Feel Good Story: THS and TMHS Color Guard Programs are Raising the Bar in Tomball ISD

March 28, 2025
THS and TMHS Color Guard Programs are Raising the Bar in Tomball ISD

Behind dazzling performances and the mesmerizing blend of music, movement, and emotion lies a story of dedication, teamwork, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. 

In Tomball ISD where the arts continue to thrive, two programs have elevated themselves over the years, earning top honors in competition, growing in size and skill, and building a culture that defines hard work and high achievement. 

Through strong leadership, passionate and talented students, and unwavering community support, Tomball High School and Tomball Memorial High School have transformed their Color Guard teams into models of success.

Color Guard is a creative extension of each school’s award-winning Band program where an emphasis on both technical skills (flags, rifles, dance) and artistic expression meet.

Rooted in success, both programs are fortunate to have strong leadership. Tomball High School is led by instructor Conner Adams and Tomball Memorial High School by instructor Brittany Shepherd.

Color Guard is a year-round commitment for both programs and is divided into two main competitive seasons: Fall for Marching Band season and Winter Guard season (indoor competitions). In addition to competition season, these programs spend three weeks in the summer learning fundamentals and dance training. 

Both programs have seen significant growth over the last few years.

“Since I began directing the program, it has grown significantly in both size and competitive stature,” said Shepherd about TMHS. “We’ve proudly  advanced in classification three times - a reflection of our team’s dedication and elevated performance level.”

Tomball High School has also seen significant growth, growing in overall numbers. Under Adams’ direction, the program has grown from eight members to over 60 in just a four-year span. 

“Every year since starting the program we have been promoted to the next competitive class after winning the championship of that class,” said Adams on the success at THS.

What makes Color Guard unique is that it promotes creativity and dance freedom. The creative expression in designing routines is at the heart of what makes THS and TMHS Color Guard performances so captivating. It is more than just synchronized flag work and dance - it’s an art from which every movement tells a story. 

Both Adams and Shepherd lead the choreography of each routine, collaborating with students throughout the creative process.  The creative journey often begins with brainstorming sessions - whether it is a celebration of culture, music or reflective of a mood.

“The design process for every show is really different every season and with every group,” said Adams. “I tend to start with the soundtrack. I am constantly listening to new music that inspires me to create. I always try to determine a mood and a characteristic that drives the show that I think will be compelling to the students but also the audience and competitive judges.”

For Shepherd, her inspiration comes from a wide array of sources.

“I draw creative inspiration from music, diverse genres, and visual art from across different mediums,” she said. “Each concept is crafted to challenge the students artistically and technically while captivating the audiences.”

Tomball High School and Tomball Memorial High School have consistently performed at high levels, earning numerous awards over the years. 

This year alone both programs are excelling at high levels.

Tomball High School results: 

• Two 1st Place (Best Color Guard) finishes at Marching Band Contests
• Morton Ranch HS Varsity Guard Contest - 2nd Place
• Morton Ranch HS Junior Varsity Guard Contest - 2nd Place 
• Pearland HS Varsity Guard Contest - 1st Place
• Pearland HS Junior Varsity Guard Contest 1st Place
• Cypress Falls HS Varsity Guard Contest - 1st Place
• Cypress Falls HS Junior Varsity Guard Contest - 1st Place 
• WGI San Antonio Regional Contest - 1st Place Finals (Out of 38 groups)
• Klein Collins HS Varsity Guard Contest - 1st Place and Area Champions
• Klein Collins HS Junior Varsity Guard Contest - 1st Place and Area Champions

Both teams will be headed to College Station for the State Championships this weekend.

Tomball Memorial High School results:

• TCGC Jordan Varsity Guard - 2nd Place
• TCGC Jordan Junior Varsity Guard - 2nd Place
• WGI New Braunfels Varsity Guard - 1st Place
• WGI San Antonio Prelims Varsity Guard - 1st Place 
• WGI San Antonio Finals Varsity Guard - 3rd Place 
• TCGC Area Championships – Blue Division Varsity Guard - 1st Place

Next week, TMHS is traveling to compete in the Winter Guard International competition.

“These events provide our students with opportunities to showcase their talent, experience high-level competition, and connect with other performers across Texas and beyond,” said Shepherd.

The success and growth of these two programs is undeniable.

“The success of our program is rooted in the extraordinary dedication of our students and the unwavering support of their parents,” said Shepherd of her TMHS program. “Together, we have built a program that not only performs at a high level but also fosters personal growth, resilience, and lasting friendships.”

The future is bright for these programs.

“My goal for this program is to continue to better ourselves as students, community members, and teammates,” said Adams of THS. “Every season our goal is to always be moving forward as a better version of ourselves than the last year and I am proud to say we have been successful at that thus far.”

Any students interested in joining Color Guard can reach out to either Conner Adams at THS or Brittany Shepherd at TMHS.