All of the ensembles in the guard program are audition-only ensembles. You must attend an audition at Byrnes or have succesfully completed an audition at another school before becoming a member of the guard program at Byrnes. If you are a transfer student, you need to have auditioned successfully for your previous school and you will need to have a recommendation letter from your previous instructor. If you are transferring to Byrnes HS and want to be a member of the guard program, please email Chris with your information and background.
Q: When are auditions? A: We have two auditions for our program. Auditions for the Rebel Regiment Color Guard, which is the the fall marching band color guard, are in late April/early May. These auditions are for students that are rising 9th-12th graders at Byrnes HS. We make special exceptions for rising 8th graders from time to time - please speak with an instructor if you are a rising 8th grader. Auditions for the Winter Guard Program are in late October/early November. These auditions are typically scheduled in two areas: auditions for Indigo/JV and auditions for Spin Club. We often have an audition at Florence Chapel and an audition at DR Hill for Spin Club.
Q: What do I have to do for auditions? A: During the audition process, we will typically teach everyone a dance/movement routine and a flag routine. Our more experienced members will also learn a routine on sabre or rifle. These are taught along with some of our technique program which includes but is not limited to stretching, basic exercises, and exploring each piece of equipment.
During auditions, we look for several things - firstly, we look at attitude and work ethic. These two things above all dictate success and we look very closely at how students work with others and what approach they have. We look next at movement ability which does include dancing. Next, we look at ability to handle equipment during the teaching process. Lastly, we look at how the student performs in the actual audition. The process is the most important part because it is the longest part of what we do - performances only last a short period of time! Rehearsing, practicing, and working hard take up the most amount of time and we look at how a student approaches this time during auditions.
Q: I have never danced in my life - is that okay? A: Absolutely! Some of our most fantastic dancers never danced a day until they auditioned for color guard! To be honest, having a dance background is a great foundation for spinning in color guard. However, it is not required. We spend a lot of time training you and teaching you dance basics in ballet, modern, jazz, lyrical, etc. etc. etc. The summer rehearsals are very important to developing individual dance training.
We recommend to all of our students to take formal dance classes as well. We recommend taking classes at Converse College, Greenville Ballet, The Teele School of Dance and Let's Dance (in Mauldin). Any classes you take will be helpful, even tap!
Q: How much does it cost? A: You will have to pay two separate membership fees - one for marching band and one for winter guard. We do also have several extra fees you have to pay in order to purchase everything you need. If you are a new member, many of these costs are a one-time fee, or you purchase when something breaks or you need something new. Students typically purchase their own makeup and hair supplies new for each season, as well as a show shirt. Students will have to purchase tights, performance undergarments, shoes, a member jacket, gloves, a rehearsal uniform (RRCG), and other expenses. You may pay these fees all at once or work out a payment plan with the Band Booster Club Treasurer. We also offer numerous fundraising opportunities as well. Cost never prevents anyone from participating in the Guard Program - we are more than willing to work with you.
Q: Where do the groups travel? A: Over the past 5 years, the Guard Program has traveled to: Hawaii, California, New York City, Philadelphia, Pensacola, Tampa, Atlanta, Nashville, Raleigh, Dayton, and all over the Appalachian area. Travelling is one of the great perks of performing - you perform in front of audiences all over the US.
