The San Pedro Roman Catholic School Marching Band held a weeklong intensive training camp at Boca del Rio Park from August 24th to 28th, with students meeting daily from 2PM to 8PM. The camp concluded on Friday with a public performance showcasing the skills students learned throughout the week. The initiative brought together the band’s musicians and dancers with visiting international choreographer and Color Guard Director Marianna Fernbaugh of Pennsylvania, USA.
The camp focused on introducing and strengthening color guard techniques as a section of the marching band. Fernbaugh led instruction in equipment handling, dance, and visual performance, while the school’s Band Director Antonio Aragon coordinated the integration of the section into the band’s existing program. Students practiced routines using flags and other equipment provided for the camp, much of which will remain with the school following the training.
The initiative builds on a smaller color guard component the band had in previous years. Aragon said the weeklong training aimed to “take our marching band to another level” by improving and expanding the section. Fernbaugh explained that color guard evolved from military flag presentation into a visual performance discipline for marching bands, combining dance and equipment manipulation to complement musical performances. She said she was invited by a connection, local real estate professional Mike Madden, to provide an international perspective and to bring new flags and materials for the students.
Daily sessions emphasized the fundamentals of color guard, including dance training with local instructor Shannon, hands-on practice with flags and other equipment, and the development of a parade routine for the upcoming September Celebrations. Fernbaugh said many of the students had already been independently researching color guard techniques and were eager to develop their skills. The training aimed to build an appreciation for the discipline, strengthen technical abilities, and establish a sustainable color guard section within the marching band.
While Fernbaugh worked primarily with the dancers and color guard, Aragon continued training the band’s drumline. The week began with basic instruction before progressing to more advanced routines, culminating with Friday’s public demonstration at Boca del Rio Park.
Looking ahead, Aragon said the camp is intended to provide a foundation for the band’s continued development. The new equipment will remain with the school, and the color guard is expected to participate alongside the marching band in September parades and other upcoming public performances. Organizers hope the specialized training and international collaboration will encourage continued student participation while strengthening the marching band’s overall performances.