There are two captains in the MV color guard, Kennedy Tooke and Bri’An Ashley. According to color guard director Josiah Williams, the captains are role models in how those in color guard want to practice and perform every day. Tooke and Ashley set the expectation and show the new members what color guard members strive to be and become.
Kennedy Tooke is a senior who serves as weapon captain this year. She has nine seasons under her belt. In those nine seasons, she’s collected many stories and memories her favorite is.
“When we found out we couldn’t listen to music in the UD arena so we went out to the bus and listened to Rich Baby Daddy.” This was during their trip to WGI in Dayton, Ohio. This is a competition that the color guard has been going to for a few years now.
Throughout her time with the guard she has stayed motivated because she reminds herself why she chose to do this and the people that have helped her through the years.
Determination is a big part of what keeps her going throughout all of her hard rehearsals. What really keeps her determined though is the feeling of winning and she wants to feel that feeling again. Also, to be a role model for her sister McKinnley Tooke.
One thing that has stuck out to Tooke throughout her career in color guard is, “The feeling of love that flows through me when I perform.” Tooke wanted to become a captain for the team because, “I wanted to give back to a community that has given me purpose.”
The Flag Captain, senior Bri’An Ashley, has been in color guard for three seasons. What keeps Ashley strong during the tough times is, “Knowing that the end result even if we don’t win state will be worth it. The friends we made along the way and the experiences I received.”
Her favorite memory in color guard is talking about team bonding experiences and how it has made her feel close with the guard. She wanted to become captain for the team because she wanted to help the band and guard reach their full potential as an ensemble.
Something that has stuck with her throughout her time in the program is, “Last year’s seniors really drove into me that I needed to keep going no matter what and to keep doing my best no matter what anyone says.”
Captains are the role models and keep the heart and soul of the guard going and make sure that we are always motivated through the hard times and the easy times.
