SFU Guard
SFU Guard Welcome to the Saint Francis University Guard! As a member of the SFU Guard program, you will make new friends, learn valuable life lessons, and come away with memories that will last a lifetime.
The guard program at SFU consists of both colorguard and majorettes. This year we are also adding a Red Flash Feature Twirler position. We perform as separate squads, but at the same time we function as one cohesive section. We warm up together, we rehearse together, and the routines coordinate. Our style is very unique because it draws from the influences of corps style, military style, and traditional college style marching bands. We have created our own “hybrid” of different styles, which sets the SFU Guard apart and gives us our own identity. We always strive for excellence, precision, discipline, and pride.
Our ultimate goal is to work together as a team. The routines are not extremely difficult; instead, our focus is on learning routines that are reasonably challenging but accessible to performers of all different backgrounds and ability levels. We spend a lot of time cleaning and perfecting our routines and we strive to perform as one, not as individuals. We all learn to work together and to never settle for “good enough.” Enclosed you will find a “shopping list” with items you will need to purchase on your own before band camp. I have provided links for your convenience. Make sure you double-‐check for correct colors, sizes, and styles. Bring everything from your list to campus when you come for band camp, and we will do a final check to make sure everyone has the correct items. We can place another last-‐minute order if necessary. Also, I am enclosing information on auditions. Performers on the majorette line and on the flag squad are not required to audition. Auditions are only required for the following positions: *Colorguard Captain (must have one year of experience with the SFU Guard) *Head Majorette (must have one year of experience with the SFU Guard) *Feature Twirler (open to any current or incoming majorettes) *Rifle Line (open to any current or incoming guard) If at any time you have any questions about the program, or if you just want to get to know me better, please feel free to email me at [email protected] , or you can add me on Facebook (facebook.com/mrsmaggie.sensenig). I will get back to you as soon as possible. Sincerely, Maggie Sensenig Guard Instructor, SFU Marching Band
SFU Guard Shopping List Please make sure you have all of these items before you arrive for band camp. You can order on your own. Once you arrive, we will double check to make sure you have everything, then place a lastminute order if necessary. If you already own any of these items from your high school program, feel free to use what you have.
Flags: •
2-3 pairs of black socks that go up to your mid-calf (no ankle socks)
•
Personal equipment bag http://bandshoppe.com Item #DC116
•
Black fingerless guard gloves or weightlifting gloves*
•
Black long-sleeved bodysuit http://www.omnicheer.com Item # BR300 (full bodysuit) or Item # BR400 (cropped bodysuit) –your choice. *
• Black “Style Plus Impulse” Guard Shoes http://bandshoppe.com Item # 1650 *
*make sure you order the correct color (black) for all items.
Majorettes: •
2 or more pairs of Capezio Footed Shimmer Tights in suntan color http://bandshoppe.com Item # GU999
•
A pair of black yoga pants. (Solid black please. No stripes.)
• •
Lycra Crop Top in nude color www.algyteam.com
Item # I-‐971-‐C
White “Holly” Majorette boots http://www.bandshoppe.com Item # 1050
•
Sharp Plain Shaft Baton (You can decide on either model #20, which is a thicker shaft, or model #10, which is a thinner shaft. Choose whatever is most comfortable for you.)
****make sure you select the correct length. Measurement instructions below. https://sharp-‐baton.com/store2/ Type in “model 10 plain shaft baton” or “model 20 plain shaft baton” in the search bar.
****Measuring for your baton: stand tall with your right arm extended out to the side. Measure from your armpit to the very tip of your middle finger. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me. We want to make sure you get the correct length.
Section Leader Audition Information During the spring semester, we will select section leaders (Colorguard Captain(s) and a Head Majorette) for the upcoming season. Candidates for section leader positions must have at least one year of experience with the SFU Marching Band.
Section leaders will be responsible for taking attendance at all practices, performances, and band functions. They will also conduct practices in the absence of the instructor, and they will be responsible for cleaning routines and making sure that all members of the section are caught up on material. Section leaders will also be called upon to write some of the routines. This is a large responsibility, and it should be taken seriously. If you are interested: 1. Contact me at [email protected] or on facebook and let me know that you are auditioning. 2. Prepare a routine ahead of time. Your routine must be 2-‐3 minutes long (no more, no less please) and it should demonstrate medium to advanced skill level. Both flag and baton twirling routines should include at least two different tosses. There are no other required skills for routines, but you should demonstrate proficiency in basics, and an ability to go into “performance mode”: chin up, smile, not looking around or fidgeting with your hair or jewelry, etc. 3. Please bring a copy of your music on a CD. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Thank you and good luck!!
Red Flash Feature Twirler Audition Information The Red Flash Feature Twirler position will be open to all current and incoming majorettes. Freshmen are eligible to audition but preference may be given to upper-‐classmen. The Feature Twirler will be responsible for writing her own field routines (cadence and pregame routines will be performed with the rest of the majorette line). Successful candidates will understand that they will need to balance being “individuals” (with solo routines and a separate uniform) while also being part of the larger ensemble (same hairstyle; same policies apply; etc). The feature twirler will be selected through a highly competitive audition, which will take place on the first evening of band camp. If you are interested in auditioning for the Red Flash Feature Twirler position, please do the following: 1. Contact me at [email protected] and express your interest. Please do this by Wednesday, July 31st. 2. Compose an original, 2-‐3 minute routine to perform in front of the judges (the band staff). The routine must include at least one toss followed by two spins and a successful catch; a horizontal toss; and an illusion. The routine should demonstrate advanced skill level. Please bring your own baton(s) and dress in a majorette uniform or costume for the audition. 3. Please bring a copy of your music on a CD. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Remember, you must express your interest in auditioning no later than Wednesday, July 31st. Thank you and good luck!!
Rifle Line Auditions Rifle line auditions are open to all current and incoming guard performers. For the upcoming 2013 season, the rifle line will be limited to five performers. This will ensure proper visual balance with the rest of the guard. If you are interested in auditioning for the rifle line, please contact me by email, facebook, or in person as soon as possible. **AUDITIONS FOR CURRENT GUARD MEMBERS WILL BE HELD ON Tuesday, February 26th at the same time as drum major/guard section leader auditions. Please wear comfortable clothes and sneakers, and wear your hair up. Auditions will be based on the following: 1. 2. 3. 4.
32 counts of stand-‐still choreography taught by the instructor 64 counts of marching choreography taught by the instructor 50 spins on both the right hand and the left hand (no more than two drops) 5 double tosses with at least 7 successful catches
**INCOMING FRESHMEN WHO WISH TO AUDITION FOR THE RIFLE LINE MUST SUBMIT A VIDEO TO THE INSTRUCTOR (by youtube link or by mailing in a DVD or video). Deadline for video submissions is Wednesday, May 1st. Unfortunately, late submissions cannot be considered because the drill writing process must begin soon after this. The video must include the following: 1. An original 2-‐3 minute routine that demonstrates medium to advanced skill level. 2. 50 spins on both the right hand and the left hand (no more than two drops). 3. A double toss with a successful catch.
Thank you and good luck!
The guard program at SFU consists of both colorguard and majorettes. This year we are also adding a Red Flash Feature Twirler position. We perform as separate squads, but at the same time we function as one cohesive section. We warm up together, we rehearse together, and the routines coordinate. Our style is very unique because it draws from the influences of corps style, military style, and traditional college style marching bands. We have created our own “hybrid” of different styles, which sets the SFU Guard apart and gives us our own identity. We always strive for excellence, precision, discipline, and pride.
Our ultimate goal is to work together as a team. The routines are not extremely difficult; instead, our focus is on learning routines that are reasonably challenging but accessible to performers of all different backgrounds and ability levels. We spend a lot of time cleaning and perfecting our routines and we strive to perform as one, not as individuals. We all learn to work together and to never settle for “good enough.” Enclosed you will find a “shopping list” with items you will need to purchase on your own before band camp. I have provided links for your convenience. Make sure you double-‐check for correct colors, sizes, and styles. Bring everything from your list to campus when you come for band camp, and we will do a final check to make sure everyone has the correct items. We can place another last-‐minute order if necessary. Also, I am enclosing information on auditions. Performers on the majorette line and on the flag squad are not required to audition. Auditions are only required for the following positions: *Colorguard Captain (must have one year of experience with the SFU Guard) *Head Majorette (must have one year of experience with the SFU Guard) *Feature Twirler (open to any current or incoming majorettes) *Rifle Line (open to any current or incoming guard) If at any time you have any questions about the program, or if you just want to get to know me better, please feel free to email me at [email protected] , or you can add me on Facebook (facebook.com/mrsmaggie.sensenig). I will get back to you as soon as possible. Sincerely, Maggie Sensenig Guard Instructor, SFU Marching Band
SFU Guard Shopping List Please make sure you have all of these items before you arrive for band camp. You can order on your own. Once you arrive, we will double check to make sure you have everything, then place a lastminute order if necessary. If you already own any of these items from your high school program, feel free to use what you have.
Flags: •
2-3 pairs of black socks that go up to your mid-calf (no ankle socks)
•
Personal equipment bag http://bandshoppe.com Item #DC116
•
Black fingerless guard gloves or weightlifting gloves*
•
Black long-sleeved bodysuit http://www.omnicheer.com Item # BR300 (full bodysuit) or Item # BR400 (cropped bodysuit) –your choice. *
• Black “Style Plus Impulse” Guard Shoes http://bandshoppe.com Item # 1650 *
*make sure you order the correct color (black) for all items.
Majorettes: •
2 or more pairs of Capezio Footed Shimmer Tights in suntan color http://bandshoppe.com Item # GU999
•
A pair of black yoga pants. (Solid black please. No stripes.)
• •
Lycra Crop Top in nude color www.algyteam.com
Item # I-‐971-‐C
White “Holly” Majorette boots http://www.bandshoppe.com Item # 1050
•
Sharp Plain Shaft Baton (You can decide on either model #20, which is a thicker shaft, or model #10, which is a thinner shaft. Choose whatever is most comfortable for you.)
****make sure you select the correct length. Measurement instructions below. https://sharp-‐baton.com/store2/ Type in “model 10 plain shaft baton” or “model 20 plain shaft baton” in the search bar.
****Measuring for your baton: stand tall with your right arm extended out to the side. Measure from your armpit to the very tip of your middle finger. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me. We want to make sure you get the correct length.
Section Leader Audition Information During the spring semester, we will select section leaders (Colorguard Captain(s) and a Head Majorette) for the upcoming season. Candidates for section leader positions must have at least one year of experience with the SFU Marching Band.
Section leaders will be responsible for taking attendance at all practices, performances, and band functions. They will also conduct practices in the absence of the instructor, and they will be responsible for cleaning routines and making sure that all members of the section are caught up on material. Section leaders will also be called upon to write some of the routines. This is a large responsibility, and it should be taken seriously. If you are interested: 1. Contact me at [email protected] or on facebook and let me know that you are auditioning. 2. Prepare a routine ahead of time. Your routine must be 2-‐3 minutes long (no more, no less please) and it should demonstrate medium to advanced skill level. Both flag and baton twirling routines should include at least two different tosses. There are no other required skills for routines, but you should demonstrate proficiency in basics, and an ability to go into “performance mode”: chin up, smile, not looking around or fidgeting with your hair or jewelry, etc. 3. Please bring a copy of your music on a CD. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Thank you and good luck!!
Red Flash Feature Twirler Audition Information The Red Flash Feature Twirler position will be open to all current and incoming majorettes. Freshmen are eligible to audition but preference may be given to upper-‐classmen. The Feature Twirler will be responsible for writing her own field routines (cadence and pregame routines will be performed with the rest of the majorette line). Successful candidates will understand that they will need to balance being “individuals” (with solo routines and a separate uniform) while also being part of the larger ensemble (same hairstyle; same policies apply; etc). The feature twirler will be selected through a highly competitive audition, which will take place on the first evening of band camp. If you are interested in auditioning for the Red Flash Feature Twirler position, please do the following: 1. Contact me at [email protected] and express your interest. Please do this by Wednesday, July 31st. 2. Compose an original, 2-‐3 minute routine to perform in front of the judges (the band staff). The routine must include at least one toss followed by two spins and a successful catch; a horizontal toss; and an illusion. The routine should demonstrate advanced skill level. Please bring your own baton(s) and dress in a majorette uniform or costume for the audition. 3. Please bring a copy of your music on a CD. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Remember, you must express your interest in auditioning no later than Wednesday, July 31st. Thank you and good luck!!
Rifle Line Auditions Rifle line auditions are open to all current and incoming guard performers. For the upcoming 2013 season, the rifle line will be limited to five performers. This will ensure proper visual balance with the rest of the guard. If you are interested in auditioning for the rifle line, please contact me by email, facebook, or in person as soon as possible. **AUDITIONS FOR CURRENT GUARD MEMBERS WILL BE HELD ON Tuesday, February 26th at the same time as drum major/guard section leader auditions. Please wear comfortable clothes and sneakers, and wear your hair up. Auditions will be based on the following: 1. 2. 3. 4.
32 counts of stand-‐still choreography taught by the instructor 64 counts of marching choreography taught by the instructor 50 spins on both the right hand and the left hand (no more than two drops) 5 double tosses with at least 7 successful catches
**INCOMING FRESHMEN WHO WISH TO AUDITION FOR THE RIFLE LINE MUST SUBMIT A VIDEO TO THE INSTRUCTOR (by youtube link or by mailing in a DVD or video). Deadline for video submissions is Wednesday, May 1st. Unfortunately, late submissions cannot be considered because the drill writing process must begin soon after this. The video must include the following: 1. An original 2-‐3 minute routine that demonstrates medium to advanced skill level. 2. 50 spins on both the right hand and the left hand (no more than two drops). 3. A double toss with a successful catch.
Thank you and good luck!
