Buchanan Educational Center
Winter Guard & Winter Percussion

The following information is intended to give prospective members and their parents and/or guardians information about the Buchanan High School (BHS) & Alta Sierra Intermediate (ASI) Winter Guard and Winter Percussion programs. Please read through all of this information then click the appropriate link for specific information regarding the ensemble your student in participating in.

If you have further questions about the program after reading this information, please contact our program directors:

General Information

Winter Guard and Winter Percussion are competitive indoor performance ensembles operating within the rules and regulations of both Winter Guard International (WGI) and San Joaquin Valley Color Guard & Percussion Review (SJVCGPR). These elite ensembles are made up of the students of the Buchanan & Alta Sierra Instrumental Music Programs. To be part of a winter ensemble, you must be enrolled in your respective band/colorguard/percussion class at Buchanan or Alta Sierra. 

Program Goals

Our winter ensembles are dedicated to the total education of the student. The program is based on a strong foundation of technical development and musical/performance skills for all students. In addition, the program plays a valuable role in the development of our students as productive members of society. We teach and encourage the values of dedication, perseverance, cooperation, and hard work. All of these goals are taught while maintaining a positive environment for learning and social growth. 

Competitive Audition Considerations 

Winter Guard and Winter Percussion push students to achieve the highest level of performance and may require an audition for the student to be considered for participation. Auditions may also take place for specific positions within the ensemble or the show. The directors and staff go to great lengths to fairly and impartially evaluate the students. To this end, auditions may be recorded. For a student to participate in an audition, the following must be agreed to: 

  • All audition results are final once posted.

  • Each student that auditions may not make the team or position they desire. If they do not earn their desired result, we encourage them to give 100% effort in the position they do earn, practice hard, and try for their desired position next year. 

  • While the directors and staff will be happy to discuss with a student or parent what the student may do to further improve for future auditions, the directors and/or staff will not reconsider the audition results.

Rehearsals & Performance Schedules

Winter season auditions begin before Thanksgiving break. Weekly rehearsals take place both inside and outside the school day. There will also be several extra rehearsals along with the standard rehearsal schedule.  All competitions are MANDATORY and will be on Fridays or Saturdays. Please refer to BHS Band Calendar or ASI Band Calendar for a specific rehearsal and performance schedule.

Attendance Expectations

Attendance expectations for the winter percussion are covered in detail on the attendance page of the website. Please make sure you review each aspect of the attendance policy carefully. All rehearsals and competitions are mandatory for students participating in Winter Guard or Winter Percussion with some exceptions being made based on the attendance policy. Please make sure you are subscribed to and regularly review the BHS Band Calendar or ASI Band Calendar pages.

Grades

All student performers must be passing all classes with a 2.5 average GPA or better. Failure to maintain adequate grades may result in removal from the performing ensemble or from performing status, at the discretion of the director. Manage your time wisely. Anticipate when things might get a little hectic because of a major project, a test, or a performance, and plan accordingly. The ensemble can’t afford to have you pulled out of the show because of low grades.

Member Conduct

Members of the ensemble are expected to display a high level of sportsmanship, positivity, and respect. Specific expectations for the winter season are covered in detail on the Conduct & Expectations page on the website. Please make sure you review each aspect of the conduct policy carefully. Students who break our rules of conduct, whether during school hours or not, may be removed from the ensemble, at the discretion of the directors.

Discipline at Home

Please DO NOT withdraw your student’s participation as a punishment for undesired behavior. This punishes the entire ensemble, wastes rehearsal time as we adjust the show or performance, and creates extra work for the staff who now have to address the open spot in the show. Our expectations for our student behavior extend well beyond the program and we are happy to work with you to achieve the desired behavior from the student.

Winter Season Family Voluntary Pledge Form
& Student/Parent Consent Form

Please follow the link to your respective winter season ensemble, read all of the information presented, and complete the forms at the bottom of the page.

Band

Orchestra