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Dancing Dean's Corner Blog |
Frequently Asked Questions
 2. Does RMCGA have recommendations for minimum equipment for a start up group? 3. Does RMCGA have any suggestions on the best place to purchase equipment? 1) Does RMCGA give clinics? If so, how much do you charge? At this time, RMCGA does not hold sanctioned clinics for either guard members or instructors. There are numerous groups around the state that after contacting their instructor, would allow you to come visit a rehearsal to observe how things are done. Most of the independent groups allow this at any rehearsal with advanced notice. There are also directors from some of the independent winter guards who are willing to come in to assist. The charge can differ from one instructor/director to another, but we are all here to help. 2) Does RMCGA have recommendations for minimum equipment for a start up group? When I came into the program, the kids had one set of 6ft flag poles. I would definitely recommend purchasing 6ft poles for everyday use. We use the aluminum poles. They hold up to most wear/tear and they are less expensive than the fiberglass (and lighter too). I would recommend one set of flags to match the number of kids you have + 5 or so. Shipping poles can get expensive, so I usually order 5 more than what is needed just to be on the safe side. Swing flags, or short flags, are also easy to use and can be quite effective. We have purchased 1/2" white PVC pipe and have them cut to 3-3.5 feet increments. I just did this for fall and it cost me less than $10 for 15 poles. As a new guard, introducing weapons (rifles/sabres) should probably come a year or two after the kids have had experience in flag, the primary piece of equipment. Most first year guards do all flag, with swing flags. But there is no right or wrong here, it's up to you and your instructor and what you feel your kids can handle. I would recommend two sets at least per person and you can get flags in black, silver or gold aluminum. That is totally up to you.
When working with flags, you want to make sure the size is appropriate for the size of the flag pole. When you visit different supply websites you will see two sizes when you see most flags. The larger of the sizes usually fit on the 6ft flag poles. The smaller size usually fits the 5 1/2' flags, and it does make a big difference when spinning.
You will also want to purchase end caps, or stoppers, they can be purchased from Home Depot or Lowe's, the crutch tips in the 1" diameter in either black/white. They come 4 to a package and are around $2.50 for a package of 4 (covers two flags). The plastic ones that sometimes come on the poles do not last long at all. You will also need a good supply of electrical tape to tape the stoppers onto the flag pole and then the flags onto the poles too. Some people use velcro to put their flags on the poles, most groups use electrical tape, the flags tend to stay in place better that way. You can find a variety of colors now too! Another thing you can do is weight the poles. We use a screw, washer and nut and put it in the top stopper, and then tape on the stopper to make sure it doesn't fly off during a performance. Again, this is just a recommendation, not all instructors weight their poles. It helps in spinning and tossing to weight them.
3) Does RMCGA have any suggestions on the best place to purchase equipment? RMCGA does not have any one store that we deal with or promote, so it's up to you and your budget. They are all reputable and are usually really quick getting stuff to you (some custom uniforms/flags might take a bit longer depending on when things are ordered). A few that have been used by RMCGA members are:
Each of them will carry flags (both performance and practice- we recommend not purchasing nylon practice flags, silk ones are easier to toss), uniforms and equipment. Most groups are on a budget, so look for ones who have their stuff on sale. All of the sites accept school |
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