Color Guard & Winter Guard

The Mt. Carmel Color Guard is a dynamic performance ensemble that combines choreographed dance, interpretive movement, and gymnastics with equipment such as flags, sabers, and rifles. As a vital component of our music department, the Guard brings music to life through striking visual storytelling.

• Fall Season (Color Guard): The team performs and competes alongside the Marching Band at varsity football games, high-profile field show tournaments, and parades, providing essential visual flair and "color" to the show.

• Winter Season (Winter Guard): Once the marching season concludes, the team transitions indoors. Performing to recorded music in an arena setting, the Winter Guard competes independently at local, regional, and circuit championships across San Diego and Southern California.

Note for Students: Joining the Guard is a fantastic way to get involved! Participation earns Physical Education (P.E.) credit during the first trimester. To join, please reach out to the Band Director or Color Guard Advisor via our Contact Page.

How Parents Can Support the Team

Our program thrives on parent involvement. It takes a village to get our performers field- and floor-ready! Below are the key areas where you can lend your time and talents:

Event Supervision

Assist with student supervision at performances and tournaments. This includes helping with costumes, hair, makeup, equipment, props, and ensuring our performers safely navigate to and from the venue staging areas.

Transportation & Carpools

• Practice Carpools (Informal): Help transport non-driving team members to and from local day camps and practices to accommodate parents with conflicting work schedules.

• Event Carpools (Formal): Provide transportation to distant performances when buses are not provided—this is especially vital during the Winter Guard season for out-of-region competitions. Note: Drivers must submit the district’s "Private Vehicle Transportation" and Level I "Megan’s Law" clearance forms, available upon request.
  
  

Creative & Props (No Special Skills Required!)

• Flags & Sewing: Help with cutting, pinning, ironing, or sewing flags and props. You do not need to be a master tailor to help! This is usually done during Wednesday evening practices or as take-home projects.

• Prop Construction & Fabrication: Help build, paint, or source custom show props. If you have experience in woodworking, metalworking, or general fabrication, your skills are highly valued here!
  
  

Appearance & Wardrobe

• Hair & Makeup: Assist with pre-event styling based on the specific aesthetic themes of the season's show.

• Uniforms: Manage initial costume fittings, distribute performance wear, monitor uniform condition, and coordinate cleanings or quick repairs.
  
  

Food, Snacks, & Hydration

Help prepare, transport, and serve coordinated meals to students in designated staging areas on long event days. Note: All Guard families will be asked to donate water, snacks, or food items at specific points throughout both seasons.

Fundraising & Coordination

Help plan, coordinate, and manage fundraising campaigns. Strong fundraising keeps the program affordable by directly offsetting costs for uniforms, equipment, and travel—especially when the team qualifies for major events like the Winter Guard International (WGI) World Championships.

👉 Click Here to Become a Guard Volunteer Parent!