Walton Indoor Percussion (IP) is back for 2026 after a long hiatus, and we are excited to build something special!

This page is your central hub for program information, logistics, competitions, and ways parents can help.

What Is Indoor Percussion?

Indoor Percussion (IP) is a competitive winter performance activity featuring:

• Battery percussion (snare, tenor, bass)
• Front ensemble / pit (marimba, vibes, synth, drum set, etc.)
• Electronics and amplification
• Theatrical props and visual elements

Unlike marching band, IP performs inside gymnasiums during the winter and spring season.

Competitions are organized by:

🏆 Georgia Indoor Percussion Association (GIPA)

Regional Georgia circuit
https://www.gipacircuit.com/

🌎 Winter Guard International (WGI)

National governing organization
https://www.wgi.org/

If you are new to IP, these two sites are the best places to understand scoring, classifications, and event formats.

Walton Indoor Percussion Program Overview

• Season: March-April 2026
• Competitions: 3 GIPA events + 1 WGI Regional
• No floor this year (simplifies logistics)
• Uses instruments, electronics, and 7 ladder props from Legend of the Sword

Competition Schedule (2026)

Note: Detailed performance schedules are typically released 7-10 days prior to each event.

March 14 - GIPA @ Etowah HS

https://www.gipacircuit.com/events/etowah-hs

March 21-22 - WGI Atlanta Regional

https://www.wgi.org/event-details-page/?eventId=a0tUy00000Yzd2TIAR&division=Perc

March 28 - GIPA @ Alpharetta HS

https://www.gipacircuit.com/events/alpharetta-hs

April 4 - GIPA Championships @ North Forsyth HS

https://www.gipacircuit.com/events/gipa-championships-north-forsyth-hs

Transportation & Travel Logistics

There is no official student transportation for IP competitions.

• Students and parents will carpool directly to events.
• We will not meet at Walton first unless otherwise specified.
• Event call times will be communicated once detailed schedules are released.

🍔 Food at Competitions

There is no official group meal provided at contests. Students should bring money for lunch and dinner at each event.

We strongly encourage students to support the host band's concession stand. These contests are fundraisers for the hosting programs, and without them hosting, we would not have events to attend. Supporting their concessions helps keep the indoor circuit running for everyone.

Equipment & Truck Logistics

We will transport equipment using:

• Two rented 26' box trucks (ideally with lift gates)
• Walton's new and old white trucks (if additional space is needed)

What We Transport

• Battery instruments
• Front ensemble instruments
• Electronics and sound equipment
• 7 ladder props (reassembled for the season)

Loading Plan

• Load on Friday evenings before competitions
• Combination of instruments, electronics, and props
• Unload at Walton immediately after events

⚠ Because we are using rental trucks, equipment cannot remain loaded until Monday.
We will unload Saturday night (or Sunday night for WGI weekend).

Parent Involvement & Roadie Support

Walton's Roadie Crew will help lead logistics, but we will need IP parents to step in and help as well.

We have extra Roadie Crew shirts available.

At Competitions

Parents and roadies will help with:

• Moving instruments and props on and off the floor
• Transporting equipment to warmup areas
• Managing electronics setup
• Tear-down and reload

Since we do not have a floor this year, transitions will be simpler, but manpower is still critical.

Badges

We will receive 17 parent badges per event. These must cover:

• Directors
• Roadies
• Essential support

We recommend having:

• At least one parent chaperone with no assigned duties (student support)
• A designated adult responsible for carrying the medical bag

Setup Diagram

Note: This is the original concept. It has changed slightly, and we will update this page once a final version is available. For now, this provides an idea of what we are looking at:

Frequently Asked Questions

Will students miss school?
Not for GIPA events. The WGI Atlanta Regional spans Saturday and Sunday.

Will food be provided?
Details will be communicated prior to each event.

What should students wear?
Competition attire will be communicated by staff.

How can I help if I cannot lift heavy equipment?
We will need:

• Chaperones
• Badge coordinators
• Food runners
• Medical bag carrier
• Parent communication support

Questions?

Program Directors: Sean Phillips and Colin Brewer