Color guard is a performance art that consists of members that use a combination of dance, flags, and other props to portray a message to the audience. Specifically, the outdoor color guard performs alongside the wind and percussion players as a part of the marching band.

No! All skills you need to know are taught at rehearsals. Prior music and/or dance experience may come in handy.

Any Hershey High School student from 9th-12th grade can join color guard. Students that reside in Derry Township School District and attend Dauphin County Technical School or participate in a Home Education program are also eligible to join color guard.

Color guard attends all of the same rehearsals and performances as the marching band/full ensemble. However, there are some additional summer rehearsals for color guard to help fine-tune and focus on learning the skills specific to our section. Generally, color guard rehearses Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-9pm throughout June, July, and the first half of August (with the exception of band camp during the first week of August). From late August through October, we rehearse on Tuesdays from 6-9pm and on Fridays from 2:45pm until the completion of that evening's football game. There are also a few exhibition performances on Saturdays. A full schedule can be found on the Schedule page.

Summer rehearsals:

• Your equipment

• Lots of water

• Sunscreen

• Guard gloves (see "What do I need to purchase for color guard?" question below)

• Athletic wear (school appropriate!)

• Sneakers

• NO acrylic nails and/or bulky jewelry

During and after band camp:

• Everything listed under the "summer rehearsals" section

• Your smart device (with the Ultimate Drill Book app downloaded)

• A fanny pack

• Personal flag bag (see "What do I need to purchase for color guard?" question below)

***The cost of color guard should not deter anyone from joining. Our Music Boosters Association provides scholarship/aid to any student wishing to participate, but need financial aid***

Required items in the Marching Band Order Form:

• Marching Band T-Shirt*

• Guard shoes*

• Guard gloves*

• Flag bag †

Required items in the Online Apparel Order (link sent out during mid-summer):

• Guard jacket † 

Other required items:

• Performance make-up & hair accessories (females only - discussed during summer rehearsals)

• Appropriate undergarments for uniform and/or uniform parts (discussed during summer rehearsals)

*= denotes item(s) that can be reused from last season if in reasonable condition

†= denotes item(s) that can be rented out each season OR purchased to personalize and keep forever 

Yes! We also have an indoor color guard program that runs from early December through early May (auditions are late October/early November). Visit the Indoor Color Guard page for more information!