Cougar Marching Band Color Guard

The COLOR Guard is a group of spirited students who create routines using flags and props carefully choreographed to the music the band performs. An essential part of the band, the guard gives dazzling visual effects to the half-time show, and members of this selective group travel with the band to all performances.

Requirements

  • Sign up for Marching Band fall semester.

  • Attend practices during the summer (sectional rehearsals & Band Camp).

  • Attend ALL performances in the fall, including football games, SVVSD Band Night and parades.

What you can expect

  • Marching technique, dance basics, and equipment technique & choreography

  • Weekly sectionals held after school during the marching band season.

  • A great opportunity to make new friends!

Color Guard is a vital part of any excellent marching band. Performing at many parades and home football games are but a few of the experiences you’ll be able to enjoy as a member of the Color Guard. No previous musical or dance experience is needed, but it is helpful.

Learn how to march and perform on the football field for hundreds of fans! In early August, there is a weeklong summer camp (Band Camp) to prepare for the marching show. There are evening rehearsals one night a week in late August, September and early October, and typically four Saturday morning rehearsals in August and September.

This class meets at the same time as Marching Band — typically, Block A1.

Anthony Pierro

Anthony has been involved in color guard since his sophomore year at Thompson Valley High School. He performed with the “Golden Buffalo” Marching Band color guard at the University of Colorado Boulder from 2020 to 2023, marched with Anesidora Winterguard in 2023 and 2024, Oracle Performance Ensemble in 2024, and Malachi Winterguard in 2025. 

Anthony joined the staff for the “Pride of Niwot” marching band in 2024 and has revolutionized the program.

In addition to Niwot, Anthony also teaches color guard at Fairview High School and CU Boulder. He enjoys watching his students develop not only their skills, but also a love for the sport of the arts.

Outside of guard, Anthony loves dogs, art, music, poetry, sewing, and glitter.

Email: pierro_anthony@svvsd.org

The Niwot High School Cougar Marching Band Color Guard performing at parades and football half-time shows.

Watch Video of the COLOR Guard in Action at SVVSD Band Night!

  • Color Guard performing in the Boulder County Fair parade.
  • Niwot High School Cougar Marching Band Color Guard dressed up as pirates for the Longmont Halloween Parade.
  • Color Guard member on the field with the marching band.
  • Color Guard members posing for photo in the parking lot before a football game.
  • Color Guard performing at Back-to-School Night.
  • Color Guard cheering in the bleachers with the pep band.
  • Color Guard members posing with flags on the track.

SVVSD WINTERGUARD

Winterguard is the indoor version of color guard where more focus is spent on dance, expression, and storytelling. Instead of performing with a live band, the ensemble performs utilizing an audio recording.

SVVSD Winterguard is lead by Anthony during the off-season and competes in the Rocky Mountain Color Guard Association, culminating in state finals at the end of the season.

This ensemble is open to all high schoolers in the St. Vrain Valley School District who have marched during the Fall Season with each student’s respective marching band program*.

Rehearsals are held twice a week in the evening at Altona Middle School with competitions throughout the duration of Saturdays.

“Musicians want to be the loud voice for so many quiet hearts.”
— Billy Joel