On Oct. 5 during Fall Break, it was pouring rain and 45 degrees. Amie Hansen, a freshman special education major, stood in a poncho on a grass field next to the Tarble Arts Center swinging a flag that is almost as tall she is.

Hansen is a member a Panther Marching Band’s Color Guard, which she said is what she loves to do. Color guard is the flag section of the band.

“I love guard; it is a part of who I am,” Hansen said. “I practice about eight to nine hours a week. We practice six hours a week with the band, and I probably practice an extra two to three hours.”

Hansen has been a member of various color guards since she was a freshman at Lake Zurich High School in 2008, and she said there are some major differences between high school and college marching band.

“Marching band in college is a bigger time commitment, and we learn routines at a fast pace,” Hansen said. “We are polishing the routine the day before we perform.”

Hansen will begin her first Eastern Homecoming experience on Saturday for the big “game day.”

“It takes us longer because we all have to do our hair and makeup the same way, and our coaches help us,” she said. “It can take a while.”

Despite all of the work, she said color guard is something she always wanted to do, and her fellow guard members have become like family.

For Homecoming, the Panther Marching Band will perform at the “Yell Like Hell” pep rally, the Homecoming Parade and the football game.

“I’m just excited to see how much blue we can cover Eastern with and learn what goes on during Homecoming and all of the traditions,” Hansen said. “Be loud, be proud, be blue.”

Amy Wywialowski can be reached at 581-2812 or alwywialowski@eiu.edu.