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3538 Peoria St #500
WELCOME
and thank you for your interest in becoming a member of the Blue Knights Color Guard.
By registering to audition and reading this right now, you have already set yourself apart and acted upon a calling to become a better version of yourself. While there are many ways to be great at color guard in the marching arts, this information, approach, and technique is the style and method for the Blue Knights Color Guard. Our approach has been continually developed through a 60+ year history, being built upon progressively with every iteration of our drum corps.
When auditioning for the Blue Knights Color Guard, it is important to maintain a positive attitude and growth mindset. Take time to prepare yourself and allow us to see your true and authentic self. We ask that you prepare these warm-up videos prior to attendance of an in person camp. These warm-ups are designed to not only demonstrate and solidify the style and technique of the BKCG, but they are purposefully put together in a way that creates a “flow” within our curriculum. The connectivity of the elements warms and stretches the body while building physical and mental stamina. Most importantly, these exercises create a foundation of skills and terminology upon which our choreography is built.
Show choreography will be taught and recorded at in person camps. You may request access to those after camps have been completed.
Audition Experience Guide
How can I be prepared for auditions?
Please be familiar with the exercises in this packet, prior to attending a camp. This will allow camp to flow smoother and give you a head-start to having a successful audition. These exercises will be done at camp and will be factored into your audition. If you are only auditioning for a flag spot, please become familiar with the dance and flag warmups. However, if you plan on auditioning for a weapon spot, you need to be familiar with dance and flag, as well as the exercises for both rifle and sabres.
What should I bring?
When attending a camp, you should bring the following items:
• Black dance wear, such as, black shorts, a black top, black tights, etc.
• A good pair of athletic shoes (we will wear these during equipment basics).
• Knee pads are optional but a good idea for ground phrases.
• An air mattress,sleeping bag, or whatever will make you feel comfortable sleeping.
• Toiletries
• Meals will be provided
Note: if attending a one-day satellite clinic, you will not need items for an overnight stay
Please do not hesitate to reach out to our instructional staff with any questions or needs for clarification on an exercise or technique! We are always available.
What should I expect prior to move-ins?
Video Assignments Fees
You will be asked to post videos weekly, or bi-monthly. These assignments will be of exercises and moving closer to move-ins, show choreography. You will be given feedback by various staff members on these videos. Turning-in and giving quality effort to your video assignments is a vital part of earning or maintaining a spot here at Blue Knights. If you do not keep up with assignments, you may lose your spot to someone who has kept up with theirs.
Performing with the Blue Knights is not free. It is important that every single member of the drum corps is keeping up with their fees. Do not be afraid to reach out to the Ascend Performing Arts office if you are having trouble paying your fees. It is way better for you to be up-front with us about your situation than to wait until the last minute to tell us that you are struggling. If you are not keeping up with your fees and you are not communicating with us about your situation, you may lose your spot to someone who has kept up with their fees.
Drum Corps is a physically demanding activity, and it is crucial that our members are in peak physical condition to handle what the activity demands of you. There will be resources posted in our Facebook group by our mental/physical wellness instructor. If you have any questions about getting in shape for a Drum Corps season, please contact a member of our visual staff or leadership team and they will be happy to answer your questions.
Once again, thank you for your interest in The Blue Knights. We are looking forward to seeing you at one of our camps this year. As always, please reach out with any questions, and we will be sure to answer them for you! Best of luck!
Brandy DuBose, Color Guard Caption Head
Ashley Schmit, Color Guard Caption Manager
Flourishes
Technique Videos - Rifle & Sabre
Brandy Hands Weapon Tosses
Rifle Spins and Stops
Rifle Flourishes Sabre Flourishes Saber Spins and Stops
