What Is “Winter Guard International” (WGI)?
Winter colour guard sprang from the drum corps/marching band world as an activity to keep guard members interested during the long training months. As guard competitions grew in various pockets around Canada and the US, there arose a desire to form a common set of rules and a single judging system. Thus, in 1977 Winter Guard International was formed. It is the ruling body which helps set the artistic and technical standards that guides our growth. From the first WGI contest held in a high school gym in Schomberg, Illinois in 1978, the organization has grown to include indoor percussion and summer band shows. As well, the Academy of Pageantry Arts was established as a training vehicle for judges and instructors. It was the beginning of an extensive Educational Division. Today the Winter Guard International Championships, which are held each April, hosts over 500 groups. Events occur at 6 sites and are managed by a volunteer staff of over 1500 people. WGI has 22 Regional contests serving
