Color Guard

What is Color Guard?

Color Guard is a performance-based activity involving the coordinated movements of body and equipment (including flags, prop rifles, prop sabres, ID Shields and more). Performers are taught fundamentals in dance with technique stemming from ballet and modern dance. Equipment Technique learned by students is the same as used by current World Class Color Guards.

In the Marching Band, Color Guard is known to contribute the most Visually to the program, helping to add a new dimension to the performance through visual musicality and expressive storytelling.

This video does an excellent job explaining the activity.

The Cardinal Regiment performing at the 2025 Lincoln Band Review

The Cardinal Regiment performing at the 2023 Foothill Band Review

Fall Competitive Season

Parade Color Guard
Members of the color guard learn a parade routine that is performed competitively. This routine visually represents the musical repertoire played by the musicians of the Cardinal Regiment, providing a vital portion of the regiment's showmanship.

The Color Guard performs with the Varsity Band in the Fall and Spring marching seasons. This group has intensive performance requirements with many performances and rehearsals outside of class time. Performances include competitions throughout California and all home games. Attendance at these events outside of class is required. Students may receive 5 units of PE credit their sophomore, junior and senior years.

Color Guard in Pep Band

During the football season, the marching band and color guard provide additional school spirit to home games. The color guard and band lead the team onto the field, play our nations anthem/lift every voice and sing and perform pep tunes during halftime and throughout the games duration.

Collaborations
During this time of year, the band and color guard often collaborate with our cheerleaders and dance team for certain halftime shows later in the season and at school pep rallies.

"Toxic" Collaboration with Cheer and Dance Team

The Santa Cruz High School Color Guard is under the instruction of Keegan McCoy.

About Us - Established in 1925, the band program at Santa Cruz High School is one of the oldest in California, and we are proud and privileged to represent our community and our school as we travel throughout Northern California and beyond. We strive to foster a sense of camaraderie and family amongst our members: color guard and musicians united as one team—the Cardinal Regiment. More about us here, or click any of our social presence below.