VJA Music Parents Association
Welcome To VJA Color Guard
What is the Difference between Fall and Winter Guard?
Fall color guard performs outside with the Marching Band during halftime at football games and various competitions against other Marching Bands. Winter guard teams perform inside, in a gym, on a tarp, against other winter guard teams.
Make sure to download Remind app from App store to have current communication with the team leaders.
Color Guard Fees Include:
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New tarp, props, and show design
Custom Uniforms
All travel expenses & housing
Meals on overnight trips
Team member show shirt
Staff
Kassie Pierson - Director
Does NOT Include:
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Food at local shows
Food at practice
Show makeup
Spirit Wear
Parent show shirts
Family admission to shows
Family travel expenses
The 2026 VJA Winter Guard Show is called, "I Can."
Meet Your Color Guard Instructors
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Kassie Pierson, Color Guard Director, works as a part-time Administrative Assistant for a Commercial Real Estate Company, as well as completing her Master's Degree at Midwestern University. Kassie started her time as a color guard performer when I was in junior high by participating in the Carl Sandburg junior high night performance. She continued color guard all the way through high school and ended up being a part of the Andrew Winter Guard team during her senior year of high school. In 2018, once she had graduated, Kassie was asked to join the staff as a tech. In 2020, Kassie became the VJA Color Guard Director. Kassie brings her love for color guard into every practice, inspiring her students through enthusiasm and dedication. She hopes to make this season a meaningful and memorable experience for all.
Lauren Geary has performed and taught with many groups across the Midwest over the last 15+ years. Her performance experience includes Avidity Independent World (WGI) as well as the Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps, along with many other A and Open class groups. She has worked with several different high school programs, as well as with the University of Illinois Marching Illini Color Guard. She is currently a part of the color guard educational staff at Lincoln-Way Community High Schools and Victor J. Andrew High School, and has been with VJA since 2023. When she's not teaching color guard, Lauren works full-time as a Manager overseeing trauma-informed care initiatives at the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Bridget began as a performer here at Andrew, she graduated in 2020, having participated in marching band and winter guard all four years. Now she spins with Independent Winter Guards and Marching Drum Corp. Outside of color guard, Bridget works part time in customer service and in child care. Bridget returned to Andrew to coach for the guard in 2022, and "I am very grateful to be able to teach and share my passion with my students!"
Joshua is a Southern California native who grew up in the Ventura County area and moved to Chicago in 2015 to be closer to family. He has designed, choreographed, and taught for organizations across both Southern California and the Chicagoland area. Currently, Joshua teaches full-time and serves as the Head Coach at Evanston Township High School. He also works with Prospect High School, Victor J. Andrew High School, Adlai E. Stevenson High School, Northwestern University, and DCI's Blue Stars Drum & Bugle Corps. Joshua began his color guard journey during his sophomore year of high school and started teaching soon after graduating. He joined a local winter guard called Allusion, where his passion for the activity continued to grow. In 2003, he performed with the Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps and aged out in 2005. He also marched with Corona Winter Guard in 2004 and again in 2006. Most recently, Joshua co-founded the Chicago Pride Guard, which has performed at numerous LGBTQ+ events throughout the Chicagoland area.
