Flags spinning, batons thrown, the roar of the students as the performers in shimmering outfits energize the crowd with highly choreographed dance moves. That’s right, with another fall sports season, the Starlets are back.
The Starlets is Robinson’s Colorguard team and is one of the few sports that extends throughout the entire school year. During their fall season, they mainly act as the visual feature for the band and perform during football half-time shows, however, when the winter season rolls around, the Starlets compete independently.
“As busy and chaotic as the season is, there’s something so thrilling about going out onto the field and performing for the stadium,” said Jada Lupher (’24), Starlets Co-Captain.
The Starlets will compete in the Florida Marching Band Championships (FMBC) and Music Performance Assessment (MPA) alongside marching band during the fall season.
“There is a theme we pick each year that can tell a story or depict a mood or time period and build a show from musical selections Mr. Revett chooses,” said Sara Espejo, the veteran coach of Starlets.
Following their marching band competitive season, Starlets participate independently in the Florida Federation of Colorguards Circuit (FFCC).
However, being a part of the Starlets is more than just winning competitions. While everyone loves being able to win and bring home awards, they created more than just that, they created a family.
“These competitions are extremely important to our growth as a team, as they make our bond stronger,” said Gabriella Toranzo (’24), Starlets C0-Captain.
Although the bond forged between the group is strong, being a Starlet is anything but easy. From the mental difficulties of memorizing choreography to the sheer danger of performing while throwing a giant metal pole into the air, being a Starlet makes you grow not only as a group, but as a person.
“It is not easy, and it takes a lot from you physically, but once you start to get it I feel like you discover a whole new level of confidence within yourself,” Lupher said.
As is with all sports at the beginning of a new season, there is uncertainty regarding how the team will perform without the graduated senior class.
“My goal is to not only retain those new members but gain more. Continue the momentum of growth we have built during marching band into Winterguard season,” Espejo said. “Our goal is to take home another Superior rating at MPA for sure and hopefully maintain our streak of four years of placing top three in Colorguard at shows and hopefully help the band gain a first place win in the caption of visuals.”
