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Movement
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Written by Cheryl Myers
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Thursday, 04 March 2010 |
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LENT – what are you giving up this year? Hello Everyone! Welcome to March. Apparently there’s some basketball something or other [shout out to Syracuse, woo!] coming up this month, but really? Let’s be honest… it’s a scant 3 ½ weeks to Champs for most of us, and I am started to see WGI prelims countdowns on Facebook. [Seriously, am I the only one who is woefully addicted to FB? Craziness, I tell you. What did we do prior to Farmville? Strike that, I am NOT a fan of Farmville] A-hem Back to my point. Yes, I had a point, hush. It’s about Lent. For the record, I am not Catholic, [Evangelical, but I won’t go there, and you’re welcome] I do not give up anything for Lent, but have a healthy respect for those who do. This topic stemmed from an exhausting day of watching twirls and the resultant overtired adjudicators slugging wine and devouring fried food enjoying an adult beverage and a light snack post contest. It was at this point that the inevitable discussion comes up. Yes, we discuss this after EVERY contest… well; at least I do, because I insist on it if I have a pet peeve, it is this. Why oh why oh why… do many some teams think the line of the leg ends at the ANKLE??? |
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Editor's Blog
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Written by Catina Anderson
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Wednesday, 03 March 2010 |
It's March and I have to tell you, just saying, "It's March" brings a bit of excitement... as I know that means that here in the Mid-Atlantic Region warmer weather is soon to come. After the mounds and mounds of snow we have had this winter I'm really happy to know it's just a few more weeks before the coats are cast away and we'll be spending lots of time outdoors.
But back to color guard! I have to apologize for the lack of activity here the past couple weeks. My house has been CRAZY... actually... I bought a new house! Combine that with mid-season responsibilities, kids, and the rest of life... I've been struggling to find time to write. On top of that, the rest of our bunch is also mid-season judging or coaching... and well... we all know how crazy it is right now! SO... if you're not yet a fan on facebook you should really find us because despite the fact that it's been a little quiet here on the home page, our community is keeping things moving on facebook with tips and questions and ideas on our fan page. THANK YOU! After all, that's what this site is about - it's about coaches sharing their experiences to help one another be less stressed out during these crazy days. It's about community. It's about all of us together. I'm so excited to watch that community develop.
So - there is a new poll posted today! This one was an idea sent to us from a reader in Michigan. She'd like to know how many hours everyone rehearses each week on average. So please head over to the little blue box on the upper right corner of the home page and leave your response.
Last month's poll, "For a 3-hour rehearsal, how much time would you devote per practice to basics in February?" had 70 total respondents. The largest responding group (with 18 responses) estimated 30 minutes per practice. 15 responded that times would vary from rehearsal to rehearsal. 21 total said their basics block would be 45 minutes to 1 hour long and 3 indicated 1.5 hours or more. There were 4 who said they would spend no time on basics... though part of me can't help but wonder if those responses came from students with wishful thinking! :) Thank you to everyone who responded to our February poll and we look forward to hearing about how many hours you rehearse in this month's poll.
Happy March! And Happy Spinning! |
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Editor's Blog
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Written by Chelley Thelen
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Wednesday, 24 February 2010 |
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As the first few weekends of winterguard season have come and gone, it's made me realize that there is a very good "tip" (pun intended) that many guards could use to clean up their flag statements. It's easy, simple and cheap. Ready? Wait for it... waaiiittt for it... Color in the tips of your poles! In short, this can be done with electrical tape that is color-matched to your silk, mylar tape for silver poles, paint, Contac paper, or even permanent markers. An article from our archives, Finishing Touches, by Darrick Betro, has great advice on making your equipment blend in. Read the article... then go out and buy some Sharpies and go to town on your sets of flags. I think you'll find that everything looks instantly cleaner with the tips, tab and cheater tapes covered so they are inconspicuous. |
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Fun Ideas
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Written by Catina Anderson
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Friday, 19 February 2010 |
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When I was a freshman in high school I was on the pom squad (yes... I admit it...). We only had 2 competitions but after the first our coach gave us a tiny bear that she tied a ribbon around with a nice note. It wasn't anything fancy but I saved that bear for YEARS... who knows... it may still be in a box in my basement somewhere! Knowing how much I treasured that small gift, when I began coaching I made a point of giving my students gifts as well. Without "breaking the bank" I tried to give them a little something at key points in the season - their first show, championships, the banquet. And... growing up I had a "crafty" mother... she was (and still is) constantly making things, crocheting, sewing. She taught me when I was small that a well-thought-out handmade gift can make a big impression. Certainly with my students I found they were always so shocked when I gave them something handmade because they knew I had spent my own time, outside of rehearsal, thinking about them and making something for them. Hey... it's not for everyone... but I think it's fun! So this week's FUN idea is a project I did for my guard way back in 2002 to let them know that I thought they ROCKED! |
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