Audition Materials for Fall 2025
Below you will find a video playlist of techniques, exercises, and routines that will help you to prepare for the 2025 Cyclone Marching Band Color Guard.
The Audition Process
Step One: Future Member Application
All potential members must complete the 2025 Future Member Application to stay up-to-date with the audition process.
Step Two: Earn Your Callback Audition
In order to attend the Audition Camp in the Fall of 2025, potential members of the Cyclone Marching Band Color Guard need to earn a callback spot.
Over the summer, we will have three Color Guard Qualifier Camps to help you prepare the audition materials and earn your callback spot. Each camp will focus on different materials, so it is highly recommended that you attend all three camps if possible. These camps are free and will take place from 1-5 pm at Simon Estes Music Hall on the following dates:
- June 28, 2025
- July 12, 2025
- July 26, 2025
Please fill out our Qualifier Camp Interest Form, if you plan on attending so we have an accurate number of what equipment we need to prepare for you.
Students who cannot attend at least one of the Color Guard Qualifier Camps or who have not earned their callback spot at the in-person camps may be allowed to submit a video audition. This will be on a case-by-case basis, and all video auditions will be due before August 2nd, 2025.
Step Three: Audition Camp
All students who have earned a callback spot will be invited to attend our in-person Audition Camp at Iowa State, which will start on the evening of August 15th, 2025.
Students who audition for the color guard may move into their fall semester housing starting on August 15, 2025. Students who would like to move in earlier than August 15 may contact the Department of Residence for additional details and fees ($50/day). If a student does not make the color guard, they will still be allowed to stay in their fall housing during the early move-in period at no additional cost.
The Cyclone Marching Band Color Guard roster will be announced by the evening of August 17, 2025.
The Final Color Guard:
Required rehearsals:
Audition Camp: August 15 – 17, 2025
Band Camp: August 17 – 24, 2025
Daily rehearsals: 5:10-6:30 pm. You must sign up for Music 1140A.
Morning rehearsal before all home games and exhibitions
Color Guard sectionals; Tuesday evenings
The Cyclone Marching Band Color Guard is a dedicated group, continuously striving for improvement. While our rehearsal and performance schedule might seem overwhelming, please remember we are also committed to having fun. We look for members with a positive attitude and willing to work hard to deliver an outstanding performance.
Questions?
If you have any questions specifically about the color guard at Iowa State, please email us at colorguard@iastate.edu!