Because your students deserve your very best—and so do you.

CGIA blends elite-level instruction, hands-on teaching labs, and powerful conversations about pedagogy, program design, and leadership. You’ll leave with tools you can immediately apply to:

• Marching band color guard
• Winter guard
• Independent and scholastic ensembles at all class levels

All while being surrounded by educators who share your passion!

Learn from the Best of the Best

This year, CGIA proudly introduces Sessions Powered by WGI Sport of the Arts, an exciting new academy feature designed to support programs at every stage of development.

WGI is the world’s premier organization for indoor color guard, percussion, and winds competitions, and its influence has helped shape many of today’s leading instructors and designers. Through these academy sessions, participants will learn from leading minds in the WGI community. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to elevate teaching practices, strengthen design skills, and inspire growth within your indoor program.

What to Expect:

• Teaching strategies that translate directly to program and student achievement
• Instruction and insights aligned with WGI philosophies and standards
• Big-picture lessons paired with practical application

If you’re serious about taking your program to the next level, these sessions alone are worth the week!

CGIA delivers a focused, intentional learning experience built around pedagogy, technique, design, and leadership—so instructors at every level grow with clarity and confidence.

Core Foundations

• Ice Breakers & Goal Setting
• Marching Health
• Recruiting, Team Building & Running an Effective Rehearsal
• Building Better Performers

Movement & Dance Pedagogy

• Building a Body Movement Warm-Up
• Dance Technique & Across-the-Floors
• Dance Combos
• Writing & Cleaning “Band Body”

Equipment Technique (Leveled Instruction)

• Leveled Technique on Flag
• Leveled Technique on Rifle & Sabre
• Teaching Flag Tosses & Tricks
• Nuts & Bolts of Equipment

Choreography & Design

• Writing Choreography: The Process & Application
• Flag & Weapon Choreography Phrases
• Using Improv to Improve Choreography
• Effective Layering of Parts
• Creating Effective Transitions
• Choosing the Right Soundtrack
• Flag / Costume / Prop Design

Teaching, Evaluation & Program Building

• Understanding the Sheets (Winter Guard Focus)
• Applying the Stages of Learning to Teaching & Choreography
• Developing & Maintaining a Cadet Guard
• Ethics & Professionalism

Collaboration & Performance

• Work First-Hand with the Carolina Crown Color Guard & Staff
• Electives with the Student Division
• Show & Tell Performances with the Student Division
• Winter Guard Roundtable

Sessions are hands-on, practical, and immediately transferable, with daily opportunities to apply what you learn.

CGIA isn’t just about daytime learning.

Your Week Includes:

• Nightly concerts and performances that inspire and recharge you
• Adult socials to connect with peers from across the country
• A beautiful college campus to live, learn, and unwind
• A true sense of community that lasts long after the week ends

You’ll laugh, learn, reflect, and leave re-energized about why you teach.

Professional development of this caliber typically costs thousands.

At CGIA, we believe access matters.

Sweet Deal for Educators:

The first 200 adult registration can sign up for less than $500!

That’s a full week of elite instruction, inspiration, performances, and connection!

Do you:

• Teach or plan to teach color guard?
• Want to strengthen both marching band and winter guard instruction?
• Are confident and hungry to grow?
• Want to learn from leaders you respect?
• Believe great teaching changes lives?

Then CGIA is for you!