Gabrielino High School’s color guard regiment is in division Scholastic Triple-A, Faith Villanueva, senior team captain, and Alexis Do, junior team captain. With a wide range of new members, it has doubled in size in the last year.

   “[The new members] have progressed a lot [since] they first started and that’s impressive,” stated Villanueva. “Some of the stuff they’ve learned, took me a long time to do, which makes it even more impressive.”

   Color guard guided many members to explore new hobbies and activities that allowed them to express themselves.

   “I wanted to get out of my comfort zone,” said junior Jesus Gonzalez. “I was a shy individual, and I saw [color guard] as a way to express myself through dance. I saw this opportunity to perform.”

   Color Guard is a fun environment that has greeted new members with open arms. Some have even said it made them comfortable, improving their self-esteem and changing their lives to express themselves better. 

   “I’m proud of how far everyone has made it and I hope we can have a successful season again with a bigger team,” said junior Lily De Leon. “I’m happy we all get along well and there’s not a lot of drama, it’s like a sisterhood.”

  Even in a large team with a lively environment, the regiment still has ups and downs. Luckily, the captains hold the team together. 

   “Communication is sometimes a bit difficult with the members, but sometimes you have to realize that you gotta just breathe and get it over with,” said Do.

   The difference in responsibilities between being a member and a captain can be exhilarating, but it also comes with more pressure. It can be both a toll and a blessing for the captains.

   “It’s interesting to get a different perspective on what it is like to be on the team and how other people perceive that,” said Do. “It’s different than just being a member. You have to look out for everyone [rather] than seeing what you’re doing.”

   The whole Color Guard program is split into two parts: marching band in the fall and winter guard in the winter. The team’s equipment consists of rifles, sabers, and flags. Each member specializes in a certain piece of equipment.

   “My favorite equipment is probably the saber,” said Villanueva.“It was the first piece of equipment that I learned aside from the flag.”

   The equipment must be managed with care and may harm members if not handled correctly.

   “Hey, how many people can say they can throw a rifle in the air and catch it?” stated De Leon. “I have definitely almost hit my head a few times. Concussion core! Concussion princess!”

  In the end, Color Guard is an expression for many people, including our regiment, that shows that this extracurricular activity can be a person’s favorite thing.

   “If you see it and you’re interested in it, I would say try it, “ said Do, “Cause what’s the worst that can happen?”