The new school year brought many changes for the Spirit of Waxahachie Band, including a new head band director, Mr. Justin Bell, a new colorguard instructor, Ms. Nicole Butler and a rebranding of the colorguard program now named “Spirit in Motion.”
Butler oversees the colorguard which includes choreographing the dance line for the marching show and keeping the moves precise and clean.
Senior drum major Valeria Rocha-Medina has been in the marching band all four years of high school. She said she is thankful that the colorguard feels more incorporated to the band as a whole. Kendrick Wallace, junior, serves as a drum major as well.
“I love the new rebranding of the guard,” Wallace said. “Ms. Butler is going to open up a guard spirit store, and gave (the colorguard their) own name and logo.” He said he wants to maintain the culture and community the band has been next year as he continues his job as drum major.
Senior drum major Donald Brackenridge said he loves how Butler gives independence to the student leaders, which in turn motivates students. He gave credit to Bell for also supporting the guard program.
Bell said the guard students have shown an eagerness to be good at what they are doing on the field.
“Ms. Butler is a good fit for our program,” he said. “She brings a different kind of energy and she is helping a new group of people to be better at what they do.” He continued, saying when searching for a colorguard instructor, he knew the band needed a special type of energy. With her energy and background in dance and as a drill instructor, he knew she would be a great match.
Butler was the head dance director at Walnut Grove High School in Prosper. She said she always wanted to be a part of the band community in Waxahachie. Since coming to Waxahachie, Butler said she has enjoyed her time due to a few factors including admiring the guard’s hard work, and Waxahachie feeling like home.
“During summer guard camp, I had so much fun teaching us new dance skills and just being here,” she said. “I want to be the kind of
director that is kind and supportive and will help you no matter what, but also a director that is strong and that is serious about my job.”
Butler’s end of year goal is for the guard to be known for who they are and all their hard work.