Lake Park to sponsor a clinic for color guard

The skills of tossing rifles and spinning flags while looking great on the field are the focus of the Junior High Winterguard Clinic from 6 to 9 p.m. today at the Lake Park West Campus field house, 500 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Roselle.

This first-time clinic is hosted by Lake Park's award-winning color guard team. Along with competitions and football halftime performances with the Lake Park Marching Band, the color guard also competes separately.

"No experience is necessary to attend the clinic," said Amy Sharp, color guard director for Lake Park High School.

Both boys and girls in fifth through eighth grades are welcome to attend the clinic, which is taught by students in the Lake Park color guard.

"Our goal," Sharp said, "is to raise interest in this activity. Color guard is a very unknown activity, which many junior high students are unaware of when they enter Lake Park as freshmen.

"It is theatrical and athletic all rolled in to one. The more we can get the word out, the better."

I remember the late 1970s when I was in Lake Park's color guard. We wore short navy blue skirts, cowboy hats, and short white cowgirl boots. Oh, how times have changed.

Today's color guard is a riot of color and exhilarating music. They toss equipment, do intricate flag maneuvers, introduce theatrical drama and incorporate both lyrical and current dance moves.

And the most amazing part? It's all done in sync. All of this is accomplished through excellent instruction and lots of practice.

I still love to hear the swish of the flag as it whirls through the air and the snap of a well-caught rifle. I know how much work goes into the seemingly effortless moves and the pride that goes into each successful toss and catch.

Lake Park's color guard had an undefeated 2007 season in the Midwest Colorguard Circuit. They placed first in their class for three competitions -- at the Midwest Circuit Championships, the St. Louis Winterguard Regional and the Midwest Winterguard Power Regional

The cost to attend the clinic is $20 per student. This includes a pizza dinner and time to meet and mingle prior to the clinic. Participants should wear comfortable clothes and gym shoes. You may get warm, so dress in layers.

For those interested in the Junior High Winterguard Clinic, call the Roselle Park District at (630) 894-4200. Registration is required, but there might still be openings. Please note this clinic was originally scheduled for Dec. 11. Due to scheduling conflicts at Lake Park, the date was changed.