wash away all of the sweat and the tears,
You know that this day
will stand out among your years
The pains of an aching body and tired muscles fade
With visions of crowds screaming
your name
Bright lights and brilliant colors flash before your eyes
You're there amid the drums, the wails, and the
cries
Of all those pushing and straining with you to win
An effort to avenge the losses that have been
And
when the victory's won, and the screams subside
After the last embrace, once the tears of joy have been cried
You
can finally rest, for the day has been won
Sinking against the pillows, a job well done
Copyright 1999 by Elizabeth
Knight
________________________________________________________________
When the Lion lifts his mighty head
He
roars loud enough to wake the dead
he struts around and says "I'm king"
While his pride works for his well being
Oh,
such a mighty beast is he,
King of all that he can see.
When the lion roams the land,
he sees himself within the
plan.
But, sees his family and how it lives,
Each member plays a role and gives.
See how they work within the
plan,
The mighty beasts that roam the land.
The Lion's name we find is "Sauce"
Yup...he's our mighty Boss.
His family though, is quite grand,
They are the Carmel Marching Band.
Each one of them, big and small,
Know
that they could win it all.
They sometimes get caught up in other things for a while,
Then comes along that push from
Kyle.
The on top with the greatest view,
We find leading then was J. W.
Sometimes, some may be out for a cold
or hepatitis,
But, the one more often caught disease was "Panty-itis!"
They all travel in a pack and walk with their
TOES UP,
And then even welcomed in Mallorie, their new young pup.
There was a lot of life given to the pack,
Especially
from Dave, but just enough to stay on track.
Seniors, Juniors, Sophomores and Freshman made up the four
divisions,
In each, they carried in with them some strong visions.
They thought of things that would help the pack as a whole,
And
to help each one to become a stronger individual.
The pack would always try to fight against the weather,
And even
in the worse, they made it by working together.
But, the pack would never survive without Charlie and the guard,
For
they had weapons, and to beat them would be hard.
And even though they wore too much make-up and curls,
They were
a bunch of tough, hardworking girls!
Although we lost our dear friend Frizz for a while,
She came back to us with
the same sweet smile.
With all the percussion looking just so fine,
Great rhythms could be heard from our pit
and drumline.
And with "Mac Daddy" tapping and dupping at the lead,
"Metronome Mike" is the one who keeps the speed.
With the "farts, toots, and whistle" sounds from our pit,
IT gets the pack in to a laughing fit.
Split into
9 different instrumental sections,
May traditions became long-lasting resurrections.
Starting with the flutes
and piccolos, O MY!
Their high shrilled sounds reach far beyond the sky.
With all their good luck jewelry, shirts
and braids,
Bailie's head was the one that got absolute praise.
The Clarinets would always do whatever it takes,
Even if it meant actually trying Janet's pancakes.
And with Jessie at the head, and no-one at the rear,
"Come
on Guys!" was the shouting you would hear.
The Bass clarinets, even though they are small,
They are a part of
us after all.
Then, we come around to the beautiful sax,
Where everyone puts their playing to the max.
And
they are lead by "Big Bad Rob"
Who always seems to fulfill his job.
Around the circle we find the mellos,
They
are a group of fine young fellows.
Everytime they travel, the load up on candy,
And they all owe thanks to Amanda,
Sarah and Brandy.
Next, there's the awesome trumpet,
All those players like to PUMP IT!
In a nice long file
they're always standin'
They get their support from mighty 'ol Brandon.
Also meet our wonderful Tones and Bones,
A team that has some of the greatest tones.
They are the coolest gang in the hood,
And their marching style is
better than good.
The contras are the lowest of the lows,
They keep the band on their toes.
The newest contra
was freshman Bob,
The other guys made him a part of their mob.
But really, the staff is the reason for our success,
Because they knew our accomplishments were limitless.
There were times when some would get mad or cranky,
But
on bad days, no-one could outdo Mr. Kreke!
He was the guy at the back of the form,
who was a little out of the norm.
Then, the one who knew it when we missed a note
Huh, that was Mr. Pote.
I was told to watch out for his evil claws
But I wasn't afraid after seeing that HE wore bras!
But they put us together and made us a team,
And helped us
to fulfill our dream
Now I conclude just to say,
Thanks to all, for giving us those memorable days.
So, in
the end, the lion can rest,
Knowing that he did his very best!
_________________________________________________________
The First Show
When we first started camp we knew nothing at all,
But now we stand on the field straight and
tall.
At first the drop spins were a bit off,
But now, oh boy, do we show them off.
And when we first stepped
on that field we were so lost,
When we ran into band member, we sure paid the cost.
But we pulled through even though
it was hard,
It has it?ewards afterward.
We owe our thanks to instructor,
And to our choreographer too
Without
their support we would not have pulled through.
And without our strict captains this could not have been done,
They
made it all seem so easy, and everything fun.
To the Freshman who have tried their very best,
Never asking for a break
or a chance to rest.
The upper classmen have been so kind,
Even when some one drove them out of their mind.
Now
the time has come to put our work to show,
On your mart, get set, time to go.
Good luck to you all, I know you'll
do great.
Hurry up now, don't be late!
____________________________________________
LETS MAKE SOME MAGIC
Lets
make some magic
Lets do it right
Do it with heart
Do it with pride
Hold your head high
Do not be afraid
For fear can destroy
The magic we've made
We have the power
We have it inside
It shows in our progress
It shows in our eyes
Though pained and exhausted
We will not give in
We have the magic
That makes
us win
Lets create an illusion
We have the strength
To open locked doors
Deep within
With every
flag toss
Every step of the dance
Lets make them smile
Lets take this chance
Come on gang!
Lets show
them who we are
Smile from the soul
Reach for the stars
Take them from reality
Cold and tragic
Find
a place in their hearts
Lets Make Some Magic!
by: Faustina D'Anton
___________________________________
I am in the Guard
Tis where I belong
There is no other
Group or throng
All I know
Is twirl
this dance that
And I do it all
With the grace of a cat
I thrive on flags
Rifles and poles
Bruises
and bumps
Adorn my skull
Guard geek I am
Stand proud and tall
Nothing I wouldn't do
To give my all
To give my all
And then some more
Is the only way
To enter that door
At Perfection's door
I
knock and plead
I aim for its glory
I sweat and bleed
I am a Guard
This is my creed
To have that card
of Perfections breed.
______________________________________
Alexandria Dance
dancing to the music
i'm lost in the sound
surrounded by air
I cant feel the ground
Feeling the rythmn
inside and through
my
body and soul
what can i do
if oyu just loose control
and let your emotions flow
you can show them your grace
and show them you know
just what it means
to truly dance
relive the music
capture their glance
and
then you will have
what it takes to perform
and soon surpass
the average and norm
the rythm, the music
all
of us know
the rest comes from you
YOU make the show
desiree raught
chhs colorguard 2000
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