The Bourbon County Guard: A Legacy of Precision and Pageantry
The Bourbon County Guard represents a premier performing arts program in Paris, Kentucky, blending athletic agility with artistic expression. Comprising both the Color Guard during the fall marching band season and the Winter Guard in the winter and spring, this program provides students with a year-round platform for growth, discipline, and elite competition.
Eric Hale is a highly esteemed figure in Kentucky’s high school marching band history, celebrated for his transformative leadership and a remarkable legacy of championship titles. After an incredibly successful tenure from approximately 2005 to December 2017, during which he led the Bourbon County Marching Colonels to multiple KMEA Class AAA State Championships (2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2017) and Bands of America National Class A Championships (2008, 2009, 2010), he has returned to direct the Marching Colonels as of March 19, 2025. His leadership is characterized by innovative show designs, rigorous training, and an inspiring ability to cultivate discipline, teamwork, and a lifelong appreciation for music in his students, marking his return with widespread enthusiasm and anticipation for future achievements.
For more information please see this page.
Fall Season: The Marching Band Color Guard
During the autumn months, the Color Guard serves as the “visual heartbeat” of the Bourbon County Marching Band. By translating the musical score into a physical spectacle, the guard helps create the immersive storytelling that the band is known for on the national stage.
- Equipment: Performers master a variety of implements, including flag, rifle, and sabre, as well as integrated dance and movement.
- Competition: The guard is a critical component of the ensemble’s success in KMEA (Kentucky Music Educators Association) and BOA (Bands of America) circuits, contributing to the visual scores that have earned the program numerous state and regional accolades.
- The Experience: Members focus on large-scale field choreography, learning how to command a football field with presence and precision.
Winter Season: The Bourbon County Winter Guard
As the marching season concludes, the focus shifts indoors to Winter Guard. This standalone sport, often referred to as “The Sport of the Arts,” moves the performance to a gym floor, where the guard performs to recorded soundtracks.
- Artistic Depth: Without the full marching band, the Winter Guard season allows for more intricate choreography, nuanced theatricality, and detailed equipment work.
- Circuit Participation: The Bourbon County Winter Guard competes in local and regional circuits, such as Tristate Marching Arts (TMA) and Winter Guard International (WGI).
- Community & Growth: Winter Guard provides an opportunity for performers to refine their individual skills and build strong bonds within a smaller, highly focused ensemble.
Support and Involvement
The success of the Bourbon County Guard is made possible through the dedication of the students, the vision of the instructional staff, and the unwavering support of the Bourbon County Band Boosters. From hosting community fundraisers to cheering in the stands, the community of Paris is the wind beneath the guard’s wings.
“The guard isn’t just about the flags or the rifles; it’s about the discipline of the practice and the family found within the lines.”
Join the Legacy
Are you interested in dance, performance, or competitive athletics? The Bourbon County Guard is always looking for dedicated students to join the ranks. No prior experience is necessary—only a commitment to excellence and a passion for performance.
