The Indiana State University Sycamore Color Guard is a part of the Marching Sycamores, and provides visual impact as well as entertainment for Indiana State University fans. While performing and participating at many activities, the members are ambassadors for the University. The Color Guard performs during pregame and halftime at all home football games. In addition to these performances, the guard also participates in other activities such as the ISU opening ceremonies; Downtown Terre Haute events, parades and football halftimes at other colleges, professional (NFL) games, and band competitions.
During the fall semester, the Sycamore Color Guard rehearses with the Marching Sycamores three days per week. Guard sectionals will also be held from time to time to ensure that the group is performance ready. A typical game day may include game day practice, tailgate performance of traditional songs for the ISU fans, and half time and post-game routines.
- Instructor: Rebecca Bercich
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AUDITIONS
The ISU Sycamore Color Guard Program welcomes individuals from various backgrounds and experience levels as we strive each season to achieve excellence in practice and performance. Each season the team works to improve both equipment and movement abilities, which are showcased during pregame and halftime performances at ISU football games. ISU’s color guard offers an opportunity for experienced individuals to continue performing at the collegiate level while improving their skills and providing entertainment for large audiences.
The color guard is part of the Marching Sycamores, which is a 1-credit class that meets on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 3:15-5:15pm in the fall semester. The class may be taken for 0 credits if you are overloaded (usually 18 credits for full time students). If a scheduling hardship exists, permission to enroll for 0 credits must be sought from the Instructor of the Marching Sycamores (Dr. Nikk Pilato). The color guard performs at home football games, pep rallies, and parades.
The fall color guard experience at ISU is different from that of a competitive high school color guard where each season is devoted to a single show. The Marching Sycamores learn a pregame show as well as two or three unique halftime shows each year. This means that our team must be able to learn and work at an accelerated pace. Personal accountability and a passion for performing are the keys to success within this program.
THE AUDITION PROCESS
Selections for the 2020 Sycamore Color Guard will be based on submitted video auditions, due to concerns over the Corona Virus. To submit an audition, please contact Dr. Rebecca Bercich, and make sure to fill out the ISUMS information form.
EXPECTATIONS
If you are selected as a member of the ISU Color Guard, you must attend band camp the week prior to the start of classes in the fall, and register for Marching Band (MUS109). It is also expected that you will conduct yourself with maturity and professionalism while representing the team in practice and performance. There are no fees to participate in the ISU color guard, however there are some incidental expenses such as uniform shoes, makeup, warm-up jacket, and a team T-shirt. The estimated total of these expenses is $120.00. If you accept a position on the team, the expectation is that you will participate for the duration of the season. It is crucial to our planning and preparations that you follow through on this commitment. Should any circumstances arise over the summer or during the fall semester that may prevent you from participating fully in team activities, the guard director should be contacted immediately.