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.
Upcoming Events
WGAZ News
May Membership Meeting Information; Last Call for Amendment Submissions and Board Nominations
Reminder that nominations for Director of the Year and Volunteer of the year is still open!
Know the Sheets: A Training for Judges and Instructors for a Successful Indoor Season Clinic!
Our Know the Sheets: A Training for Judges and Instructors for a Successful Indoor Season Clinic will be held on December 3rd 2022 at Millennium HS! (Your last chance to earn another badge for your unit, up to 3)
- Color Guard Judges and Instructors check-in will start at 8:30AM
- Percussion/Winds Judges and Instructors check-in will start at 9:30AM
- Combined Color Guard and Percussion/Winds course will start at 4:00PM
- For our full schedule please click here!
- Our FREE Color Guard Student Clinic will be held on December 3rd, 2022 at Millennium HS. Check-in will begin at 8:30AM
- Our FREE Percussion/Winds Student Clinic will be on January 15th, 2023 (More info to come!)
Color Guard Hands on Clinic & September Meeting
September 18th from 9:30am - 2:00pm
Location: TO BE DETERMINED
WGAZ will be hosting a FREE Weapons Clinic featuring two AMP World Winterguard members. They will be featuring technique skills on rifle and some choreography. Sabre classes will also be offered as well and we hope that you will join us.
9:00am Registration
9:30am Sabre/Rifle Technique
11:30am Snack break (bring some snacks and meet other area performers)
12:00pm Rifle/Sabre Choreography
2:00pm Conclusion
Register here to attend: https://forms.gle/hGJEgXqXhnwtYrMM8
We are so honored to have these two educators with us this fall and want to help the community strengthen their weapon skills and gain some knowledge on a few skills for your upcoming season!!!!
Joshua Marrero has been an active member of the color guard community for 15 years. Born and raised in Southern New Jersey, Joshua began his color guard career in 2007 with AMP Winter Guard. In addition to AMP, his marching career includes Black Watch, Jersey Surf, Hawthorne Caballeros, Blue Knights, and the Santa Clara Vanguard. Joshua has had the pleasure of teaching a variety of programs such as Marple Newtown HS, Bryan HS AMP WG, and Hawthorne Caballeros. Outside of his color guard career Joshua is currently a Police Officer in the state of Delaware.
Jonathan Marrero has been an active member in the colorguard community. Beginning his journey at 8 years old with Amp winter guard and finishing his career this past winter in 2022 with that same program. In addition to Amp his marching career includes Jersey surf, Carolina Crown and The Blue Devils. John has had the pleasure of being an educator at high schools which include Marple Newtown HS, North Penn HS and currently Unionville HS. Outside of colorguard John is a full time student at Rowan University majoring in Psychology with a minor in education and plans to be a school counselor to continue to help educate students!
September Membership Meeting
Advisory: 11:00AM
Membership: 1:00PM
Link for amendment proposal to Bylaws, Policy & Procedure: https://forms.gle/ATNsJAbGc3fYacnZA
2022 WGAZ Board Nominees
Vice President
Miles Denny
Miles Denny graduated from Arizona State University in 2016, where he received his B.M. in Music Education. During his time there, he Studied under JB Smith, Dr. Mark Sunkett, Simone Mancus, and Roberto Paz. Miles has taught at various ensembles throughout the valley such as Dobson High School, Basha High School, Poston Butte High School, Breakthrough percussion and currently at Vision Percussion With Wardell King. Upon graduation, Miles became the director of bands at Smith Jr. High School and Stevenson Elementary before joining Basha in 2017. In 2020, Miles was awarded the Winter Guard Arizona Percussion Director of the Year award for his continued contributions to the winter guard activity. In addition to his position at Basha, Mr. Denny currently serves as Vice President for Winter Guard Arizona, Member-At-Large for the Arizona Marching Band Association, and is the tenor percussion specialist for Vision Percussion Ensemble. He remains passionate about expanding and enriching the educational experiences for student musicians in Arizona.
Stephen Goodman
My name is Stephen Goodman; I am the director of Convergence Indoor Percussion and in my fourth year as a percussion instructor. I have extensive experience in non-profit organizations, with my current occupation being a Policy and Communications Manager for a national non- profit whose mission is to recruit the next generation of educators from among high school students. Previously, I was the State Adviser Assistant for a non-profit in Arizona that served the high school Career and Technical Education community. I have experience: developing marketing collateral; planning single-day, multi-site conferences; planning multi-day conferences; engaging with and recruiting partners and sponsors; and developing long-term strategic plans for non-profits.
Lydia Page
Lydia Page has been involved in the Arizona color guard community for over 13 years. She has been a student, instructor, and mentor in all levels of our circuit and currently serves as the director of Highland High School and as assistant director of Higley High School and Oasis Winterguard. Lydia also serves as the business manager of Oasis Ensembles.
Beginning in 2017, Lydia began the massive undertaking of establishing Oasis Ensembles as a non-profit performing arts business. With her leadership, the organization has grown to include two high performing winter guard programs, a summer clinic series, and a dance company. Oasis Ensembles now reaches over 100 participants throughout the state of Arizona.
On top of that, Lydia gives back to the circuit by volunteering for various committees and helping the growth of winterguard in Arizona by mentoring new instructors. Lydia is excited to give back to an organization that has given so much to her and cannot wait to help support the administrative goals of WGAZ.
Treasurer
Cari Eng
Cari Eng, originally from Indianapolis Indiana, started out in the marching arts as a clarinet player turned color guard member. She was a member of the band and guard at Franklin Central High School where she had the honor of being a member of the WGI Open Class World Champion team in 2000. After high school, Cari joined the staff with the Franklin Central HS World Guard until she moved to Phoenix in 2003 after graduating from Indiana University with a BS in Computer Science.
In 2003, Cari joined Teach For America and began teaching and coaching here in Arizona. She currently works as a Data Analyst for the Arizona Department of Education. Cari has been actively involved in the WGAZ circuit since 2005. She served as the Mountain Ridge HS Colorguard Director from 2005-2019 where she was responsible for managing both the Regional A JV Guard and the Open Varsity Guard including all of the finances in and out of the program. Cari is now working with the Color Guard programs of Boulder Creek and Desert Vista.
In addition to being a member of the circuit, Cari has served previously on the Executive Board as Secretary for multiple terms before stepping down after the birth of her daughter in 2013. Since stepping away from the Executive Board, Cari has served on multiple committees for WGAZ including the Promotions, Bylaw Revisions, and Show Selection Committees as well as being a member of the Advisory Board each year. Cari is currently finishing her first term as Treasurer where she helped the circuit navigate through the challenging financial situation of the pandemic. Cari is now well versed in Excel, Quickbooks, and filing non-profit taxes. She is eager to continue the role for another term.
Cari believes in the importance of the marching arts and is eager to once again serve the entire community by approaching each decision through the lens of supporting the performer experience because they are why we exist.
Color Guard Liaison
Brandy DuBose-King
Brandy DuBose King is in her fifteenth year as director and choreographer for the Arizona State University Sun Devil Color Guard and winterguard program. Prior to her time here in Arizona Brandy taught the Bobcat Marching Band Color Guard and Millennia Independent Open Winterguard for 11 years. In Texas, she taught the Seguin High School color guard and winterguard for 10 years.
Brandy has served as Caption Head for other organizations such as Tarheel Sun, The Academy and The Blue Knights; as well as a member of the Colorguard staff for the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps. She marched in the Colorguard at Phantom Regiment as well as a member of the Nouveau (IA), Speakeasy (IA) and Ascension (IW) Winterguard programs. In addition to her involvement with ASU, she is currently the Director of Colorguard at Corona del Sol High School and Designer and Consultant for the ASU SunDevils.
Brandy has served as a board member for the Texas Color Guard Circuit as the Vice President for 4 years, and once in Arizona has served as the V.P. (1) and Colorguard Liaison (8) for the past 9 years. She has developed various opportunities for instructors and students in the colorguard community and has a passion for education and advancement for all. Brandy has served on the Advisory Board for WGI for 5 years and will return again this year after becoming a World Class Finalist for the 6th year with Fenix Independent. With this appointment and dedication to our parent organization this proves to be valuable to the continued growth and knowledge that will help our local community.
Austin Yost
Austin is an Arizona native, growing up in Queen Creek and Gilbert, AZ. He attended Highland High School where he participated in Band, Choir, Orchestra, and of course, Colorguard. After his graduation, Austin marched Drum Corps for five years at The Academy (1) and The Bluecoats (4). He quickly discovered his passion for teaching and has been doing it ever since. Austin currently serves as the Colorguard Director at both Higley High School and Eastmark High School, as the Program Coordinator at Highland High School and does design work for many other schools in the greater Phoenix area. Austin also served as a Colorguard Instructor at the Academy Drum and Bugle Corps from 2019-2021. Austin founded Oasis Ensembles in 2016 and has since pushed to expand the program to include multiple nationally competitive winterguard teams, a dance program, and an annual summer clinic series. Austin’s goals have always been rooted in the education and growth of the next generation. He strives to promote young performers and educators and often acts as a mentor to those entering the teaching community. He has extensive experience in business leadership through Oasis, Retail Jobs, and as a Manager of one of Arizona’s top haunted attraction companies. Austin wants to continue down the path paved by those before him in growing Arizona Marching Arts by focusing on offering accessible education to performers, educators, and designers. He wants to strengthen the community’s ties to each other to foster an environment where young educators feel well supported and integrated. Above all, Austin wants to strengthen WGAZ as a whole through open and clear communication to build trust, promote community involvement, and to help all voices be heard more than twice a year.
Percussion/Winds Liaison
Wardell King
Wardell has been involved with percussion education in Arizona for almost thirty years. Over the years he has worked with many high school ensembles as a clinician, consultant, designer and instructor. Knowing the need to inspire young performers, Wardell would often bring in feature artists like Ralph Hardimon for clinics and invite schools to come out and learn. Percussion in the state of Arizona is synonymous with the name Wardell King. He is widely respected by students and colleagues alike. Anyone who sits down to talk shop with Wardell understands the passion that he can ignite in everyone around him. He is driven to push boundaries and challenge those around him to keep up with him, and can be credited with much of the continuous growth of the percussion community in the state of Arizona. Recently Wardell has founded Vision Indoor Percussion which has seen immediate success, mirroring Wardell himself, the program has quickly grown and thrived. Wardell is currently on the WGAZ board, where he has served the WGAZ community several times over the last ten years. As an educator, Wardell brings a passion for percussion to all the students he works with. He challenges all of his students at all levels, and from all walks of life to be the best they can be. His approach to education holds his students to a high standard. His belief in his own students' success inspires them to be able to believe in themselves. Many of his former students are currently involved in the activity as instructors and continue to bring this philosophy to the next generation of students. Wardell has had a huge impact on the success of percussion and education in Arizona and in WGAZ.
Congratulations to our 2022 Hall of Fame Inductees!
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.
Our Inductees
Thien Quoc Pham
Thien grew up in Arizona participating with the Gilbert High School band and percussion programs. After high school he continued performing at ASU, ASU Indoor, and RCC. Thien gave back to Arizona and our youth by instructing at several high schools including Casa Grande, Basha, and Williams Field. Thien quickly became someone that you expected to see at any event. If there was something that needed to be done, he was the first person to step up and volunteer. His helpful and enthusiastic demeanor is what led Thien to join the WGAZ Board. Since joining the board in 2012 Thien has held multiple board positions, but more importantly, he has helped every single other board member through his time make sure they feel supported and are able to complete their job successfully. Thien has truly gone above and beyond for WGAZ, and throughout this time has always put the student experience first. As President, Thien has been an integral part of the success, growth, and newfound stability of WGAZ. His continuing support, dedication and ambition for WGAZ is going to push the circuit to new heights. Thien is truly worthy of having the honor of being the youngest person ever to be inducted into the WGAZ Hall of Fame.
Peter Gomez
Peter Gomez has been a member of the color guard community in Arizona for decades. He played a major role in the start and development of many color guard programs in the state, including the Academy Drum Corps Color Guard, Academy Winter Guard, and Academy Youth Guard. Peter served as the color guard caption head from 2004 to 2007 for the Academy Drum Corps as well as the Academy Independent Winter Guard which had the honor of being the first guard from Arizona to ever appear at WGI World Championship Finals. In just 4 short years with The Academy, Peter’s influence was spread throughout the circuit. He inspired a long lasting love for color guard into his students, and many of them are still involved with WGAZ to this day. Peter also served as a caption head, visual designer, and choreographer for Corona del Sol High School from 2005-2007 and held the same positions at Desert Vista High School from 2000-2009. His work both at the high school and independent level changed the trajectory of WGAZ, and was an integral part of bringing Arizona Color Guard into the modern world. Peter’s passion for his work was nothing short of inspiring. Those who have had the honor of learning from and working with Peter said:
“He was not only an incredible designer and choreographer, but he was also an amazing teacher. Peter was pivotal in the success of the programs he worked with and the further success of his students.”
“ Peter is truly one of the most knowledgeable, dependable, talented, and motivating individuals in this industry. He has significantly impacted the performing arts landscape across the nation and continues to be a champion for the growth of the activity here in Arizona.”
Wardell King
Wardell has been involved with percussion education in Arizona for almost thirty years. Over the years he has worked with many high school ensembles as a clinician, consultant, designer and instructor. Knowing the need to inspire young performers, Wardell would often bring in feature artists like Ralph Hardimon for clinics and invite schools to come out and learn. Percussion in the state of Arizona is synonymous with the name Wardell King. He is widely respected by students and colleagues alike. Anyone who sits down to talk shop with Wardell understands the passion that he can ignite in everyone around him. He is driven to push boundaries and challenge those around him to keep up with him, and can be credited with much of the continuous growth of the percussion community in the state of Arizona. Recently Wardell has founded Vision Indoor Percussion which has seen immediate success, mirroring Wardell himself, the program has quickly grown and thrived. Wardell is currently on the WGAZ board, where he has served the WGAZ community several times over the last ten years. As an educator, Wardell brings a passion for percussion to all the students he works with. He challenges all of his students at all levels, and from all walks of life to be the best they can be. His approach to education holds his students to a high standard. His belief in his own students' success inspires them to be able to believe in themselves. Many of his former students are currently involved in the activity as instructors and continue to bring this philosophy to the next generation of students. Wardell has had a huge impact on the success of percussion and education in Arizona and in WGAZ.
Brandy Dubose-King
Brandy Dubose-King has been an active contributor to the color guard community here in Arizona for over 15 years. Brandy has been a designer, instructor, board member, clinician, and consultant for programs at all levels from elementary color guards to drum corps to the flagship of our winter guard circuit, Fenix Independent World Guard. Brandy is always ready to jump in and support any program in any way and has truly been a blessing to our circuit. Brandy currently serves as the director of the Arizona State University Color Guard, director of Corona del Sol High School Color Guard, and the director of Fenix Independent World and A guards.
If all of that isn’t enough, she also serves and has served on the WGAZ board for many years putting in countless hours every season behind the scenes to ensure every performer has the most positive experience they can. As the Color Guard Liaison for WGAZ, Brandy has truly gone above and beyond in her duties to the organization. She works hard to host student and staff clinics each year to continue the education of not only the students, but the instructors as well. She has served on countless committees, worked hard to not only organize, but to host championships for several years, and is always looking for the next thing to better the color guard community in Arizona.
Her web of impact is massive with hundreds of performers and staff members that she has taught and mentored going on to direct their own groups and spread her contagious inspiration to the next generation. Brandy’s school of thought when in front of her team is to always be “teaching teachers”. She educates her students with the philosophy that they can take the information and relay it to their students one day. It is difficult to look around the instructor pool of WGAZ and find someone that Brandy has not impacted and taught in some way. WGAZ would truly not be where it is today without the impact of Brandy DuBose King.
Congratulations to our Directors of the Year and Volunteer of the Year!
WGAZ is excited to announce the winner of its Director of The Year Award and Volunteer of the Year Award! We asked our community, including staff, parents and students to nominate current WGAZ directors and volunteer who made an impact on their lives, inspired growth within their students, and goes above and beyond their duties as a program director.
Kyle Edwards - Color Guard Director of the Year
Kyle Edwards is the director of the color guard programs at Combs High School where winter guard had not existed for over 5 years. Kyle took the initiative to not only recruit, teach, and design for their first season in years, but he also worked with his students on an outreach program to find funding and quality staff for the program. In addition to being the director of the program at Combs, Kyle is also the co-director at Mountain View HS, and on staff for FeniX Independent A and FeniX Independent World. Kyle is the type of person that doesn’t just get it done, but he finds a way to always be teaching his students in the process and involves them in each step. In just the first two seasons of establishing the winter guard at Combs, he has grown the program by 50%. Kyle is described by his band director as an “indispensable asset to Combs” and that certainly shines through in his programs and performers. He is truly one of the most passionate and hard-working individuals you will ever meet, and his first priority is always his students’ experience. Kyle received student testimonials from all 4 color guards that he is working this winter, here are some of the things his students had to say.
“Kyle’s information is always so helpful, and I often pass it down to my own students. I can always count on him to help me fix my tosses or get a better understanding on how to move forward.”
“Working with Kyle has been one of the highlights of my high school career.”
“Kyle being my instructor throughout high school has made my experience at Combs so great. He gave me a space to come to where I could bond with my friends and have a creative and active outlet. He passed his perseverance and his attitude of “try and you will succeed” that inspired me to not only do well in guard but in the rest of my schoolwork as-well”
“I’ve truly never had a staff member who cares so much about his students and is so motivated to help students”
“Kyle has a very deep and true understanding of Color Guard and has the incredible ability to share his knowledge and advice to any level of performer in a way they can personally understand. Further, Kyle is widely respected among his students for his friendly and hard-working demeanor, always showing up to every rehearsal willing to give his best effort no matter how exhausted he may be. I truly have never seen an educator so passionately committed to teaching and developing their students”
Kyle Edwards passion and dedication to his students is what makes him the 2022 WGAZ Colorguard Director of the Year.
Michael Hancock-Percussion/Winds Director of the Year
Michael Hancock has been a dedicated supporter of the marching arts in Arizona for over a decade. In his 17 years as a director Michael has helped lead jr. high indoor groups at multiple schools to success. For 7 year now, Mr. Hancock has been an admired and valuable member of the San Tan teaching staff, teaching all levels of band, drumline, and guitar. Michael excels in establishing and maintaining a positive learning environment and is widely respected and liked by the students, staff, faculty and parents and San Tan Junior High. In the short two years that Michael has with students, he challenges his students to be the best they can be. He inspires them to take their love of music and performance with them to high school, and his biggest priority is always the student experience. Mr. Hancock provides his students with many opportunities inside and outside of the classroom to learn and grow, and is always willing to put in the extra time to give his students another chance to perform. This is what makes Michael Hancock the 2022 WGAZ Percussion Director of the Year.
Chris Panneton - Volunteer of the Year
Dubbed lovingly as “Band Dad” by the students at Verrado High School, Chris goes above and beyond for his group ALL OF THE TIME! Chris drives the equipment truck, leads the parents group through major fundraiser projects, and currently serves as the President of the Booster Program. As the President, Chris was able to update the financial system and his professionalism has rallied parents to join the Booster program, Chris is truly responsible for the growth and organization of the Verrado Band Boosters. Hosting a WGI Regional and WGAZ Championships is no small task for any booster program. Chris was able to handle these tasks with grace. His knowledge, communication, and commitment is the reason the WGI regional at Verrado High School was successful, and why Championships this weekend will be the same. Chris is always willing to jump in and help, and is always willing to adapt and problem solve when things go wrong. Band Director, Tracy Meldrum says “Anything he touches pretty much turns to gold. I can’t say enough wonderful things about this “jack of all trades.” Chris is truly deserving of being the 2022 WGAZ Volunteer of the Year.
December Education Clinic!
We will be hosting our Judges Clinic on December 4th at Canyon View HS!
- Color Guard Education Clinic - 9AM-5PM
- Percussion/Winds Education Clinic - 10AM - 4PM
- Contest Administrator and Time & Penalty Training - 2PM - 4PM
Meals will be on your own.
The Judges Clinic will be open to all members and encouraged. For the 2022 season we are offering those who attend our educational clinic their own badge for the 2022 season. These badges will not count against the badges you'll receive for your group.
Clinician Bios
Julie Davila (Percussion)
Julie Davila is renowned percussionist, performer, music educator and clinician specializing in concert and marching percussion. She was inducted in to the WGI Percussion Hall of Fame in 2014, in recognition of over 20 years contributing to the marching arts activity as a leader, teacher, designer and adjudicator. Julie is a member of the chamber percussion ensemble the CAIXA TRIO, winner of a 2011 “Drummie” award by Drum Magazine.
In addition to her membership in the CAIXA TRIO, she currently serves as the 2nd Vice President on the Executive Committee for the Percussive Arts Society. She is the arranger and instructor for the Middle Tennessee State University Band of Blue Drumline, and additionally an adjunct professor of percussion at MTSU. Prior to her work at MTSU, she was the percussion specialist at several high schools in Nashville, Tennessee. Many of her groups have medaled in all divisions of the WGI activity and the John Overton High School Indoor drum line, under her direction won a National Championship.
Julie is a member of the WGI and DCI nationally recognized adjudication teams. As an active clinician specializing in contemporary and marching percussion, she has performed in Poland, China, Peru, Seoul, South Korea, Paris, France, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Brazil and extensively throughout the United States. Julie is a proud alumni of the University of North Texas. She has published numerous marching and concert percussion ensembles and solos and is the author of the “Modern Multi-Tenor Techniques and Solos”, “Impressions on Wood” and “Inspirations 4 Mallets” and is a co-author of “Aptitude” an innovative solo snare book.
Julie is an endorser and clinician for Pearl/Adams, Innovative Percussion, the Avedis Zildjian Company, Grover Pro Percussion and Evans Drum Heads.
Ron Hardin (Percussion)
His visual designs have appeared in several BOA regional finals, won numerous state championships, circuit contests and have won three WGI Percussion Gold Medals.
Ron is in demand as a clinician and adjudicator throughout the world, having done many clinics throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. Since 1999, Ron has served as a visual judge for Winter Guard International, annually adjudicating for many circuits, regionals and world championships.
Ron has performed judging clinics for NMEA, NSBA, WGI, numerous indoor percussion circuits and the Judging Association of Mid America. Ron has produced several instructional videos, and has appeared in WGI's "Meet the Judge" and “Top Secrets” series. He has also recorded several podcasts with Marching Roundtable. Ron has led instructional sessions in Tokyo, Japan and in the Netherlands.
As an instructor, Ron has led visual teams earning six DCI World Championships and ten High Visual Awards, most recently including the 2012, 2013 & 2016 John Brazale Best Visual Award, and the 2013 & 2015 Steve Brubaker Best General Effect Award.
Ron's experience in the drum corps activity is extensive, spanning over twenty years. As a performer, he spent the 1991 and 1992 seasons with the Star of Indiana. Upon the completion of his performing career, Ron joined the Blue Devils as a member of their visual staff. After eight seasons, he then spent five years as the Visual Caption Head of the Santa Clara Vanguard, and four years as Visual Caption Head of the Canton Bluecoats before his last stop as Visual Caption Head of the World Champion Carolina Crown, where he led the caption from 2012 to 2018.
In addition to instructing, Ron has designed visual programs for several drum corps, and mentored staff at many others. Ron has served as an instructor representative on the DCI Instructors' Task Force, Rules & Systems Task Force, the DCI Medical Project Advisory Board and WGI Percussion Advisory Board.
Before his career with Stanbury, Ron Hardin served as the director of Bands at Papillion - La Vista South High School. Ron took this position in 2014, and quickly led the program to national level recognition over two years. Prior to that appointment, Ron was the director of Bands at Bellevue East High School for 14 years, and led the Chieftains to many successful performances in all areas, including Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Marching Band, Jazz Bands, Indoor and Concert Percussion, Chamber Ensembles and Indoor Color Guard. Under his watch, the band programs have performed in ten different states. Ron spent the first six years of his career as the Director of Bands at Clayton Valley High School in Concord, CA.
Ron also has extensive history as a professional music educator and performer. He was the founder and past conductor of the Diablo Wind Symphony, and the Principal Conductor of the Omaha Symphonic Winds. In addition, he was the recipient of the Jack R. Snyder Young Band Director Award.
Courtney Allyson Mills (Color Guard)
Courtney Allyson Mills (she/her/hers) has over 25 years of dance education, freelance choreography and teaching experience in several facets of the performing arts. A graduate of Seminole High School in Seminole, Florida, Ms. Mills holds a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Texas Woman’s University nd a Master of Arts in Performance Psychology from National University. She also holds a specialization in Teaching Social-Emotional Learning from the University of Colorado, Boulder.
Courtney is the Modern/Contemporary Dance teacher at the Center for Visual & Performing Arts in Arlington, Texas. Her responsibilities include the creation of the modern/contemporary dance program, as well as forming two dance companies that serve all six high schools in the district; The Contemporary Company: Arlington ISD and Company E. Previously, Ms. Mills was the dance and yoga teacher at Smoky Hill High School in Aurora, CO as well as the Director of the Smoky Hill Dance Collective. She also served as the Director of Dance at Bowie High School in Austin, Texas, where she taught the Silver Stars Drill Team and a myriad of other dance classes.
A Carolina Crown alumni, Courtney is proud to currently be on the visual team of the Phantom Regiment. This is her fifth consecutive year with Regiment and ninth overall. Courtney attributes her growth into the human she is today to her years marching and teaching drum corps and winter guard.
Ms. Mills is an active clinician, adjudicator, and choreographer. Additionally she frequently provides lectures, webinars, and presentations to a variety of organizations, most recently the National Congress for USA Gymnastics. A seasoned explorer, Courtney loves the mountains, hiking, and nature, as well as anything sports-related. When at home she is the caretaker of numerous (entirely too many) plants, Olive (her bulldog) and Betty (her tortie cat).
Bryan Scheidecker (Contest Administrator & Time&Penalty)
Bryan Scheidecker First got involved with music playing the saxophone in 4th grade at Jellick Elementary in Rowland Heights, CA on a big blue hollowed out school bus called the “Note Boat”. Little did he know that by walking onto that bus, his life would be changed forever.
Since 1999, Bryan has instructed at various schools and Drum Corps in Southern California and the Boston area in Massachusetts. In addition to instructing, Bryan is also a T&P adjudicator for the Southern California Percussion Alliance (SCPA), Winter Guard Arizona (WGAZ), and Winter Guard International (WGI) indoor percussion circuits, as well as serving as a Contest Director for SCPA and WGAZ. Bryan was formerly the Assistant Director of Education for the Vic Firth Company and is currently the team lead for the Customer Service department at Fender Musical Instrument. Bryan also serves as co-chair for the Black Employee Resource Group helping grow diversity and inclusion at Fender.
As a performer, Bryan spent his four years at Ruben S. Ayala High School heavily involved in the instrumental music department, three of them in leadership roles. As an adult, he has played with artists such as Steve Wilkerson, Jeff Hamilton, the Jazz on the Latin Side All-stars, Poncho Sanchez, and as a soloist for Grammy Award winner Celine Dion.
Nominees for the 2021 Executive Board Elections
The following nominees have accepted their board nominations, bios will be uploaded soon.
President - Thien Pham
Event Host Coordinator - Mellanie Risch
Color Guard Judges Coordinator - Scott Montoya
Secretary
(In submission order)
Tom Cervenka
Thomas Cervenka, a native of Tucson, is the director of Sahuarita Indoor Percussion and has been an educator in the marching arts for the last 10 years. He has worked as both a percussion instructor and Assistant Director for the Sahuarita High School Marching Band since 2012. After directing the Indoor Percussion program at Sabino High School during the 2017 and 2018 seasons, Mr. Cervenka established the Sahuarita Indoor Percussion program in 2019 and formed Sahuarita Indoor Percussion Cadets as part of the 21st Century after school program at Sahuarita Middle School and Wrightson Ridge School. As an active drill writer, designer, and clinician for numerous marching and indoor programs across the state of Arizona, Mr. Cervenka’s impact has gone beyond the students he works with on a regular basis.
A lifelong musician, Mr. Cervenka began as a saxophone player in the Sahuarita music program. He continued his involvement with music at San Diego State University where he marched as part of the color guard before returning to Tucson. He is currently a saxophonist in the Green Valley Concert Band and gives private lessons in his spare time.
Mr. Cervenka’s dedication to his craft stems from his passion for creatively taking a small idea and developing it into a large artistic production. Through his programs, his hope is that students will learn valuable skills that will benefit them both in school and beyond. Mr. Cervenka has also been a valuable asset to his programs through grant-writing, coordinating local sponsorships, fundraising, and event-host for various fall and winter marching events.
During this past year, Mr. Cervenka worked tirelessly to provide his students with a worthwhile musical experience in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. For his dedication and passion, he was awarded 2021 Percussion Director of the Year by WGAZ.
In addition to his commitment to WGAZ and the marching arts, Tom enjoys dining out, reality television, office supplies, and spending time with his partner (and their two ornery cats).
Juan Olivaros
Juan Jose Oliveros Saldana is an alumni of Arizona State University where he received his BFA in Studio Arts with a focus in Painting. Juan started his career in the marching arts in 2013 as a member of Breakthrough Indoor Percussion’s Front Ensemble. He performed as a mallet player for Breakthrough Indoor Percussion from 2013 through 2017, as well as for the Sun Devil Marching Band from 2013 through 2016, becoming section leader for both ensembles.
During his time as a performer, Juan also began his career as a music educator in 2015. Coming up on his 7th year of teaching, he is proudly the front ensemble coordinator at Basha High School (since 2019) and a front ensemble instructor for Flux Indoor Percussion (since 2019).
Through his years as a musician, educator, artist, and designer, Juan has developed a strong sense of communication skills that allow him to effectively present his ideas to his peers. He has also developed strong organizational skills, and is a strong problem solver for those around him.
Having been under WGAZ and WGI as both a teacher and performer, Juan plans to use his experience, resources, and viewpoint from both a scholastic and independent perspective to make a positive change and lasting impact for others involved in the marching arts in Arizona.
Percussion/Winds Judges Coordinator Nominees
(In submission order)
Bryan Scheidecker
Bryan Scheidecker First got involved with music playing the saxophone in 4th grade at Jellick Elementary in Rowland Heights, CA on a big blue hollowed out school bus called the “Note Boat”. Little did he know that by walking onto that bus, his life would be changed forever.
Since 1999, Bryan has instructed at various schools and Drum Corps in Southern California and the Boston area in Massachusetts. In addition to instructing, Bryan is also a T&P adjudicator for the Southern California Percussion Alliance (SCPA), Winter Guard Arizona (WGAZ), and Winter Guard International (WGI) indoor percussion circuits, as well as serving as a Contest Director for SCPA and WGAZ. Bryan was formerly the Assistant Director of Education for the Vic Firth Company and is currently the team lead for the Customer Service department at Fender Musical Instrument. Bryan also serves as co-chair for the Black Employee Resource Group helping grow diversity and inclusion at Fender.
As a performer, Bryan spent his four years at Ruben S. Ayala High School heavily involved in the instrumental music department, three of them in leadership roles. As and adult, he has played with artists such as Steve Wilkerson, Jeff Hamilton, the Jazz on the Latin Side All-stars, Poncho Sanchez, and as a soloist for Grammy Award winner Celine Dion.
Zach Whittier
Zack Whittier has been involved in percussion and the marching arts since he was 14 years old as a freshman at Mountain View High School in Marana, AZ. While in school he was heavily involved in various musical idioms, including marching band, concert band, orchestra, choir, a capella, and performed both on stage and in the pit for musicals. Later, once at the University of Arizona, Zack performed in the Pride of Arizona drumline, was an active member of Tau Beta Sigma, and was a founding member of Amplified A Capella.
Zack started teaching at many schools across the state of Arizona in 2009. He founded long- lasting indoor performing ensembles, including the Canyon del Oro Indoor Percussion Ensemble and Mountain View High School Indoor Percussion in Tucson. Since then, he has taught, written, and designed for Mountain View HS (Tucson), Canyon del Oro HS, and Breakthrough Indoor Percussion. He continues to teach, write, and design for Mountain Pointe HS, Moon Valley HS, and Sandra Day O’Connor HS.
Concurrently with teaching, Zack performed with various high level competitive ensembles. He performed with The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps from 2010-2012, from which he aged out as a front ensemble section leader and center marimba. During the winters, he performed with Fusion Percussion in Tucson, AZ in 2011 and 2012, then aged out with Pulse Percussion in 2013.
While at Northern Arizona University (NAU), Zack was an active member of the percussion studio. He performed as a member and soloist with the NAU Panorama Steel Band, was a member of the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra, traveled as a member of the NAU Wind Symphony to perform at the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) convention, and traveled as a member of the NAU Symphony Orchestra to perform at the College Orchestra Directors Association (CODA) convention. During his time at the university Zack served as the President of NAU’s Phi Mu Alpha chapter and Vice President of the NAU Percussion Society, where he was in charge of outreach and coordinating visiting guest artists, clinics and clinicians, and artists-in-residency for the NAU percussion studio and School of Music. Throughout his studies and pedagogical endeavors, Zack has studied extensively with Homero Ceron, Dr. Steven Hemphill, Dr. Andrea Venet, Bryan Cooperrider, Glen Crosby, Sean Gordon, and Ian Grom.
2020 Vice President and Treasurer Results
Please welcome our new Vice President - Miles Denny and Treasurer - Cari Eng! We are thrilled for their addition to the executive board and confident their voices will continue to push the circuit forward. To learn more about our Vice President and Treasurer please check out their bios below.
Bios
Vice President - Miles Denny
Miles Denny is the current director of band at Basha High School and AMS Middle School in Chandler, Arizona. Prior to this, Miles Denny was the director of band and guitar at Smith Jr. High in Mesa, Arizona. Miles is a graduate of Arizona State with a Bachelors in Music Education. During his time at Arizona State, Miles studied under notable professors such as, JB Smith, Mark Sunkett, and Simone Mancuso.
During his past four years at Basha High, Miles has helped lead the program to a 2nd place championship in PSA in 2018 WGAZ, 1st place WGAZ PSA 2019, 1st Place WGI PSA Temecula Regional 2019, 1st Place WGI PSA Phoenix Region 2019, 1st Place WGI PSO Phoenix Regional 2020, and 1st Place WGAZ Championship WSA 2019.
In the Arizona music community, Miles has served as a judge and clinician, including WGAZ 2018-present, PAS 2017-2018 clinician, Mesa Honor Band 2017, and PAZ Music Camp 2017-2019. He was also honored to receive the WGAZ 2020 Percussion Directior of the Year award. In addition, Miles runs a private percussion studio ranging from elementary to high school students.
Miles Denny has a true passion for expanding students musical knowledge and appreciation beyond the mainstream band class. Hr strives to build a lifelong love of the arts in all of his students. Whether their focus be concert band, jazz band, percussion, or winterguard, Miles continually encourages his students to grow beyond the walls of his program and work to pursue the success of the arts in the community for a lifetime.
Treasurer- Cari Eng
Cari Eng, originally from Indianapolis Indiana, started out in the marching arts as a clarinet player turned color guard member. She was a member of the band and guard at Franklin Central High School where she had the honor of being a member of the WGI Open Class World Champion team in 2000. After high school, Cari joined the staff with the Franklin Central HS World Guard until she moved to Phoenix in 2003 after graduating from Indiana University with a BS in Computer Science.
In 2003, Cari joined Teach For America and began teaching and coaching here in Arizona. She currently works as a math teacher at Boulder Creek HS. Cari has been actively involved in the WGAZ circuit since 2005. She served as the Mountain Ridge HS Colorguard Director from 2005-2019 where she was responsible for managing both the Regional A JV Guard and the Open Varsity Guard including all of the finances in and out of the program. Cari is now the Colorguard Director at Boulder Creek HS.
In addition to being a member of the circuit, Cari has served previously on the Executive Board as Secretary for multiple terms before stepping down after the birth of her daughter in 2013. Since stepping away from the Executive Board, Cari has served on multiple committees for WGAZ including the Promotions, Bylaw Revisions, and Show Selection Committees as well as being a member of the Advisory Board each year.
Cari believes in the importance of the marching arts and is eager to once again serve the entire community by approaching each decision through the lens of supporting the performer experience because they are why we exist.
Nominees for Vice President and Treasurer
Vice President Nominees
(In submission order)
Miles Denny
Miles Denny is the current director of band at Basha High School and AMS Middle School in Chandler, Arizona. Prior to this, Miles Denny was the director of band and guitar at Smith Jr. High in Mesa, Arizona. Miles is a graduate of Arizona State with a Bachelors in Music Education. During his time at Arizona State, Miles studied under notable professors such as, JB Smith, Mark Sunkett, and Simone Mancuso.
During his past four years at Basha High, Miles has helped lead the program to a 2nd place championship in PSA in 2018 WGAZ, 1st place WGAZ PSA 2019, 1st Place WGI PSA Temecula Regional 2019, 1st Place WGI PSA Phoenix Region 2019, 1st Place WGI PSO Phoenix Regional 2020, and 1st Place WGAZ Championship WSA 2019.
In the Arizona music community, Miles has served as a judge and clinician, including WGAZ 2018-present, PAS 2017-2018 clinician, Mesa Honor Band 2017, and PAZ Music Camp 2017-2019. He was also honored to receive the WGAZ 2020 Percussion Directior of the Year award. In addition, Miles runs a private percussion studio ranging from elementary to high school students.
Miles Denny has a true passion for expanding students musical knowledge and appreciation beyond the mainstream band class. Hr strives to build a lifelong love of the arts in all of his students. Whether their focus be concert band, jazz band, percussion, or winterguard, Miles continually encourages his students to grow beyond the walls of his program and work to pursue the success of the arts in the community for a lifetime.
Bryan Scheidecker
Bryan Scheidecker First got involved with music playing the saxophone in 4th grade at Jellick Elementary in Rowland Heights, CA on a big blue hollowed out school bus called the “Note Boat”. Little did he know that by walking onto that bus, his life would be changed forever.
Since 1999, Bryan has instructed at various schools and Drum Corps in Southern California and the Boston area in Massachusetts. In addition to instructing, Bryan is also a T&P adjudicator for the Southern California Percussion Alliance (SCPA), Winter Guard Arizona (WGAZ), and Winter Guard International (WGI) indoor percussion circuits, as well as serving as a Contest Director for SCPA and WGAZ. Bryan was formerly the Assistant Director of Education for the Vic Firth Company and is currently the team lead for the Customer Service department at Fender Musical Instrument. Bryan also serves as co-chair for the Black Employee Resource Group helping grow diversity and inclusion at Fender.
As a performer, Bryan spent his four years at Ruben S. Ayala High School heavily involved in the instrumental music department, three of them in leadership roles. As and adult, he has played with artists such as Steve Wilkerson, Jeff Hamilton, the Jazz on the Latin Side All-stars, Poncho Sanchez, and as a soloist for Grammy Award winner Celine Dion.
Salvatore J. Boenzi
Entering his 12th year as a music educator, Salvatore J. Boenzi is the Director of Bands at Anza Trail School in Sahuarita, AZ. Salvatore’s background in theatre, music, dance, color guard, and design has afforded him a unique skillset that allows him a wide perspective of the Arts. From the 5 middle school bands he teaches at Anza Trail to the state champion winter guards he coached and designed for while at Walden Grove HS, he consistently fosters the growth of well-trained young performers who value themselves as much as their craft.
It is Salvatore’s philosophy that Art should move you and through Art we can better know ourselves and our community. With that in mind, he has a students-first approach towards music education and pageantry. A former performer with Fenix Independent World and Rhapsody World, he uses the lessons he learned from his mentors in those ensembles to develop and grow the color guard and band culture in Sahuarita, AZ. Music & Arts Education is about teaching young performers about life using Art as the medium. Currently, Salvatore freelances as a designer, choreographer, & judge in Southern Arizona and consults for groups around the western United States.
Keith Casey
My name is Keith Casey, and I have been involved in the pageantry arts for over 37 years. I started performing with my high school marching band at the age of 12. From there, I marched trumpet (soprano) for the Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps (1987-1988) and mellophone for the Star of Indiana Drum and Bugle Corps (1989-1992) which was named DCI World Champions in 1991. During those years, I also performed with the Jacksonville State University Marching Southerners where I served as drum major (1990, 1991, and 1993) in addition to playing cymbals in the winter to compete with our university percussion line at PASIC. I was also fortunate enough to march the last year of the State Street Review Winterguard in 1993 where we received the Bronze Medal in Independent World at WGI. After aging out, I transitioned to instructing and spent 13 years working with various high schools in Cobb County, Georgia. I served as the Assistant Guard Director at Lassiter HS (1996-2000). While at Lassiter HS, our programs achieved recognition as the 1996 WGI Scholastic A Class Champions, the 1997 WGI Scholastic Open Class Champions, and 1998 Bands of America Grand Nationals Champions. I also served as Guard Director at Wheeler HS (2000-2002), and at Alan C. Pope HS (2002-2007). From there, I moved to Arizona and served as Guard Director at Mesquite HS (2007-2012) and Desert Vista HS (2012-now).
My passion for the arts also crosses over into my daily life and profession as a 22-year veteran English teacher. I hold a BA in English from Jacksonville State University (1994) and a BS in Secondary English Education from Kennesaw State University (1997). I am currently the Senior English Level Chair at Desert Vista HS where I am responsible for creating all of the course content and curriculum for that level.
Prior to moving to Arizona, I was very active in the Southeastern Color Guard Circuit and was an inaugural member of the Southern Association of Performing Arts which is comprised of scholastic and independent color guard units from Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee. While living in Arizona, and I have been a very active member in the circuit. I have served as the Colorguard Liaison and worked to consistently push my programs to compete on the regional and national stage.
Given my varied and extensive background in numerous aspects of the pageantry arts, I feel that I can offer an extremely unique perspective since I have marched and instructed winterguard, winter percussion, and winds. As a result of my varied experiences, I feel that I can understand the needs and concerns of all performing groups within our WGAZ community. I want to be someone who is here for the entire membership and not just one particular group. I have been a part of this activity for quite a long time and seen major paradigm shifts over the years; however, the one thing that never changes is the goal of giving young performers the best possible experience in this activity, so I want to help cultivate them in any way I can by making certain the instructors are getting what they need for success from the executive board. I am also one who realizes the limits to my knowledge and would openly seek advice and counsel from the membership which carries a wealth of information from the newest to the oldest instructor.
The one thing I want you all to understand is that I will make it my mission to listen to each and every concern or worry that you might have as a member. Your voice deserves to be heard and that is what I want to do for you. My ultimate goal is to serve the membership; therefore, I would consider it an honor to serve our WGAZ community as your next vice-president.
Treasurer Nominee
(In submission order)
Hapie Denfeld
Hapie Denfeld became a fan and supporter of the Arizona marching arts in 2009 when her niece began participating with her high school marching band and winterguard. Since then, both of her sons and now her daughter have all participated on the scholastic and independent levels. In 2014, Hapie began volunteering with the Academy Drum & Bugle Corps and then the Colt Cadet Drum & Bugle Corps in 2015 through the 2016 season. In December of 2016 she became the Assistant Business Manager for the Academy DBC through the 2019 season. During her time at the Academy she worked with the Business Manager to enter member fees and receive payments, tour expenses were tracked and entered, and accounts were reconciled. In 2018 Hapie was given the opportunity to support two local independent groups. She joined Oasis Ensembles as a Board Advisor and Flux Indoor Percussion as the Business Manager. For the last 14 years, Hapie has also run her own business and has over 14 years of QuickBooks and financial experience.
Cari Eng
Cari Eng, originally from Indianapolis Indiana, started out in the marching arts as a clarinet player turned color guard member. She was a member of the band and guard at Franklin Central High School where she had the honor of being a member of the WGI Open Class World Champion team in 2000. After high school, Cari joined the staff with the Franklin Central HS World Guard until she moved to Phoenix in 2003 after graduating from Indiana University with a BS in Computer Science.
In 2003, Cari joined Teach For America and began teaching and coaching here in Arizona. She currently works as a math teacher at Boulder Creek HS. Cari has been actively involved in the WGAZ circuit since 2005. She served as the Mountain Ridge HS Colorguard Director from 2005-2019 where she was responsible for managing both the Regional A JV Guard and the Open Varsity Guard including all of the finances in and out of the program. Cari is now the Colorguard Director at Boulder Creek HS.
In addition to being a member of the circuit, Cari has served previously on the Executive Board as Secretary for multiple terms before stepping down after the birth of her daughter in 2013. Since stepping away from the Executive Board, Cari has served on multiple committees for WGAZ including the Promotions, Bylaw Revisions, and Show Selection Committees as well as being a member of the Advisory Board each year.
Cari believes in the importance of the marching arts and is eager to once again serve the entire community by approaching each decision through the lens of supporting the performer experience because they are why we exist.
Congratulations to Miles Denny for Percussion Director of the Year!
WGAZ is excited to announce the winner of its first annual Director of The Year Award! We asked our community, including staff, parents and students to nominate current WGAZ directors who made an impact on their lives, inspired growth within their students, and goes above and beyond their duties as a program director. The selection committee received 47 deserving nominations.
This years WGAZ Percussion Director of the Year goes to Miles Denny from Basha High School!
Here are some of the things said about Percussion Director of the Year, Miles Denny.
“Watching us grow as a program and unit with his guidance has been nothing short of amazing, and I am incredibly impressed with how he has succeeded at leading me and my fellow percussionists.”
“he reached out to me after a rough competition to make sure I was okay.”
“Miles has never lost his focus and his attention to the students. Definitely has shown an incredible amount of grace”
“Miles is kind, supportive and encouraging with our students, never harsh or mean. He's always willing to listen,and give help to student when they need it. He is fun teacher and mentor and incredibly down to earth and humble. He appreciates and is grateful for the help the Boosters given him. Say's "thank you!" often. All band students and parents in our band programs adore him. We support him 110% We all know he's gone above and beyond”
“Mr. Denny is one of the most respectable individuals I have ever met and he has the biggest heart of anyone I know.”
“I wouldn't be who I am today without him, both as a person and as a percussionist.”
Congratulations Miles Denny!
Congratulations to Nicole Hamilton for Color Guard Director of the Year!
WGAZ is excited to announce the winner of its first annual Director of The Year Award! We asked our community, including staff, parents and students to nominate current WGAZ directors who made an impact on their lives, inspired growth within their students, and goes above and beyond their duties as a program director. The selection committee received 47 deserving nominations.
This year’s WGAZ Colorguard Director of the Year goes to Nicole Hamilton from University High School!
Here are some of the things said about Colorguard Director of the Year, Nicole Hamilton.
“Ms. Hamilton is truly an inspiration. She puts every ounce of energy she has into teaching, coaching and mentoring all of her students”
“She is an amazing person and teacher, in and outside of guard.”
“Mrs. Hamilton is one of the most driven, dedicated, passionate, and ardent directors of color guard, both in and outside of the activity.”
“Mrs. Hamilton sacrifices nearly all of her free time to coach our three different and unique winter guards, taking time not only to inspire each member (around fifty in total) at rehearsals, but also to guarantee the best end result of each show”
“She is always emphasizing both technical growth within the sport, but also individual growth as team members and unique individuals. Her individual faith in every member makes all the difference both in and out of color guard.”
Congratulations Nicole Hamilton!
Congratulations to Sandra VanDusen for being this years Volunteer of the Year!
WGAZ is excited to announce the winner of its first annual Volunteer of The Year Award! We asked our community, including staff, parents and students to nominate current WGAZ circuit or unit volunteers who made an impact on their lives, and surpass the expected duties of a volunteer. The selection committee received many deserving nominations.
This years WGAZ Volunteer of the Year goes to Sandra VanDusen!
Here are some of the things said about WGAZ Volunteer of the Year, Sandra VanDusen.
“Sandra is one of those people that goes above beyond at every moment.”
“Sandra knows that these programs don’t work without volunteers and that giving the kids what they need is what matters the most”
“Now that all of her kids have graduated high school, you would think she would slow down and back off the band/guard responsibilities, but Sandra has not. This year she has been working hard with the Sun Devil Marching Band, Fenix Independent, and is also helping me out tremendously with apparel and fundraising at Boulder Creek High School. Sandra has a huge heart and honestly just loves being a part of the marching arts. Her passion to volunteer comes from a desire to create the most memorable and positive experiences for all students”
“Sandra has always gone above and beyond for her organization. She has helped with driving, fundraising, projects and anything else being asked of her.“
“Sandra is always proactive in her volunteering and coming up with ideas. She truly is a gem!”
Congratulations, Sandra VanDusen!
WGI Solo & Ensemble
Irvine Solo & Ensemble – July 13, 2019
Woodbridge High School (Irvine, CA)
Entry Deadline: June 24, 2019
TO REGISTER – visit wgi.org/soloENSEMBLE
Positioned in WGI’s typical off-season—and before the start of summer band—WGI Solo & Ensemble offers a venue for performers of all ages to showcase their skills as an individual or small ensemble. Unique in its format, WGI Solo & Ensemble will welcome any and all performers, including those not currently or previously affiliated with a WGI-performing group.
Split between two age classifications and four performance categories, performers will present a short piece in front of a judge to receive personalized, recorded commentary and an overall rating. Although performers/ensembles will be split between two distinct age groups, there will be no age limit in any performance category. Performance categories include Color Guard, Percussion, Winds—Woodwind, and Winds—Brass.
TO REGISTER – visit wgi.org/soloENSEMBLE
Judge Training (Update)
Percussion Judges Expectations
To: All Potential Percussion Judges
From: WGAZ, Inc
RE: 2016-2017 Percussion/Winds Season
Date: September 2016
There are 2 ways to qualify to judge this upcoming season. Option A shows how you can be on the list of POTENTIAL judges, and Option B shows how you will be on the list of judges we build the schedule from. We realize there are conflicts with other judges training and rehearsals, so this is designed to allow you to participate regardless of conflicts.
A.To be on the potential judges list for the 2016-17 WGAZ Percussion Season, Judges must attend the following:
*Shirley Dorittie’s Session at Williams Field H.S. on Sunday morning September, 18th
Successful completion of one of the following by the December 10 meeting (that means sending a certificate of completion to James Hudson, [email protected] by the week of December 5!!)
1.WGI 101 Course on the E-Adjudicate Academy Website (cost is $75)
http://e-adjudicateacademy.com/courses/wgi-certify-level-100-the-basics
2.Level 1 on the Judges Academy Website (cost is $500)
3.Or, being enrolled in and making successful strides for completion of the judges training system for WGI or DCI (or similar system like U.I.L. (Texas)
*The December 10th Judges Training weekend
*The Percussion Evaluation Day.
B.To be on the judges list for the 2016-17 WGAZ Percussion Season, Judges must do the following (this does not mean automatically assigned to judge!)
*Attend the full judges training weekend on September 17-18 at William field High School
Successful completion of one of the following by the December 10 meeting (that means sending a certificate of completion to James Hudson, [email protected] by the week of December 5!!)
1.WGI 101 Course on the E-Adjudicate Academy Website (cost is $75)
http://e-adjudicateacademy.com/courses/wgi-certify-level-100-the-basics
2.Level 1 on the Judges Academy Website (cost is $500)
3.Or, being enrolled in and making successful strides for completion of the judges training system for WGI or DCI
To: All Potential Percussion Judges
From: WGAZ, Inc
RE: 2016-2017 Percussion/Winds Season
Date: September 2016
There are 2 ways to qualify to judge this upcoming season. Option A shows how you can be on the list of POTENTIAL judges, and Option B shows how you will be on the list of judges we build the schedule from. We realize there are conflicts with other judges training and rehearsals, so this is designed to allow you to participate regardless of conflicts.
A.To be on the potential judges list for the 2016-17 WGAZ Percussion Season, Judges must attend the following:
*Shirley Dorittie’s Session at Williams Field H.S. on Sunday morning September, 18th
Successful completion of one of the following by the December 10 meeting (that means sending a certificate of completion to James Hudson, [email protected] by the week of December 5!!)
1.WGI 101 Course on the E-Adjudicate Academy Website (cost is $75)
http://e-adjudicateacademy.com/courses/wgi-certify-level-100-the-basics
2.Level 1 on the Judges Academy Website (cost is $500)
3.Or, being enrolled in and making successful strides for completion of the judges training system for WGI or DCI (or similar system like U.I.L. (Texas)
*The December 10th Judges Training weekend
*The Percussion Evaluation Day.
B.To be on the judges list for the 2016-17 WGAZ Percussion Season, Judges must do the following (this does not mean automatically assigned to judge!)
*Attend the full judges training weekend on September 17-18 at William field High School
Successful completion of one of the following by the December 10 meeting (that means sending a certificate of completion to James Hudson, [email protected] by the week of December 5!!)
1.WGI 101 Course on the E-Adjudicate Academy Website (cost is $75)
http://e-adjudicateacademy.com/courses/wgi-certify-level-100-the-basics
2.Level 1 on the Judges Academy Website (cost is $500)
3.Or, being enrolled in and making successful strides for completion of the judges training system for WGI or DCI (or similar system like U.I.L. (Texas)
*The December 10th Judges Training weekend
*The Percussion Evaluation Day.(or similar system like U.I.L. (Texas)
*The December 10th Judges Training weekend
*The Percussion Evaluation Day.
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