F.A.Q. – frequently asked questions concerning the Shawnee Renegade  Color Guard and Dance Team

With the help of current band members, we have pieced together a list of common questions that incoming students, and their parents, may have concerning the program.  If you have further questions concerning the Shawnee Renegade Color Guard and Dance Team  please email director Nick Rotindo at NROTINDO@lrhsd.org

  If I am a musician in Concert Band, do I have to play in Marching Band, or can I be in the color guard or on the dance team?

  While we encourage any student that plays an instrument to do so every chance they get, we do have members in our guard program that are in the daytime band classes.

  Is Color Guard/Dance Team a class?

No.  At this time, it is strictly an extra-curricular or co-curricular activity.

  Are there after school rehearsals?  Are rehearsals every day?

Actually, the Marching Band rehearses only two evenings per week, to allow students time after school to do other things, such as sports and/or homework.   Color Guard and Dance Team normally rehearses during the same times as the full band, but may have small group sectionals at other convenient times.

  Does the Color Guard and Dance Team  practice all year?

  No.  The rehearsal schedule begins the Tuesday following Labor Day in September, and ends the first full week of November.  This is actually just the first marking period of the school year.

  How about during the summer?

The full band rehearses once per week during the summer starting around July 19 for about 2 hours.  These are evening rehearsals.  Our policy is that if the member is in town, they should be at these rehearsals.  If they are out of town, the rehearsal is excused.  

  If I’m a member, do I have to come to band camp?

  Band Camp (August 20-26) is an important part of the preparation for our fall season.  During these five days, the staff teaches about a month’s worth of material to the group.  Students come out of camp with a working knowledge of all of the band music and most of the field show.  Aside from rehearsals, this is a great chance for the band members to get to know each other and bond as a group.  We include fun activities during this week, such as games, and a cookout.

Where does band camp take place?

At camp Greenlane in PA

How many performances does the band do?

The band performs at all varsity football games, and usually does about 10 competitions.  This comes out to usually one football game and one competition per weekend.

  Do I have to learn how to twirl a flag?

  Today’s color guard and dance team is more than using a flag.  Guard members use various types of equipment to create a visual effect, including silks, rifles, sabers, and body work.  Also dance is an integral part of any marching band performance.

  Does the band do trips?

  We have performed in many places throughout the United States and Canada.  We usually take a trip every other year.

  Do I have to do an audition for Color Guard or Dance Team?  Can I be cut?

Guard  and dance team is open to anyone that has an honest desire to learn, and is willing to make the commitment.  We do not make cuts.  We do assign roles in the guard based on ability.

  What is the marching band / color guard staff like?

  Our staff is made up of music educators and people that specialize in areas of marching band instruction, color guard and dance.  They are dedicated to the education of all members of our program and work hard to help each student succeed, while still maintaining a fun atmosphere in the program.

  Will marching band benefit me in the future?

  Marching band, guard and dance team  not only help with performance skills, but also helps develop students physically and mentally, and helps to foster leadership and social skills.  The physical nature of the activity helps kids to stay in shape, much like a phys. ed. class.  Marching band also helps with organizational and time management skills.  Colleges not only look for academic subjects from applicants, but also look for extra-curricular activities.

We hope that we have covered some of your questions.  Please feel free to contact us with any further questions.  We look forward to possibly having you become a part of our award-winning program!