Training clinics for Red Rhythm began Monday and continue through Thursday, with tryouts for the 2019-20 squad Friday after school.

But for some students, drill team training began weeks ago at the JDM School of Dance with former Kilgore College Rangerette and current Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Amber McMillan.

“I decided to have the drill team prep classes to offer and provide my expertise of drill team to students that want to share the love for the art,” McMillan said via text message. “I think it’s important to learn from someone that has been exactly where they are now but outside of their current drill team. Getting a prospective from someone new can connect all the critiques that might have been told to the student before.”

This class is designed to help students prepare for future auditions and give them an extra boost.

“My overall goal with my students is to make them feel as confident as they can be walking into audition,” McMillan said via text message. “I want to give my students my all and assist them in all aspects of dance, whether that’s performance, technique, memory, or flexibility.”

This class is a helpful way to help dance students prepare for any auditions for drill team.

“I think the drill team prep class will help for future auditions for drill team because the class teaches you the technique that you will need when auditioning for drill team and help you improve on your technique,” freshman Ashleigh Wiggins said via text message. “The class will also make you more confident when the times comes for you to audition.”

For Red Rhythm director Nicole Nothe, McMillan’s class can be great preparation for someone looking to try out for her squad.

“Drill team prep class provides the students an opportunity to train in high kick technique, flexibility, precision, and jazz technique.” Nicole Nothe said via email, “They can then use these skills and apply to the drill team tryout process.”