PROGRAM

EVE / COLOR GUARD

Move boldly, perform fearlessly, and find your place in an award-winning color guard.

JUL-APR

SEASON

NOV

AUDITIONS

IN-SCHOOL

REHEARSALS

FINE ARTS + PE

CREDITS

ELITE VISUAL ENSEMBLE

ABOUT

The Westlake Color Guard (aka Elite Visual Ensemble/EVE) offers Eanes students grades 4-12th of all genders and abilities a unique opportunity to learn and perform a wide range of movement, dance, theater and acrobatics skills at both the state and inter/national levels. Come dance, tumble, toss, spin and make new friends! No prior experience required, but a background in dance, gymnastics/acrobatics, theater, guard or other performance arts is a plus.

Our elite Guard teams have won numerous awards and continue to climb in state and world rankings. As of 2025, our Varsity Winter Guard team has won state championships 4 years running (2022-2024) and is ranked #6 in the world in their division for the second straight year! Our award-winning JV and Cadet teams are consistently ranked Top 3 in the state of Texas.

FALL & WINTER PROGRAMS

ABOUT

ELITE VISUAL ENSEMBLE

Each fall (August-November), EVE high school students perform as the color guard for the award-winning Westlake High School band in their halftime marching shows, competitions and other special events like the 2024 Tournament of Roses Parade. EVE is an integral part of marching band performances, greatly enhancing the band’s visual impact. It’s also both an extracurricular activity and a fall semester class that’s unique: freshmen and new members get to perform in their very first year in the organization! Watch EVE’s performance in the 2023 Chap Band marching show “All the Lonely People” below in UIL State Finals competition.

WINTER GUARD

In winter/spring (November-April), EVE transitions to Winter Guard, comprised of Eanes students grades 4-12th. Winter Guard performs custom-designed shows as three separate teams INDOORS to recorded music and competes across the state February through April on the Texas Color Guard/TCG circuit. Varsity also competes each April at WGI Worlds in Ohio.

WHAT IS COLOR GUARD?

THE SPORT OF THE ARTS

What Is Color Guard? Color Guard is known as “the sport of the arts” and is one of the fastest growing activities in schools across the nation. It’s a high-energy sport and performance artform that combines interpretive dance (including ballet, jazz, and modern styles), gymnastics/acrobatics, theater, and manipulation of flags, mock rifles, sabres, props, and colorful uniforms. Color Guards perform shows with both marching bands (fall/EVE) and indoors as stand-alone teams (spring/Winter Guard).

SEE EVE IN ACTION

WATCH

MORE ABOUT EVE

QUESTIONS

WHO CAN JOIN EVE?

Open to all Eanes students grades 4–12, all genders and abilities. No experience required — coaches teach all required skills. A background in dance, gymnastics, acrobatics, theater, or guard is a plus and may result in higher-level team placement for high school students. If you want to have fun, get fit, make new friends, travel, and join a spirited, high-performing team, EVE is for you.

CAN YOU BE IN BAND OR OTHER ACTIVITIES?

Absolutely! Band students are welcome — those who join EVE in the fall play stands tunes during football games and join concert band in the spring. Students in other activities can participate if practice, performance, and competition schedules are compatible and you can enroll in required school-day classes. We've had Robotics and Band students in color guard.

HOW DO I JOIN?

Complete the Request Info & Signup Form or email Director Kaysey Thompson at kthompson2@eanesisd.net. Attend our workshops and information sessions to explore color guard hands-on (EVE: April/May, Winter Guard: November). Auditions are held each semester for team placement only — all who wish to participate will be placed on a team. We'll even help change your class schedule if needed — email kthompson2@eanesisd.net and your counselor.

WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT?

Fall EVE: Band camp runs the first 2–3 weeks of August. During the school year, 3 morning rehearsals plus 1 late afternoon/evening rehearsal per week. EVE participates in all football games and band competitions (approximately 6 from September–November). Winter Guard: Generally 3 morning practices plus 1 afternoon session per week, plus special workshops. Weekend travel for competitions in the Austin/Central Texas area is required (no overnights except WGI Worlds in Ohio — Varsity only). The time commitment is significant, but so are the rewards.

WHAT ARE THE FEES?

Participation fees cover uniforms, props, show designers, and more. Fees vary by team and year — contact Director Kaysey Thompson for specifics. Westlake Band Parents and fundraising efforts help cover expenses not funded by the district. Scholarships may be available for families with financial hardship — please reach out, we'll work with you.

WHAT CREDITS DO I RECEIVE?

High school: PE and/or Fine Arts credit. Middle school: PE credit.