Competition Rooted In Education

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WGAZ logo overlaid on top of color guard photo where a central performer standing up and pointing up, surrounded by fellow performers on the floor also pointing up.

At WGAZ Performing Arts, our mission is is to foster growth and quality in the performing arts by offering exceptional performance and educational opportunities for our community. More specifically, we organize competitions and clinics for participants from middle school to college age in Arizona and surrounding states.

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Upcoming Events

Buckeye HS (Guard Only)

March 23, 2024
Buckeye HS

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Campo Verde HS (Percussion/Winds Only)

March 23, 2024
Campo Verde HS

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Guard Championships Day 1

April 5, 2024
Millennium HS

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Guard Championships Day 2

April 6, 2024
Millennium HS

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Guard Championships Day 2 - SRAA Prelims

April 6, 2024
Millennium HS

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WGAZ News

Reminder that nominations for Director of the Year and Volunteer of the year is still open!

Each year, WGAZ honors a Colorguard Director of the year, a Percussion/Winds Director of the year, and a Volunteer of the Year. These individuals are outstanding members of the community who have made an impact on the lives of their students and those around them. Their dedication to the activity, their unit, and their students go above and beyond. To show their impact, the nomination must be accompanied by a letter of recommendation, and at least two student testimonials.

Nominations close March 30, 2024 at 11:59PM Arizona Time


Director of the Year Guidelines

Any member of WGAZ can nominate a director, but we ask that you consider the following guidelines:

  • Must be a current director of a Colorguard, Percussion, or Winds program in good standing with WGAZ
  • Goes above and beyond required duties of a program director
  • Inspires growth within students inside and outside the activity
  • Consider units growth
  • Can be nominated by students, staff, or other directors
    • Requires testimonial from at least two current students/members in the program

Click here to nominate a Director!


Volunteer of the Year Guidelines

  • Volunteer of the year can be any individual volunteering for a WGAZ Unit or the WGAZ Circuit
  • Must be someone who goes above and beyond the expected duties of a volunteer
  • Can be nominated by students, staff, directors, or other volunteers
    • Requires at least 2 testimonials from any individual associated with the same unit or with the WGAZ circuit

Click here to nominate a Volunteer!

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2024 Scholarship Applications Due Soon!

WGAZ is looking for scholarship applicants for the 2024 season! We encourage all current seniors and college students to submit their applications. For more information please contact Amy Kochis.

**NOTICE**

This application process requires the applicants to sign in with a valid G-Mail account.

Each applicant must provide the following in PDF Format: Two Letters of recommendation from individuals other than the group director. High School and/or College Transcript. SAT/ACT scores are optional.

PLEASE HAVE THESE ITEMS READY BEFORE COMPLETING THE FORM AS THEY WILL NEED TO BE ATTACHED AT TIME OF COMPLETION.

The 2024 Scholarship Application is now available. Applications are due March 15th, 2024.

Apply Here

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Special Invitation for High Schoolers: Support Our Young Performers on March 8!

Calling all high school students,

Are you ready for an out-of-this-world experience? We've got some thrilling news to share! On Friday, March 8th, we're ready to escape the ordinary and host a focus show that will set the stage for our incredible elementary, independent prep, and junior high groups.

But wait, the excitement doesn't stop there! We're calling on our high school students to join us in making this night legendary. Our rising stars are the future of the guard community, and we want them to witness the great feeling that we get to experience with an energetic crowd!

To sweeten the deal, we're offering an exclusive offer just for our high school students - $10 tickets at the door! Yes, you heard it right, only $10 for an unforgettable night of incredible performances. Grab your high school ID card and get ready to be amazed!

Quick details for your calendar:

Date: Friday, March 8th

Venue: Desert Vista HS (16440 S 32nd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85048)

Time: 6:00PM – 9:15PM

Price: $10 tickets (card only, cash is not accepted; must have valid student ID at the time of purchase)

This is not just an event; it's an EXPERIENCE. Imagine the energy, the passion, and the sheer talent all under one roof! Our young stars have been working tirelessly, and now it's time to show them the roaring support they deserve.

Got questions? Email us at [email protected]. We're here to make sure you don't miss out on this show-stopping celebration!

Let's turn up the volume, ignite the spirit, and make this night one for the books. See you there, shining bright!

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December Clinic!

Congratulations to everyone on an outstanding marching band season! The fun doesn’t have to end here. Join us for one of our FREE upcoming clinics on December 9th at Desert Vista HS to refine your skills and continue improving in the marching arts!

Guard
  • Ira Jenkins for Educators/Staff & Judges
    • Ira Jenkins is the newly appointed Director of Bands at Decatur High School in Georgia. Prior to joining Decatur High School in July 2022, Mr. Jenkins was the Director of Bands at Alpharetta High School. While at Alpharetta High School, the concert bands were featured performers at GMEA's In-service Conference, UGA's JanFest Honor Band Clinic, Music For All's Southeastern Concert Festival, and a host of other special performances. The marching band was a Bands of America regional finalist as well as Grand Champion at the Jacksonville University Invitational. Alpharetta's Indoor Percussion ensemble was GIPA's Scholastic A champion in 2022 as well as the WGI Atlanta Scholastic A champion. All three of Alpharetta's winter guards have been repeat SAPA championship medalists. In 2019 the Alpharetta varsity winter guard was a Winter Guard International World Championships finalist.

      Prior to Alpharetta High School, Jenkins taught elementary, middle, and high school bands in City of Atlanta, Cobb County, Fulton County, and in Westchester County (NY) as well as Bergen County (NJ). His bands consistently earned superior ratings at performance evaluations, and his winter guards have received state championships honors. Jenkins' students have earned chairs in county and district honor bands as well as all-state bands and university honor clinics. Many of his students continue their passion for performance in college bands, professional ensembles, drum and bugle corps, independent drumlines, and independent winter guards.

      Mr. Jenkins' responsibilities have extended far beyond the classroom. He has served as an assistant high school marching band director, visual caption head, color guard caption head, and director of numerous winter guard programs throughout the east coast. He has also served as band chair and the district chair for GMEA's District 5 as well as vice president of the Southern Association for Performance Arts (SAPA).

      Mr. Jenkins' professional affiliations include marching band and winter guard adjudication with the WGI, DCI, BOA, USSBA, and various circuits around the country. He holds memberships with GMEA, NAfME, and NBA.

      Education:
      PhD. (in progress); Music Education, Georgia State University (2024-anticipated)
      Ed.S; Music Education, University of Georgia
      M.Ed; Education Administration, Kennesaw State University
      B.M.; Music Education, Georgia State University and Florida A&M University
  • Students
    • Niko Matsamura Equipment Master Class for Students
    • John Escalante Movement Master Class for Students
    • Jordan Casey Flag Master Class for Students
      • Jordan Casey has been involved in the pageantry arts since he started marching band back in eighth grade. Jordan has performed with various DCI groups, WGI groups, and spent time performing internationally with BLAST! The Music of Disney. Jordan has continued his passion for pageantry through the realm of education and choreography by working with high school programs as well as independent groups throughout the country. While he is not in a gym or on a field for colorguard, Jordan enjoys outdoor adventures and spending time with friends and family.
Percussion
  • w/ Vision Percussion
  • Beginner and Intermediate/Advance Tracks for Students
Winds
  • w/ Foreword Winds
  • Brass & Woodwinds Pedagogy for Students

Students, remember to bring your own equipment, athletic wear, & water!

Register here: https://gofan.co/event/1262659?schoolId=AZ86318

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2024 Registration Information

WGAZ is pleased to announce that registration for the 2024 season will begin on Sunday, October 1st, 2023 at 12:00AM.


Membership & Event Registration is done via CompetitionSuite starting October 1st. To register for events, log into your CompetitionSuite account and navigate to the Registration tab at the top of the page. Make sure you are looking at Open shows and pick your shows.

Membership/Event Registration Link

During the registration process, units are able to register for a maximum of 5 regular-season shows and Championships. Performance order will be determined by payment date then registration date.


Per the conversation from the September Membership Meeting - The Color Guard Focus Show for Elementary, Independent Prep, & Junior HS class has moved to March 8 or 9 depending on facilities. (East Valley area)


Requirement for the season:

  • Your units 's first performance must be by 2/24/2023
  • Review WGAZ's Code of Conduct, Policy & Procedure, and Bylaws
  • Participating Unit Master Agreement (PUMA)
  • Background Check & SafeSport Training for all adult instructional and administrative staff having regular contact with, or authority over, participants
  • Insurance
  • Copyright
    • One example on how to obtain copyright: ClickNClear (wgi.clicknclear.com)
  • Permission form for Independent Units with High School Students


Helpful Links:


Registration questions? Please email [email protected]

Classification questions? Please email one of these individuals:

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2024 September Meeting

September Membership Meeting

The September Membership meeting will be held in person at Williams Field High School on Sunday, September 24, at 1:00 PM. You can find directions to the school parking lot by clicking the link here. We will discuss season fees, competition dates and hosts, and more. This meeting will also be another opportunity to earn an extra staff badge for your group!

The Advisory committee meeting will take place before the membership meeting on Sunday, September 24, at 11:00 AM at Williams Field High School. All are welcome to attend the advisory meeting.

Last Call - Bylaws/Policy & Procedure Change Proposals:

The September meeting is the last meeting to propose changes to the bylaws or policy and procedures manual. If you would like to propose an amendment to the Bylaws or the P&P, please click here to complete the form. The last day to submit a change is September 15 at 11:59 PM.

Pursuant to the new rule change adopted in May, please remember that only members of the Percussion and Winds Advisory Boards will vote on changes to the Policy and Procedures as well as the Bylaws specific to their sections, and all Color Guard Units will vote on changes to the Bylaws and Policy and Procedures specific to color guard. Any proposal that affects the entire WGAZ membership will still be voted on by the entire WGAZ membership (guard, percussion, and winds).

Thank you, and we hope to see you on September 24 at Williams Field High School!


Introducing the newest WGAZ Winds Advisor: Ian Hoffman

We are thrilled to announce a fantastic addition to our team! Please join us in welcoming Ian Hoffman as the newest Winds Advisor at WGAZ. With his extensive experience and passion for the world of indoor winds, we are confident that Ian will contribute immensely to the growth and success of our organization.

Biography:

Starting his musical journey singing with the Dreaming Summit Honor Choir in the 4th grade and the Arizona State Choir the very next year, Ian has a deep seeded connection and passion for the arts.

He has been a trumpet player through and through from his first day of middle school band. With over a decade’s worth of trumpet playing experience and now his sixth season instructing winds at AzMBA Grand Champion and consecutive division 4A high music award winning Millennium High School, as well as instructing the Millennium and Sandra Day O’Connor Jazz Bands, he has a plethora of knowledge and experience in the areas of jazz, marching brass, and trumpet pedagogy respectively.

As an on field performer in the Superbowl 49 Halftime show, a member of gold medalist Phenom Soundsport and later a section leader and multiple year soloist with The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps, he has learned first hand what the demands of high level performance require from an ensemble. He has had the opportunity to perform with world renowned trumpet players Wayne Bergeron, Jens Lindemann, Michael Martin and José Sabaja and carries this experience into his teaching endeavors.

Ian is the director of consecutive WGAZ Champion Foreword Winds, the premier independent winds group in Arizona. He is also starting his first year as assistant director at Millennium High School and plans to help take the program to new heights.

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2024 Event Host Bid Form is Open!

The time has come to submit your event host bid for the 2024 season! Click here to access the bid form. Please read the form carefully so all questions may be answered properly to ensure your best chances at being awarded an event.

A few reminders about the bidding process:

  • Events are awarded by the WGAZ Event Host Selection Committee, which includes representatives from Percussion, Color Guard, and Winds from across the state of Arizona.
  • The WGAZ Event Selection Committee makes its choices based on many factors, including feedback from the WGAZ Membership about things including, but not limited to, event location, venue size, and event quality.
  • Bidding on numerous dates gives you a higher chance of being awarded an event, however nothing guarantees you an event.
  • WGAZ is incredibly thankful to everyone who has hosted an event in the past and is interested in hosting in the future. Please keep in mind that being an event host in previous years does not guarantee that you will be awarded an event this year.

Attached is a draft of the 2024 Event Host Handbook for you to look at. This was included in order to give prospective event hosts a chance to see what they are bidding on. A few minor changes may occur, however those will be communicated by the Event Host Coordinator.

The application will close on September 1, 2023 at 11:59 PM.

Click here to bid!

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Scholarship Application

WGAZ is looking for scholarship applicants for the 2024 season! We encourage all current seniors and college students to submit their applications. For more information please contact Amy Kochis.

**NOTICE**

This application process requires the applicants to sign in with a valid G-Mail account.

Each applicant must provide the following in PDF Format: Two Letters of recommendation from individuals other than the group director. High School and/or College Transcript. SAT/ACT scores are optional.

PLEASE HAVE THESE ITEMS READY BEFORE COMPLETING THE FORM AS THEY WILL NEED TO BE ATTACHED AT TIME OF COMPLETION.

The 2024 Scholarship Application is now available. Applications are due March 15th, 2024.

Apply Here

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Hall of Fame and Recognition of Service Nominations are up!

The WGAZ Hall of Fame was formed to recognize and honor individual(s) that have had a positive impact on education and unit growth/awareness and have raised the level of creative and artistic standards of the winter color guard, percussion and winds activity in Arizona.

This nomination requires TWO letters of recommendation and may be made by any unit band director/delegate/staff, executive board member, advisory board member, WGAZ administrative staff, Hall of Fame member or adjudicator who is NOT currently serving on the HOF review committee.

Click here to nominate someone for The Hall of Fame!


The WGAZ Recognition of Service Award was created to recognize and honor individual(s) for their dedication and commitment to the Winter Performing Arts and for their service and significant contributions to the success of the Winter Guard Arizona organization.

This nomination requires TWO letters of recommendation and may be made by any unit band director/delegate/staff, executive board member, advisory board member, WGAZ administrative staff, Hall of Fame member or adjudicator who is NOT currently serving on the HOF review committee.

Click here to nominate someone for their Recognition of Service!

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WGAZ Corona Virus Information

3/12/2020 6:30 pm

To Our WGAZ Family,

We are living in unprecedented times.

As many of you are aware, the COVID-19 (Corona Virus) is impacting the communities we live in from coast to coast; indeed, the entire world. With complete consideration of what is being reported from WGI and various performing arts circuits across the country, your WGAZ Board of Directors conducted an emergency meeting to discuss, consider and weigh all options with regards to the future of our 2020 Season.

WGAZ’s mission is to foster growth and quality in the performing arts by offering exceptional performance and educational opportunities for our community. That community is you – the students, the instructors and the families that support the activity. Our mission also implies our responsibility to keep safety in our lens with the goal of be overly cautious for the good of all involved.

It is with sincere regret that we must inform you, our community, that the remaining 2020 WGAZ season has been canceled. This was a difficult decision, and we recognize the significant disappointment everyone, including the board, is likely feeling.

We want to thank all of you for your patience as we try to maneuver through this COVID-19 concern and address all aspects of this challenging situation. Please allow your WGAZ board time to review plans regarding how to process impacted groups for season credits; we commit to communicating this to you once confirmed. We will be shared with all of you at our next full membership meeting.

Stay healthy, be safe.


3/11/2020 6:30 pm

The WGAZ executive board held an emergency meeting this afternoon (03/11/2020) to discuss the remainder of the 2020 WGAZ competitive season. At this time the board has decided to move forward with all remaining local events scheduled as-is, with keeping a mindful ear out to the recommendations & direction of our state & local government entities. Although there are many similarities between WGI & WGAZ the scale and scope of our championships vs WGI’s are extremely different- namely being that WGI’s event lasts over nine days of competition, with over 16,000 participants traveling to Dayton from 41 states and five countries.

Should the WGI Vegas Guard regional or San Bernardino Percussion regional be cancelled, or, a school district restricts out of state travel for an ensemble, we will allow the WGAZ groups that were scheduled to perform out of town at those shows to be added to a local WGAZ show in their place.

We are in constant contact with ASU regarding our facilities for WGAZ championships, and will keep you updated should there be any changes. In the case that ASU should become an unviable option, we are looking proactively for alternative locations to hold championships. In the meantime, please feel free to contact Peter or Brandy directly with any questions or concerns you may have.


Safety Tips from the ADHS

  • Increase hand hygiene (wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds).
  • Stay home when you are sick

Resources

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Our Partners

Adams Arizona Sports Medicine Center - Abrazo Medical Group Creative Costuming Designs Conn Selmer - the art of sound DPG - Digital Performance Gear Jupiter King King Sabres - The Choice of Champions Ludwig Musser Mak Pack - Dog Training, Boarding, Day Care, Dog Park Majestic Mapex McCormick’s MVP Apparel Music and Arts PI - Pageantry Innovations Pearl Sabian Unbound T5 The Turner Law Firm PLLC Vic Firth - The Perfect Pair VisionIt Media - Wraps and Graphics WGI Circuit Partner Yamaha Zildjian