WGI

UpFront: WGI Winds

Winter Guard International (WGI) is well known for hosting a series of competitive performance opportunities for winter guard and percussion groups. After years of brainstorming and deliberation, the organization has decided to expand their offerings, opening up a third branch of activity called “WGI Winds.”

“WGI Winds is something that we had been considering for a long time,” says Bart Woodley, director of operations for WGI. “We finally just decided that it was time to do it. We wanted to throw it out there and see if it was something that people were interested in.”

The new program will be run by Wayne Markworth, an active adjudicator and clinician who was also the director of bands at Ohio’s Centerville High School for 35 years. “In November of last year a committee was formed,” says Markworth. “We met in Indianapolis around Bands of America Grand Nationals weekend. Throughout the winter, that committee formulated the rules, regulations, judging sheets, and just about everything else about it.”

WGI to Debut WGI WINDS!

WGI Sport of the Arts presents the Next Step in the Marching Arts: WGI WINDS!

After more than 37 years of presenting exciting indoor color guard and percussion competitions, WGI is expanding into the next step for the marching arts.  Beginning in 2015, the organization will begin offering a new type of competition in full support of the total band program: WGI Winds! 

"We had been considering events for indoor marching music ensembles for a number of years," says WGI Executive Director Ron Nankervis. "With the explosion of color guards and percussion ensembles that keep growing each year, Winds is a natural extension of the WGI organization. Last summer, the WGI board of directors considered the creation of a third division, and Winds was overwhelming approved to begin contests in 2015 culminating in the first WGI Winds World Championships next April."

2014 WGI World Championships

Hundreds of groups flocked to Dayton, Ohio for color guard and percussion competitions

After two weeks of intense competition featuring 325 color guards, 217 percussion ensembles, and 982 performances, the 2014 WGI World Championships wrapped up on Saturday, April 12. Fourteen groups have now solidified their names in WGI history as “Champion.” Congratulations to all participants!

Dartmouth (Mass.) High School came away with the highest score in the finals of the Scholastic percussion competition, edging out groups from Chino Hills High School and Ayala High School. See the Dartmouth drumline in action here:

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WGI’s 2014 Hall of Fame Inductees

Tom Aungst, Julie Davlia, and Jim Dwyer to enter WGI HOF on April 9, 2014

Tom Aungst, Julie Davila, and Jim Dwyer have been elected into the WGI Hall of Fame. These individuals will join 52 distinguished fellow honorees and will be inducted in a ceremony to take place Wednesday, April 9, just prior to the start of the 2014 Percussion World Championships in Dayton, Ohio.

The Hall of Fame is the highest honor presented to individuals who have influenced WGI history through their achievements and contributions. Each year, outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to the activity are inducted.

UpClose: Tony Cox

Tony Cox and the Mt. Juliet Band of Gold

Just outside of Nashville, Tennessee, Mt. Juliet is home to a band program with big ambitions. Under the guidance of longtime band director Tony Cox, the Mt. Juliet Band of Gold drumline has been a WGI World Class Finalist for three years running, complementing a marching band and color guard that have also tasted success on the national stage. “When you go into that arena and find success, it validates a little bit of what you’re doing across the board,” says Cox.

However, such accomplishments don’t come easy. Cox credits his administration with laying down expectations for excellence and achievement in all scholastic areas. On top of that, he points to the firm commitment and dedication it takes from students, staff, and band parents to fit in with the best, most dedicated groups from around the country.

In this recent conversation with SBO, Tony Cox speaks about preparing music students for the national stage, maximizing parental support, and equipping the next generation of music performers and educators.