Color Guard Director - Marching Band

Color Guard Director - The Ledyard (HS) Colonel Marching Band Job Summary

The Color Guard Director oversees the operational, administrative, and artistic direction of the entire color guard program. This part‑time, seasonal role operates on an extracurricular stipend and reports directly to the Assistant Marching Band Director. In addition to design responsibilities and hands‑on teaching, the Director serves as the program manager—handling vendor logistics, ordering visual assets, and collaborating with design contractors to bring the field show concept to life.

• High school diploma or equivalent. A Bachelor's degree or coursework in Performing Arts, Design, or Education is a plus.
• Minimum 3 to 5 years of performance and instructional experience within a competitive high school, university, DCI, or WGI program. Prior leadership or assistant director experience is preferred.
• Deep understanding of modern color guard design trends, staging, color theory, and how guard work coordinates with wind/percussion field drills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively liaise between the Marching Band Director, a remote choreographer, instructional staff, and students.

• Partner with the Marching Band Director and Visual Instructor to establish the season's visual themes, color palettes, and storytelling direction.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for the contracted choreographer; ensure their written guard work is accurately learned, cleaned, and adapted for the students.
• Select, design, and purchase custom flags, silk graphics, uniforms, makeup kits, weapons, and props within the marching band's operating budget.
• Conduct daily warm-ups and teach fundamental spins, tosses, catches, and body carriage to students of all skill levels.
• Teach routines for flag, rifle, sabre, and any specialized props used throughout the competitive field show.
• Instruct modern dance, ballet fundamentals, and expressive body movements that match the musical phrasing.
• Read coordinate sheets or drill apps to position the guard on the field, ensuring proper spacing and staging relative to the band.
• Work with the Color Guard Instructor to execute the vision of the program.
• Attendance is expected for all scheduled rehearsals and performances. This time may also be used for administrative duties such as communicating with vendors and creative contractors and preparing/repairing equipment/uniforms. Absences may be approved with advanced notice at the discretion of the Marching Band Director.
• Perform other duties related to the marching band program as assigned by the Marching Band Director.

Applications will only be accepted online. Review of applications may begin immediately.

As an equal opportunity employer, the Ledyard Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, status as a veteran, status as a victim of domestic violence, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions, national origin, protective hairstyles, alienage, ancestry, age, disability or any other basis prohibited by law.