Guys participate in guard

Dancing and choreography is usually attached to a female-dominated activity, however junior Chris Steele and sophomore Mason Rider both defy that stereotype by performing in the winter guard.

This is the first year that there are any boys on the guard team.

“During tryouts I felt like I had to prove myself a lot more,” Steele said.

Even though it’s a new concept to the team, the adjustment has been smooth for the boys.

“It’s just like being in any activity,” Rider said. “I’m one of two guys, but they treat me just like one of them.”

Both boys intend to try out for the next season fall guard that performs with the marching band during halftime and at competitions during the fall semester.

“It’s really fun, I like being part of the family,” Steele said. “It’s a different pace for there to be two guys instead of all girls [on guard].”

Both boys also said that while they don’t mind being few in numbers, they wouldn’t mind a few more guys on the team.

”Just not too many because then the changing room would be clogged,” Rider said.

From a choreography point of view, Guard Captain Kassandra Garcia is also hoping for a few more guys.

“When you have guys in a guard, it’s easier to do shows that feature a couple,” Garcia said. “There are a lot of guys in band that are fine with the weapons and flags. It’s the dancing that gets them. Most guys aren’t willing to point and plié in front of people.”

Both boys are also in The Pride of The East band program and both play clarinet. Between classes and their band and guard schedule there is a learning curve to managing their time.

“[The] guys seem to have a better concept of tosses right of the bat,” Garcia said. “You just put an object in their hand and they’re pretty good at working it out. I think they’ve adapted really well and I’m really glad they’re on the team.”