MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR

     Since our first competition in December 1970 when color guard was in its infancy I spoke about a relatively new sport on the national scene. I spoke about how this sport was capturing the energies of many of our young people from across the land, the positive implications for a successful future for this new sport, color guard. The fact that this sport was challenging to the participants was easy to observe. At that time we really could not measure the "effect" that such an activity would have on the individuals who became involved. I am very happy to report that the statistics are coming in and the impact is tremendous! In my mind, we have an activity for young people which provides many of the things that are so necessary in a society of ever increasing complexity.

     Color Guard demands a tremendous amount of concentration and self-discipline on the part of the participants. The sport also demands the type of teamwork that might be associated with a championship football team. However, this sport is equally open to both boys and girls; and has been, even before the Title IX made equality the law. In color guard, we have a sport for all of our young people which provides excitement, demands hours of practice, and fulfills our goals of teaching the value of teamwork while stimulating the mind to greater activity.

     Over the years, there have been extensive changes with respect to the nature of the competitive event. There is virtually no comparison between the requirements of 1970 and those of today! However, although the visual presentation and the rules have changed, the underpinnings have remained rather constant! What you witness at a competition will speak for itself. There is no question that the programs of today are very demanding! The hours of practice, the tremendous amount of personal effort and dedication and the adherence to teamwork are readily evident! THIS HAS NOT CHANGED!

     Today's color guards are much more sophisticated than those of earlier years. Background in dance, gymnastics or some other form of physical training are rapidly becoming prerequisites for involvement in a modern color guard. (Thus the need for an extensive training program.) Of course, natural talent goes a long way! Actually, there is a very strong effort being mounted to re-name the activity and to call groups Visual Ensembles.

     In closing, it is a feeling of those involved that we have something good, something wholesome to offer our present-day youth. The success of our program depends upon the support of all of us. Why not go to a local show, or assist your local unit by purchasing a booster or a box of candy. It is time for positive action to replace negative talk about today's youth. Such a shift in attitude will again garner the confidence and respect of our youth and will provide the necessary impetus towards the goals we should be interested in fostering.

Sincerely,

F. George Walsh III

Director

The Phantom Regiment Color Guard 

Long Island, New York