ETHS Guard and Winter Guard
The ETHS Color Guard program is an extension of the Wildkit Marching Band and usually involves 10-20 participants from grades 9-12. The group accompanies and accentuates the Wildkit Marching Band during the fall season and then breaks off to pursue their own Winter Guard season from November through April. Winter Guard competes in the Midwest Color Guard circuit and has also competed in WGI regional contests.
Meet Our Coaching Staff
Joshua DeGuzman, Head Coach
Joshua is a Southern California native who grew up in the Ventura County area. He started his Color Guard career as a Sophomore in HS where he transitioned from playing Clarinet in the Marching Band to being a member of the Color Guard. His passion for the Performing Arts quickly took off, advancing his skills not only in spinning but in dance as well.
In 2000 & 2001, he auditioned for the Tournament of Roses Honor Band & Color Guard and had the pleasure of being selected to march in the Rose Parade. After he graduated, he began teaching at local HS’s in the area and joined a local Independent A Winter Guard called Allusion where his passion for Color Guard continued to grow.
Joshua’s World Class marching career started in 2003 with the Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps until he aged out in 2005. In 2004 he became a charter member of the Corona Winter Guard under the direction of Michael Shapiro and continued to march in 2006. During his time between performing he instructed at several HS’s in the Southern California area.
In 2014, Joshua moved to Chicago to be closer to family and continued his Color Guard teaching career at Carl Sandburg HS and Lake Park HS. He is currently a full time Color Guard instructor and is on staff at Lincoln Way Community HS, Prospect HS, and Buffalo Grove HS.
Andrew Paul, Assistant Coach
Andrew is an Alabama native who started his Color Guard career as a Senior in college with the UAB Winterguard in 2005. Andrew originally was a percussionist and was a member of The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps' front ensemble from 2003 through 2005. It was there that he was exposed to the creativity and performing aspect of colorguard as well as his love for Chicago.
Andrew is a graduate of The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. It was there that he began teaching local high school guards as well as a few independent groups. Andrew's winterguard career also included marching with CrownGUARD from 2009 and 2010, and also the World Champion Santa Clara Vanguard Winterguard in 2011. While marching Andrew was the head choreographer for Decatur High School in Decatur, AL as well as a technician for Amor Winterguard (IA).
In 2014, Andrew moved to Chicago which he had grown to love through his drum corps experience. By day, Andrew is a Software Developer but in his free time he was a technician for Independence Winterguard as well as co-choreographer for the Chicago Pride Guard alongside head coach Joshua DeGuzman.
Important Handouts
Please see below for some important handouts that will help inform and connect our group this season.
Please fill out this form so you can be added to our mailing list to receive more information!
Click on the above Google Sheet for an up to date schedule, official roster, and parent volunteer mechanism (click the tabs)
Winter Color Guard Handbook and Commitment Form
Click on the above link for a document outlining student expectations, performances, a general rehearsal schedule, and information regarding fees for the season. This will also serve as a conflict sheet so we can plan performances.
Please fill this out in advance of the season so we can plan our rehearsals and performances.
Winter Color Guard Fee Payment Form
Due in two payments - December 1 and February 1. Checks made payable to ETHS with student ID in the memo. See form for more info!
Background Check for Volunteering
If you plan on volunteering and chaperoning as an adult supervisor and will be having regular contact with students, it is required you complete a background check and go through the SafeSport training.
Below are links to the information and instructions to complete a background check and the SafeSport training.
Background Check - $20.50
SafeSport Training - $17
Upon the completion of the SafeSport training please forward us over your certificate of completion and we will upload it into our circuit's files.