Competition Rooted In Education

Good Morning!

The 2025 season is coming up, and we wanted to provide some updated information regarding event sites and registration. If you have any questions please reach out to the board via email: [email protected]

EVENT SITE UPDATES

Due to scheduling conflict below are the updated site changes:

• February 22, 2025 - Percussion/Winds Focus Show will now be hosted at Gilbert HS.
• February 22, 2025 - Guard Focus Show will now be hosted at Eastmark HS.
• March 1 & 2, 2025 - WGI Phoenix Guard Regional has tentatively been moved to Younker HS upon administration approval.

After further review of the schedule, the budget and hearing the needs of the membership, we have added the following divisions to the following events:

• February 8, 2025 - Sahuarita HS will also host the color guard division.
• March 15, 2025 - Mountain View HS (Tucson) will also host the percussion/winds division.

REGISTRATION FOR THE SEASON

Our registration process will utilize CompetitionSuite, only an administrator of the unit’s CompetitionSuite account can complete the registration process. You can have more than one administrator listed if a booster treasurer, for example, is going to be registering your unit. Prior to registering, please log into your CompetitionSuite account and verify that the person who will register your unit is listed as an Administrator. If you need assistance with this, please contact [email protected]

Please follow these directions to register as a member of WGAZ.

1. If you do not have an account, please create an account here: https://competitionsuite.com/signup/
2. Click here to start your unit registration.
   1. Register for your membership starting on October 1.
   2. You will select your show preferences on this date.
      1. 🏁 = Color Guard Division
      2. 🥁 = Percussion Division
      3. 🎺 = Winds Division
   3. If you have multiple units you are able to register all of them at once.
   4. An invoice will be generated after your register. Turn that in to your bookstore with your approved PO or pay online via credit card.
3. Once WGAZ has received your payment, your payment date is locked in and you are officially registered for shows. (Waitlists are based off of pay date, not registration date.)
4. LATE FEES BEGIN DECEMBER 1st
5. If you have any questions, please email to [email protected]

(Be sure to provide your phone number to ensure you can access day of event text messages!)

2025 WGAZ FEE STRUCTURE

Full WGAZ Membership ($1,000.00) includes:

• Up to five (5) WGAZ sanctioned events, plus Evaluation Show
• $125.00 entry fee for each WGAZ sanctioned event after five (5)
• WGAZ Championship entry
• $25.00 Solo & $35.00 Small Group entry fee for each Solo & Small Group
• Voting privileges at membership meetings
• Online access to WGI Adjudication Manual
• All WGAZ mailings, email blasts, CompetitionSuite resources

Junior WGAZ Membership ($600.00) includes:

Applies to Prep, Elementary, and Junior High/Middle School classes.

• Up to five (5) WGAZ sanctioned events, plus Evaluation Show
• $125.00 entry fee for each WGAZ sanctioned event after five (5)
• WGAZ Championship entry
• $25.00 Solo & $35.00 Small Group entry fee for each Solo & Small Group
• Voting privileges at membership meetings
• Online access to WGI Adjudication Manual
• All WGAZ mailings, email blasts, CompetitionSuite resources

Registration will be online through CompetitionSuite beginning October 1. Members must be registered and paid by 5:00 PM on November 30, to avoid a late fee of $100.00 per unit.

Championship qualification info:

• Each unit will need three (3) performances to qualify for Championships; WGI Phoenix Regional & Evaluation Show qualifies as a performance.

Compete by date:

• 🏁 Guard compete by date is February 15, 2025 (Canyon View HS)
• 🥁 🎺 Percussion/Winds compete by date is February 22, 2025 (Percussion/Winds Focus Show).
• Evaluation Show does not count for the compete by date since it is not a scored event.

Exhibition Units:

• $75.00 during season events with no refund for cancellation
• $175.00 during Championships with no refund for cancellation

Plus Pass includes (limited to 1 unit per plus pass per event):

• Regular season: 7 additional passes; this is optional and must be purchased at time of registration. ($42.00 per event)
• Championships: 7 additional passes; this is optional and must be purchased at time of registration. ($105.00 per event)

*No refunds will be given after the first evaluation show of the season.

Unleash Your Creativity in 2025!

Join WGAZ as we Unleash Your Creativity in the 2025 season! Unleash Your Creativity as performers explore new avenues to express themselves through the marching and pageantry arts. WGAZ serves as the premier destination for performers to foster their creativity and unleash their potential. Join us in making your mark in the activity – one creative idea at a time!

Rule Changes

For the 2025 season, WGI has implemented a rule change concerning props. Most significantly, the height at which participants can be above the floor without railing has been reduced from 6ft. to 4ft. Click here to learn more about this and all other rule changes affecting the 2025 season.

Event Information & Registration

WGI Event Registration Change

WGI has implemented a new policy which requires all units to pay for their events at the time of registration. You must have a credit card or pre-approved PO at the time of registration. Please click here for specific dates and additional information so that you are prepared.

2025 WGAZ Event Registration

Show registration for 2025 WGAZ Season begins on October 1, 2024. Units may request shows on this date, but you are not officially registered for any events until payment has been received. Please avoid the risk of being waitlisted to one of your favorite shows of the season! In order to get ahead of the game now, go ahead and open your POs. Quotes are available to print/download your bookstore here. Any questions about payment or registration can be directed to our Treasurer at [email protected].

Free WGI Event Registration for New Winds Groups

For the 2025 & 2026 season, WGI has agreed to give winds units who are new to competition (or a returning unit who has not participated in a WGI Event since the 2022 season) one FREE EVENT REGISTRATION!

Learn more: Notes from Andrew Glen for WGI Winds

SafeSport Update

For the 2025 season, SafeSport continues to be an annual training. As a result, all adults interacting should have the initial training, Refresher 1, and/or Refresher 2, depending on the already completed courses, prior to the start of the season. Click here to learn more. Questions regarding compliance for this requirement should be directed to our Vice President at [email protected].

Ways to Get Involved

Event Host Selection Committee Interest Form

Seeking 8-10 Circuit members to join the 2025 Event Host Selection Committee!

2 members from each location (East Valley, West Valley, North Valley, Tucson*). Ideally 1 Color Guard and 1 Percussion/Winds from each location.

*Show sites North of the I-10 and West of SR 51 are considered “West Valley” (this includes show sites that are in the area of the I-10 and SR 303), while all other show sites in the Phoenix-metro area are considered “East Valley”. Show sites North of the I-10 are considered “North Valley”.

Interest form closes 11:59 pm on Wednesday, August 28, 2024. Selection of the Committee will take place the week of August 25th.

Click here for more information

What do you want to see in 2025?

To help tailor the programming of WGAZ to the needs of our membership, we invite you to complete these feedback surveys. The information that you provide will help the Board in developing programming for judges’ training, clinics, Eval Show, etc. Click on the respective link(s) below:

• Color Guard
• Percussion
• Wind

New Members to the Board

We are excited to share that Keith Casey has joined the Board as our new Secretary. Additionally, the Board approved the appointment of the following Members-at-large:

• Beth Carlson, Color Guard
• Brandy Dubose-King, Color Guard
• Kristina Haney, Percussion
• Andrew Glenn, Winds

We are excited for the breadth of knowledge and talent these individuals bring and look forward to seeing the initiatives they bring to support the members of WGAZ.

Save the Date: September Membership Meeting

The September Membership Meeting will take place on Sunday, September 22, 2024. Details regarding location will be shared closer to the meeting. If you wish to submit an amendment to the Bylaws or Policies & Procedures, please do so here. These must be received by 11:59 PM on September 8, 2024.

Upcoming Dates & Deadlines

• September 1, 2024: Event Host Bid Deadline
• September 8, 2024: Deadline to Submit Amendments to the Bylaws and/or P&Ps
• September 22, 2024: September Membership Meeting
• October 1, 2024: WGAZ Registration Opens
• December 14, 2024: WGAZ Judges Training Clinic & Hands on Clinic for Students

Good Afternoon!

The time has come to submit your event host bid for the 2025 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 Host 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 to this email is a draft of the 2025 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, 2024 at 11:59 PM.

Click here to bid!

WGAZ is looking for an individual to serve as Secretary of the Executive Board. This is an exciting opportunity to participate in the day-to-day operations of the circuit while aiding its membership in finding success. If you are interested, please complete the Secretary Interest Form.

This position, as it is vacant during a term, will be appointed by the WGAZ Executive Board and will serve until May 2025 where it will be up for election by the membership. Interested individuals must be at least 21 years of age; must have a current SafeSport Certificate; and must be able to pass a background check or provide a copy of a non-expired Level One IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.

All interest forms must be completed and submitted by 11:59 PM on June 30, 2024. Applicants will then interview with the Officers of WGAZ during the week of July 8, 2024; and the position will begin on July 22, 2024, or upon the successful appointment by the WGAZ Executive Board – whichever happens latest.

If you have questions, please email [email protected].

Good morning,

As we reflect on our successful 2024 season, we're thrilled to remind you about our upcoming annual May membership meeting scheduled for May 4th. This meeting serves as a crucial moment for all seasoned and new members to come together and influence the trajectory of our organization.

Mark your calendars with the following details:

• Date: May 4, 2024
• Advisory Meeting: 11:00 a.m.
• General Membership Meeting: 1:00 p.m.
• Location: Williams Field HS (2076 S Higley Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85295)

During the meeting, we'll cover essential agenda items, including:

1. Reflecting on the achievements and highlights of the 2024 season.
2. Discussing proposed amendments to our bylaws and policies and procedures manual.
3. Electing individuals to key open positions within the organization, such as Vice President, Treasurer, Colorguard Liaison, and Percussion/Winds Liaison.

If you have ideas for amendments or wish to nominate someone for a board position, don't forget to submit your proposals by April 20, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. using the links provided below:

Amendment Proposal Submission | Board Nomination Submission

Your active participation in these discussions is instrumental in shaping the future of WGAZ. We value your insights and eagerly anticipate your contributions during the meeting. Plus, attending will earn you your first badge for the 2025 season!

Should you have any questions or concerns leading up to the meeting, please feel free to email us at [email protected]. We're here to assist you in any way we can.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to WGAZ. Let's make this May meeting one for the books!

Warm regards,

The WGAZ Board

Fans as we near the end of the season and want to celebrate every performer on their last performance at Championships, we would like to remind fans the following:

EVENT LOCATION
Millennium High School
14802 W Wigwam Blvd
Goodyear, AZ 85395

TICKET COST/INFORMATION

• Block 1 $20 - Friday: PSRA, PSCA, PSCO, PSJH, PSE
• Block 2 $20 - Saturday AM: PSA Prelims
• Block 3 $20 - Saturday PM: PSA Finals, PIA, PSO, PIO, PIW, WSJH, WSA, WIA, WIO
• Multi Block Combo Pass $32 (good for both days)
• 5 and under – Free

EVENT INFORMATION

• Percussion/Winds Championships Day 1
• Percussion/Winds Championships Day 2

KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY

• WGAZ recommends all fans to arrive 30 minutes before units performance.
• All tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.
• Seating is first-come-first-served general admission. Front-side seating is not guaranteed once those sections hit capacity.
• Check standard schedule of the event to confirm ticket purchases.
• Performing units may re-enter the arena with their performer wristband and sit in the backside seats at no additional cost.
• Anyone with a performer wristband MUST sit in the backside seating.
• Ticket purchases will be online or through a QR code only.
• Show proof of tickets on GoFan App to receive a wristband.

HOW TO BUY

• Tickets will be available ONLINE ONLY via a link on the WGAZ Championships Event Page and a QR Code on site.
• NO CASH OR CHECKS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
• The link to purchase tickets will be made available on the WGAZ Championships Event Page or here: https://gofan.co/app/school/AZ86318
• Once ticket sales meet the capacity limit, sales will close, and no additional tickets will be made available.

AT THE SHOW

• Once fans arrive at the event, they will proceed to Fan Check In. Fan Check In will open 30 minutes prior to the first performance and close 30 minutes before the last performance.
• If you have purchased a ticket(s) ahead of time, you will proceed to the next available volunteer to have your ticket(s) redeemed. After your ticket(s) is redeemed, you will receive a wristband that will allow you entrance into Millennium Arena or Gym 2. A ticket(s) can be accessed by the GoFan App.
• If you have not purchased a ticket(s) ahead of time, and if tickets are still available, you will scan a QR code on your mobile device near the Fan Check In and purchase your ticket(s) online. Once your ticket(s) has been purchased, you will proceed to the next available volunteer to have your ticket(s) redeemed. After your ticket(s) is redeemed, you will receive a wristband that will allow you entrance into Millennium Arena or Gym 2.

VIDEO AND PHOTOS

Video and Photos Tripods and/or monopods are prohibited in the stands. No recording or live streaming is permitted. Still photography (without a flash) from a phone is welcome for personal, non-commercial use.

CONCESSIONS AND VENDORS

Please help support our event host and vendors by checking out their booths!

NO OUTSIDE FOOD/DRINK PERMITTED ON CAMPUS.

Fans as we near the end of the season and want to celebrate every performer on their last performance at Championships, we would like to remind fans the following:

EVENT LOCATION
Millennium High School
14802 W Wigwam Blvd
Goodyear, AZ 85395

TICKET COST/INFORMATION

• Block 1 $20 - Friday: SRA Prelims
• Block 2 $20 - Saturday AM: SRAA Prelims, SJH, IP, SE, SRA Finals
• Block 3 $20 - Saturday PM: SRAA Finals, SJHA, SA, IA, SO, IO, SNR, IW
• Multi Block Combo Pass $32 (good for both days)
• 5 and under – Free

EVENT INFORMATION

• Guard Championships Day 1
• Guard Championships Day 2
• Guard Championships Day 2 - SRAA Prelims

KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY

• WGAZ recommends all fans to arrive 30 minutes before units performance.
• All tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.
• Seating is first-come-first-served general admission. Front-side seating is not guaranteed once those sections hit capacity.
• Check standard schedule of the event to confirm ticket purchases.
• Performing units may re-enter the arena with their performer wristband and sit in the backside seats at no additional cost.
• Anyone with a performer wristband MUST sit in the backside seating.
• Ticket purchases will be online or through a QR code only.
• Show proof of tickets on GoFan App to receive a wristband.

HOW TO BUY

• Tickets will be available ONLINE ONLY via a link on the WGAZ Championships Event Page and a QR Code on site.
• NO CASH OR CHECKS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
• The link to purchase tickets will be made available on the WGAZ Championships Event Page or here: https://gofan.co/app/school/AZ86318
• Once ticket sales meet the capacity limit, sales will close, and no additional tickets will be made available.

AT THE SHOW

• Once fans arrive at the event, they will proceed to Fan Check In (entrance of Millennium arena or Gym two depending on class). Fan Check In will open 30 minutes prior to the first performance and close 30 minutes before the last performance.
• If you have purchased a ticket(s) ahead of time, you will proceed to the next available volunteer to have your ticket(s) redeemed. After your ticket(s) is redeemed, you will receive a wristband that will allow you entrance into Millennium Arena or Gym 2. A ticket(s) can be accessed by the GoFan App.
• If you have not purchased a ticket(s) ahead of time, and if tickets are still available, you will scan a QR code on your mobile device near the Fan Check In and purchase your ticket(s) online. Once your ticket(s) has been purchased, you will proceed to the next available volunteer to have your ticket(s) redeemed. After your ticket(s) is redeemed, you will receive a wristband that will allow you entrance into Millennium Arena or Gym 2.

VIDEO AND PHOTOS

Video and Photos Tripods and/or monopods are prohibited in the stands. No recording or live streaming is permitted. Still photography (without a flash) from a phone is welcome for personal, non-commercial use.

CONCESSIONS AND VENDORS

Please help support our event host and vendors by checking out their booths!

NO OUTSIDE FOOD/DRINK PERMITTED ON CAMPUS.

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!

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

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!

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
  • Schedule
  • 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

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

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:

• How to register
• WGAZ website (under construction)
• WGAZ Events
• WGAZ Calendar and Future Dates (including Championships through 2031)

Registration questions? Please email [email protected]

Classification questions? Please email one of these individuals:

• Color Guard - Brandy King
• Percussion - Wardell King
• Winds - Ian Hoffman

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.

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

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!

Click here to check out the raffle

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

• CDC
• ADHS
• Maricopa County