Impact Independent Winter Guard

Frequently asked questions about becoming a member of

Impact Independent

Is there and age limit?

Yes.

The WGI rulebook states:

Color guards from the United States composed of members not over 22 years of age on March 31st of any given year shall be permitted to compete in contests governed by WGI.

In short, you may not turn 23 before March 31st 2010, to be eligible for membership in Impact Independent.

Impact Independent accepts members ages 16 - 22.

Can I be in Impact and in college also?

Absolutely. You are encouraged to have a job or be in school while participating as a performer in Impact. Our rehearsals are held only during the weekend. Rehearsals start as early as 7:00 p.m. on some Fridays and will end around 6:00 on Sundays.

Can I be a high school student and be a member of Impact?

Impact Independent does not recruit students from local high school programs that have a Scholastic Winter Guard.

High School students are permitted to march with Impact Independent only with the permission of their Parents, Band Director, and Color Guard Instructor if there is an active Winter Guard at their High School.

The Band Director and Guard instructor must indicate that there is no winter guard at your school, or that they feel that your participation in Impact in the best interest of everyone involved.

Students must present these permission forms AT AUDITIONS in order to be considered as a candidate for the cast of Impact.

How much does it cost?

Membership dues are $1000 paid over the course of the season. A payment plan will be presented at the first camp after auditions.

Membership Dues Cover The Following:

Equipment (except for Rifles)

Costumes

Travel Fees (including hotel stays, and rental vehicles)

Contest Fees

What other expenses do we have throughout the year?

Not included in the membership dues are expenses like an Impact Jacket (approx. $35), and any shoes, gloves, or undergarments needed for your performance. If the guard goes on a trip, you may be asked to pay for all meals.

Do you provide housing?

Impact will provide housing on some of the weekends we are together. Most of the time we sleep in the houses of local members. Housing during the week is your responsibility.

Can I still teach a high school program?

It is our hope that performers from Impact would have an interest in teaching high school groups in the area. Often there are many opportunities. Becoming part of Impact Independent, you will realize all members and staff involved make many sacrifices. One is the sacrifice of time.  It is never acceptable to miss any portion of an Impact Rehearsal or Performance to be with a color guard other than Impact.

Attendance at rehearsals and performance is mandatory.

Even with teaching another group, one must understand that you have made a commitment to be a performer in Impact. College related activities that are a part of a grade, and family emergencies have been excused in the past. Time management of your family, school, work and social schedules needs to allow you to attend every rehearsal and performance.