The Winter Showcase will be held in the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

Groups will perform in an exhibition format, and will receive the following ratings, as well as feedback:

• Good/Bronze
• Excellent/Silver
• Superior/Gold

Each group’s performance will follow a 7-minute cycle

• 4 minute performance / 3 minute transition

• Must be a Scholastic Winter Guard or Percussion group: units whose membership comes from the same High School or a school that feeds to that particular High School.
• Open signup – No invitations, bids or submission requirements necessary
• Varsity Performing Arts will take the first 50 registered groups

• 10-50 members per group
• All equipment tips on batons, prop rifles, flagpoles and sabres must be padded or taped
• The bottom of all props, flats and scenery made of wood, metal or PVC type plastic must be padded or taped so as not to damage the floor
• Soft-soled shoes need no added protection; however, hard-soled shoes must be taped. The provided floor tarp alone is not proper padding.
•  All props must be able to fit through a standard size (72”) double door
•  No pyrotechnics, discharge of arms, pressurized canisters, dangerous materials, flammable liquids or animals will be permitted in or around the performance area
• Smoke machines will not be allowed
• Electric (plug-in or battery operated) or compressed air apparatuses, including lights, lasers and flashcubes (electrical or chemical) will not be allowed
• The use of powder, dirt or any other airborne substance that lingers in the competition area shall be strictly prohibited

The Varsity Performing Arts Winter Showcase will adopt the industry standard scoring systems. A panel of three nationally recognized adjudicators will focus primarily on:

Winter Guard:

• Visual Analysis – Use of design elements in form, body and equipment
• General Effects – Concept, creativity emotion, musicality, etc.
• Use of Equipment/Movement – Range and variety of skills

Percussion:

• Visual Analysis – Use of design elements in form, body and equipment
• Music – Style, rhythmic accuracy, orchestration, musicianship
• General Effects – Concept, creativity emotion, musicality, etc.
• Use of Equipment/Movement – Range and variety of skills

Judges will provide a digital audio recording with commentary feedback that offers suggestions on areas of improvement and ways for long-term success.

• One mic will record the music and another mic will record the judge
• Program Director will receive the recording after the showcase
• Meet with all three judges on improvements

Official score sheets coming soon.

• A 70×50″ standard black performance surface will be provided by Varsity Performing Arts 
• 110-volt grounded power sources shall be available at the front and back of the center line of the performance area. Ensembles must provide their own extension cords.
• Scholastic groups are responsible for bringing all other equipment (i.e. flags, rifles, sabres, percussion instruments)
• Scholastic groups are responsible for loading/unloading their own equipment

Varsity Performing Arts will be hosting a Master Class following the Winter Showcase on Sunday, February 2 from 6-8 PM at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex hosted by Michael Rosales.

Additional info:

• Winter Guard, Winter Percussion and Dance Teams encouraged to attend
• Master Class is included in the registration for Winter Guard and Winter Percussion groups

Winter Guard:

To perform at the Varsity Performing Arts Winter Showcase, all teams must adhere to the music options below:

• Option 1: Single Song: Click here to learn more
• Option 2: Cover Music: Click here to learn more
• Option 3: Original Recordings: Click here to learn more

Required documents to bring to the Winter Showcase:

• Proof of licensing at registration
• Proof of purchase from a preferred provider, OR
• If using a single song, receipt from purchase of single song, OR
• If using an editor, the editor does not have to be a preferred provider; however, they must be able to provide you with proof of purchase from a preferred provider and proof of licensing for all sound effects and voiceovers included in the mix, OR
• If using a non-commercial music provider, documentation that assigns all applicable rights to the team

Please visit our list of preferred providers

Winter Percussion:

In connection with our events, each percussion group must submit this form signed by a member of the local school administration attesting to the school’s right to use the music and other material in the anticipated performance at Varsity sponsored events.

Registration is done by open enrollment for the first 50 teams, and will open later this summer.

Championship pricing information coming soon.

If you have additional questions, please contact performingarts@varsity.com.

Click here to watch the Disney Travel Tips! See you next year in Orlando!