Classifications
Proper classification is essential if we are to have a level playing field for all of our participants. It is extremely important for all competing units to place themselves in the proper class. Units competing in classes inappropriate to their skill level may be reclassified at the discretion of the Classifications Committee.
Novice Class
Scholastic OnlyThe novice class is designed for the newest ensembles to our activity. Performers in the class will display purely introductory skills with regards to vocabulary, technique and conceptual design. Evaluation for the Novice class will be based on the WGI Regional A Criteria. Color Guards performing in the Novice class are eligible for promotion to the Scholastic Regional A class.
Cadet Class
Scholastic OnlyThis class is for all units whose performers are junior high/middle school age or younger. High School students are not allowed to compete in this class. Evaluation will be on the WGI Regional A criteria. Color Guards performing in the CADET Division will not be promoted outside of this class.
Regional A Class
This class is for the beginning performers who are just entering the performance arena for the first time. Show concept, equipment and movement skill, and performance are achieving only at an introductory level. This class is made to encourage and develop the growth of units that are only beginning to understand indoor color guard. Evaluation will be on the WGI Regional A criteria.
A Class
Participants in A class should have beginning vocabulary, programs, and achievement levels beyond the introductory level. Evaluation will be on the WGI A Class criteria. While all Independent A groups compete directly with one another, Scholastic A groups are divided into one of four subcategories based on progress toward intermediate skills:
- Scholastic AAA
- Scholastic AA
- Scholastic A
- National A - teams competing at WGI Regionals or World Championships in the A Class.
Open Class
Participants in this class should have intermediate vocabulary, programs, achievement level, and are beginning to incorporate advanced concepts. Evaluation will be on the WGI Open Class criteria.
World Class
Participants in this class should have advanced vocabulary, programs, achievement level, and are exploring new material. Units in these classifications should be setting the standard all other units strive to achieve. Evaluation will be on the WGI World Class criteria.
Novice Class
Scholastic OnlyEnsembles comprise younger and less developed participants than the PSA class. Here is where the novice or beginning student discovers the joy of performing and realizes the sense of achievement as each skill is learned. Ensembles are evaluated on the WGI A Class Marching sheet but not ranked against A class groups.
A Class
Ensembles are evaluated on the WGI A Class Marching sheet. Scholastic groups which incorporate more intermediate concepts and skills and compete at the national or regional level with WGI will be classified into Percussion Scholastic A - Advanced.
Open Class
Ensembles have some experience in the indoor percussion arena. Open Class ensembles have several members who understand the skills required to perform intermediate levels of playing and movement. Here is where the intermediate student explores new challenges through performance and realizes a greater sense of achievement as each more complex skill is learned. Evaluation will be on the WGI Marching Open Class sheet.
World Class
Ensembles demonstrate a high degree of advanced development. All of the performers contribute to the consistent high levels of performance being demonstrated. World Class ensembles are trendsetters in the indoor percussion activity. Programs are unique and innovative and these components are important at this level. Some very sophisticated challenges will be placed on the performers. Evaluation will be on the WGI Marching World Class sheet.
Concert Percussion competition is limited to Scholastic groups. Instrumentation should optimize musical performance. There will be no visual element evaluated. Based on musical and conceptual design and achivement, groups may divide into the following classifications, in ascending order of achievement:
- Scholastic Concert Novice
- Scholastic Concert A
- Scholastic Concert Open
- Scholastic Concert World
Winds groups (Scholastic or Independent) may compete in A, Open, or World class based on WGI Winds adjudication criteria.
Our Partners
