The Campbell University Fighting Camel Color Guard is part of The Sound of the Sandhills Marching Band. A scholarship is given for participation!
Eligibility & Requirements
- There are no auditions. Each student is evaluated the level of ability and and technique and placed in a contributing role in the guard program.
- In order to receive a scholarship, each member must serve in the Sound of the Sandhills fall program.
- Students are required to attend all practices and performances and be enrolled in the winter guard program or concert ensemble.
- There are NO FEES for our Winter Guard program. All equipment and uniforms are provided as a member.
Rehearsal Times
The group practices on Monday and Wednesday from 6:00-9:00 pm in the fall with the Sound of the Sandhills Marching Band. Additional practices take place as required by the instructional staff. Winter Guard continues the same practice routines with additional practices based on their competitive-performance schedule.
Winter Guard I & II
The Campbell University Winter Guard is under the direction of our Visual Coordinator, Sara Shields (cuguard@campbell.edu) and instructor Amber Luis (cuguard@campbell.edu). Members of the Sound of the Sand Hills Color guard as well as additional students from band and campus make up these teams. They compete in the AIA circuit. The Winter Guard practices on Monday and Wednesday from 6:00-9:00pm after marching band ends through the spring semester with additional practices based on their competitive-performance schedule.
Winter Guard I serves as our competitive team in the AIA and WGI circuits. The program has a history of Championship seasons. This team focuses on the greatest potential of the group that season. They are the ambassadors of excellence for our guard program and work closely with its sister program, CU Winter Guard II program.
Winter Guard II serves as our performing ambassadors in the community. This group performs shorter programs to more main stream music with a focus on developing technique and ability. The time commitment is less than Winter Guard I, although many of their rehearsals are structured together. Winter Guard II also works in support of its more competitive sister program, CU Winter Guard I program.
Attire
Attire is provided by the University for both the marching season and the winter guard season.
Sara Shields, Visual Coordinator (cuguard@campbell.edu)
Sara Shields is a Color Guard instructor/choreographer/consultant originally from Kansas. She is the director of the award-winning Independent Winter Guard, Air Capital Independent, in Wichita, KS. Sara marched four seasons of Independent A winter guard, two seasons with The Colts Drum and Bugle Corps Color Guard, and two seasons with Northwest Independent World in 2019 & 2020. Along with her extensive guard experience, Sara has also taught marching visuals for marching bands/percussion groups across the US. Sara choreographs guard and band body for BOA/WGI competitors across the US. She most recently was a visual instructor and administrative staff for the 2023 WGI IA Winds Gold Medalist, Eva Independent.
Amber Luis, Guard Instructor (cuguard@campbell.edu)
Amber Luis is the guard instructor for the Campbell University guard program. She has been an amazing contributor to the evolvement of the guard program at CU. Amber is a Marketing Specialist in Raleigh, and a model guard performer, instructor and designer. She is originally from Connecticut and an alumnus of the nationally re-known Blessed Sacrament Colorguard.
Why Guard?
- Join the largest FAMILY on campus as part of the Athletic Band program
- Scholarship Opportunities
- Great Resume Builder/Graduate School Applications
- Continue to Do Something You Love “Making Music”
- Make Memories and Friends
- Perform, Compete, Accomplish!
Join the Family!
If you are interested in learning more about the CU Guard Program, let us know.
Complete an Interest Form
Contact Us
| Name | Role | Email Address |
| Dr. Michael Phillips | Director of Athletic Bands and Guards | mphillips@campbell.edu |
| Sara Shields | Visual Coordinator | cuguard@campbell.edu |
| Amber Luis | Guard Instructor | cuguard@campbell.edu |
| Kaitlyn Faircloth | Program Manager | kfairtcloth@campbell.edu |
| Dr. Dwayne Wilson | Director of Bands and Instrumental Studies | wilsond@campbell.edu |