Even after losing twenty people in 2020, the Stephen F. Austin High School Color Guard was able to grow the group to sixteen members by 2024. The group, known for bringing the marching band show to life with unique dances and colorful equipment designs, not only started growing rapidly in size but started getting unique opportunities to perform at places outside of the school campus with exciting routines as well.

The Color Guard, an essential part of the Austin High School Marching Band, saw its numbers fall after coming back from the pandemic in 2021 due to restrictions on gatherings and rehearsals. Many members graduated thus lowering participation. However, when the new school year began in Fall 2021, the program saw a spark in interest, driven by the want for growth as students returned to in-person activities.

“It was really sad seeing only six people on the field,” said sophomore captain Ginny Cangemi. “In 2019 the guard was so big that it would fill up the football field. How could you fill a whole field with only six members?”

The current sixteen-member roster featured by the Color Guard has gone beyond traditional performances. Under the direction of newly appointed instructors  Whitney Stone, Jaiden Gardener, and Riley Taylor, the team has welcomed a new vision that includes distinctive choreography and original themes. This season’s show, “Making Waves”, takes on the representation of the different types of waves: Water waves, Radio waves, and Audio waves.

“Something that makes this guard different is absolutely all of the members. Each one is so bright and unique.” Instructor Riley Taylor added. “We cater our shows to be interesting to the guard and fit what they like to do. Teaching them is something that gives me purpose and pushes me every day. It fills my heart to be able to help this team be the best they can be on and off the field. I feel I’ve helped quite a few of the members embrace things out of their comfort zones and achieve things they never thought possible.” 

Community involvement has also played a significant role in the Color Guard’s comeback. The group has made a big effort to connect with local schools, providing visits to express the benefits of teamwork and self-expression through performing. This outreach has not only strengthened bonds within the community but has also inspired younger students to join the program in the future.

Parents and fans have taken notice of the Color Guard’s impressive growth. Attendance at their performances increased throughout the years, with stands being filled with enthusiastic supporters during competitions and halftime shows. Many of the Austin High parents have expressed how impressed they are at how much the group has grown in the span of four years.

As the Color Guard continues to expand on its success, plans are in motion for the upcoming fall season, with interesting performances in the future. The commitment to excellence, creativity, and community grows stronger.

“Seeing more people join the Color Guard has made me feel so much better and happier.” said senior captain Sofia Gutierrez. “It was really sad when we only had six people and the more it grew the more the connections everyone made and friendships, we just all felt like a family.”

The Austin High Color Guard’s inspiring breakthrough is a story of determination, creativity, and the undying desire of student performers fully prepared to share their art with not only their school but the world. As they prepare for a competitive season ahead with the marching band, their message is clear: as said by Sofia Gutierrez, “The Austin High Color Guard is the best!”