After nearly 20 years of absence, Southern Lehigh has reintroduced the indoor color guard. The team is currently made up of a small group of nine middle and high schoolers, coached by color guard director Mrs. Marlo Spritzer, assistant instructor Mr. Devon Wolf, and volunteer instructor Mx. Ellis Ford. Both Wolfe and Ford are former Southern Lehigh color guard members.
Color guard director Mrs. Spritzer was inspired by the passion of her students to bring back the indoor color guard program to Southern Lehigh.
“It’s something that I’ve thought about for a while, but there weren’t always the right circumstances to be able to do it,” said Mrs. Spritzer, “This year, I had a very dedicated group of students that were enthusiastic about the opportunity, so we thought we would give it a try. That way, there would be an opportunity for the color guard members to be able to have a year-round experience.”
The indoor guard strives to create a hard-working and competitive team by dedicating multiple hours a week to practice. Currently, practices are held in the high school gymnasium, an unfamiliar transition for those used to practicing outside for the marching band season.
This season’s program is set to the song, “These Are the Days” by 10,000 Maniacs. The performance is very light-hearted and fun, with members costumed in neutral tones and portraying a theme embodying friendship.
One of the color guard members, freshman Charlotte Smyth, is grateful for the familial bond the team has already formed.
“I love how when we are all together, it feels like we all have something in common. It’s like we’re all connected because we all enjoy doing color guard together,” said Smyth. “We’re like one big family, and I know that I can be my true self and feel accepted by everyone.”
The implementation of the indoor guard team at Southern Lehigh has created great opportunities for students interested in color guard. It has allowed members of the marching band guard to continue performing throughout the year and given middle schoolers a chance to improve their skills before transferring to high school.
As the winter season has progressed, junior Maeve Grogan, captain of the indoor color guard, expressed her adoration for the team so far.
“It’s been a great experience for sure!,” said Grogan, “Everyone does their part to try and make others feel included, and even if our practices can be grueling sometimes, in my opinion, it’s all worth it. Overall, I’ve been having a really wonderful time!”
The team performed in their first competition on March 1st at Wilson High School, in West Lawn, where they earned third place in the scholastic novice class. Their next competition is on March 29th at Catasauqua High School, and they will conclude their season at the Tournament Indoor Association (TIA) Region 2 Championships at Parkland High School on April 26th.