What does MSS/MSSCG mean?

MSS stands for Mighty Sound of the South and MSSCG stands for Mighty Sound of the South Colorguard!

Are there any height or weight requirements to join?

Absolutely not! We accept all body types for the MSSCG!

Are there specific skills I should be practicing before auditions?

Yes! Our judges will be looking for all these things during your audition piece -

1. cardio and aerobic training

2. movement and flexibility

3. equipment performance skills

4. coordination and spatial awareness

5. adaptability

and of course a positive attitude!

What does it mean to be "game day ready"?

For people identifying as female -

Your hair is curled and down, but out of your face. Your makeup should be a bold, smokey eye that compliments your skin tone paired with a bright pop of red on your lips! The MSSCG requires all female identifying people wear falsies for each performance.

For people identifying as male -

Have your hair neatly secured out of your eyes with a cleanly shaven face!

Will I earn a college credit for participating in the MSS/MSSCG?

Yes! Each member will receive a 2hr credit per semester they participate in the MSS/MSSCG. This is a class that you must register for once registration opens up for your group. All colorguard members should register for MUAP 2002-003, CRN 97517. This section is colorguard specific!

Are scholarships available to the members of the MSS/MSSCG?

Scholarships are available to members who make the MSSCG that are enrolled for at least twelve (12) credit hours at The University of Memphis.

I go to a community college in the area that does not have a marching band. Can I participate in the MSS/MSSCG?

Yes, absolutely! With that being said, scholarships are only available to students attending the University of Memphis.

How many students are usually chosen for the fall line?

There is not a set number of members required each fall!

Do members of the colorguard pay a membership fee?

While there is not a membership fee, there is a fee that covers team apparel for the season that can range from $200 - $350 that are due at various points throughout the year. Good thing is, this fee is usually a one time fee if you take care of your team apparel!

Is there anything I can practice to better my chances of making the team?

Yes, you can stay current on all equipment, dance, and toss fundamentals you have learned. Take a second to look over the audition email to see what the staff is looking for each audition season to stay on top of your technique!

Is movement part of the choreography used by the MSSCG?

Yes! If movement is not your strongest skill, please consider taking dance classes to improve your movement abilities. The University of Memphis offers a wide variety of dance classes to all type of performers!

If I make the line, am I expected to attend all band camp dates?

YES! The most important work and drill for the season is learned during these dates, so you are expected to attend each day in it’s entirety. You will not receive the scholarship or be considered a member if you do not attend camp.

If I make the line, am I expected to attend all performances?

YES! We will have a full band meeting during band camp to review all required performances throughout the season. If required performances are skipped, your grade will suffer.

If I make the line, am I expected to attend all rehearsals?

YES! Rehearsals are mandatory. Class conflicts can be worked out with Band Staff during band camp, but outside of minor conflicts, you are expected to be at rehearsals. This is a class, so being absent means you missed learning something that day.

What is the rehearsal schedule like for the MSS/MSSCG?

Band class is every M/W/F from 3:30pm to 5:30pm. Additional rehearsals will be communicated in advance to the team by staff members!

Do you have a winterguard?

Yes! Auditions for the Memphis Winterguard happen mid-September to early October! We compete in the WGI circuit and the local MIA circuit. We travel to Dayton, OH for WGI finals and Oxford, MS for MIA circuit finals.