The UMD Color Guard prepares for their appearance during a football game on a Saturday afternoon. Photo Credit: UMD Color Guard

The University of Minnesota-Duluth (UMD) Color Guard has quickly become a fan favorite at UMD sports events. Led by section leaders Kayden Gawlitta and Norah Carlson, the guard has grown to include 12 members since the organization was restarted last spring. With new silks and costumes this semester, the ensemble makes for an eye-catching addition to the athletic band performances at football games.

When asked if support from the UMD family and the surrounding community has been felt, sophomore Gawlitta expressed her surprise at how excited spectators are to see the Color Guard out on the field. She said, “We walked by the student section during one football game, and students started cheering for the Color Guard, saying ‘Go Color Guard!’ which was among other positive things that were yelled from the stands.”

Within the Athletic Bands Department, led by Presidents Jacob Hammond and Laura Johnson, the UMD Marching Band has also responded in a supportive manner. Both section leaders shared their experiences of practicing separately from the marching band, and in the times that they come together for a rehearsal, the marching band is eager to greet the UMD Color Guard. Carlson said, “We’ll come over from practicing in another area to join the marching band for a run-through, and as we walk in, all we hear is “Hi Color Guard!” from everyone. We’ve really been welcomed by everyone involved.”

UMD Color Guard members line up for a practice run through choreography. Photo Credit: UMD Color Guard

As a result of being in the UMD Color Guard, both Gawlitta and Carlson testified to the growth of their confidence due to the leadership responsibilities they’ve taken on through being section leaders of the color guard. They also emphasized the strengthening of their time and stress management, processing and problem-solving skills, and interpersonal communication. Both students encouraged other UMD students to consider the Color Guard as an opportunity to enhance these skills, as they will serve all students well.

As the season comes to a close for the UMD Color Guard, Gawlitta and Carlson hope to continue to provide more opportunities for students to explore aspects of Color Guard in clinics during the off-season. To keep an eye out for these events, you can follow the UMD Color Guard on Instagram: umd.colorguard, which is where events will be posted as they’re confirmed. In the meantime, Gawlitta and Carlson want to thank the UMD community for the love and support they’ve felt, and they hope to continue sharing the art of Color Guard next season.

What’s New with the UMD Color Guard?