10 Culture Anchors to build your 2026 Marching Arts Program (with Joey Montes)
10 Culture Anchors That Build a Stronger 2026 Marching Band & Colorguard Program
If your program culture is shaky, everything gets harder: rehearsal efficiency, retention, leadership, parent buy-in — all of it. In this quick breakdown, Joey Montes (MarchingByMontes) shares 10 “Culture Anchors” that help directors build a program students actually want to be part of.
Watch the video: Joey’s 10 Culture Anchors
Want the full unlisted workshop replay? Email us and we’ll send the link: design@guardcloset.com
Why culture matters (even more than you think)
Culture is the engine. It’s what keeps kids coming back, what keeps rehearsals from feeling like chaos, and what helps your staff stay aligned. The best part: culture isn’t “vibes.” It’s repeatable habits.
The 10 Culture Anchors (quick, practical, repeatable)
- Consistency beats intensity. Don’t be perfect once — be steady all season.
- Everyone has ownership. Give students real responsibility and they’ll protect the program.
- Positivity is a skill, not an accident. Teach it, model it, reinforce it.
- Communication should be predictable. Same channels. Same cadence. Same expectations.
- Standards are the bare minimum; habits are the culture. What you repeat becomes your identity.
- Safe space to fail fast. Fix it quickly, neutrally, and move forward.
- Cross-program respect. Guard, band, percussion — one mission, one team.
- Leave it better than you found it. Every rehearsal, every space, every interaction.
- Leaders serve; they don’t hover. Leadership is action, not authority.
- The program’s culture should outlast you. Build systems that survive staff changes and seasons.
How to use these anchors this week (simple start)
- Pick 2 anchors for staff to prioritize (example: Consistency + Predictable Communication).
- Write your expectations in plain language and repeat them every rehearsal.
- Assign 3–5 student leadership jobs that actually matter (equipment, attendance, welcoming new members, etc.).
- Use a neutral “reset fast / fix fast” approach so rehearsal doesn’t spiral.
Want help building your program?
Guard Closet supports marching arts programs with consignment options, program resources, and design support. If you want the full workshop replay link, email design@guardcloset.com.
Serving programs nationwide
We work with directors and programs across the U.S. — including:
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Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
FAQ (quick answers directors actually ask)
What’s the fastest way to improve culture?
Make communication predictable and expectations consistent — then repeat them until it becomes the norm.
How do I build culture with a small staff?
Use ownership: give students meaningful responsibilities that protect rehearsal flow and group identity.
How do I stop negativity from spreading?
Reset fast and fix fast — neutral tone, clear correction, then move forward together.
Watch Joey’s Culture Anchors clip: https://youtu.be/_Jvyy0zgLRA
Full workshop replay link: design@guardcloset.com