Circuit Classifications

There are five classes or levels of maturity for the guards to enter. CWEA offers sub-divisions within the Regional A and A Classes. These sub-divisions are all judged on the sheet that is appropriate for their level. We divide large classes to provide a more equitable distribution of groups at a similar developmental level. It is extremely important for all guards to place themselves in the proper class. Color guards should make every effort to compete in the class for which they are most suited.

This division is designed for those groups whose single emphasis is the exploration and development of musical presentations. Their repertoire may include original compositions and/or arrangements or transcriptions of existing materials. The concert stage will be set to deliver the sound from a stationary focal point. Programs for the concert class can be drawn from ANY musical idiom, all of which will have an equal opportunity to succeed. It is extremely important for all units to place themselves in the proper class. Concert Percussion units should make every effort to compete in the class for which they are most suited.

A Marching Percussion ensemble consists of the marching percussion (also called battery) and the front ensemble (also called pit) sections of a marching band. Indoor percussion marries elements of music performance, marching, and theater; thus, the activity is often referred to as percussion theater. It is extremely important for all ensembles to place themselves in the proper class. Marching Percussion units should make every effort to compete in the class for which they are best suited.

Indoor Winds presents marching ensembles of any wind instrumentation the same performance environment as indoor color guard and percussion ensembles. Winds programs can perform with color guard and/or a percussion unit, but groups are not required to have non-wind instrument playing performers.