Ambar Kilar has served as the Director of Colorguard at Wake Forest University since August 2018. With more than 18 years of experience in the marching arts, Ambar is passionate about developing performers both on and off the field, creating an environment where students are challenged to reach their fullest potential while always feeling safe, supported, and valued.
As both a performer and educator, Ambar has built a diverse background across the colorguard activity. She’s performed with The Spirt of the Old Gold and Black at Wake Forest University, Carolina Gold Independent, and Reynolda Independent earning a place among the finalists at the WGI World Championships in 2010. Those experiences continue to shape her approach to teaching, emphasizing technical excellence, artistry, teamwork, and personal growth.
Throughout her career, Ambar has worked with numerous scholastic and independent programs across the East Coast, providing choreography, design, and instruction to students. In addition to directing collegiate colorguard, she is an active clinician, providing spin clinics and master classes for students and directors alike, sharing a passion for performance education with programs of all experience levels. Ambar has also served as a colorguard judge at marching band competitions and has taught within organizations including, CWEA, AIA and WGI. She has completed professional development through Music for All demonstrating an ongoing commitment to growth as both an educator and artist.
Since joining Wake Forest University, Ambar has focused on cultivating a positive and inclusive culture within her program. She is especially proud of building a community where students support one another, embrace challenges, and discover confidence in themselves. Her philosophy is simple: every student deserves to be challenged while feeling safe and supported. By fostering accountability, resilience, and compassion, Ambar strives to help each performer realize they are capable of far more than they ever imagined.