NEWS and UPDATES
2021 Plans
TCGC would like to give a brief update for the 2021 season. The executive board and administration have been working behind the scenes to prepare a season that offers memorable performance opportunities and, most importantly, options. We are committed to serving our membership's needs with safety, responsibility, and support at the front of our mission.
At this time, we are actively pursuing the path of offering both an in-person and virtual competitive season. Both routes will look much different than anything we've experienced before. There will have to be adjustments to show day regulations, all-around procedures, and how we compete.
Although this won't be what we are used to, our mission stands: to create and foster positive, competitive, and educational experiences through the pageantry arts.
We embrace change, and this year's challenges. We are continually meeting with neighboring circuits and advisors to define all the variables and move forward safely and efficiently.
On November 1, 2020, we will release another update with registration plans, TCGC's Solo and Ensemble events, and a tentative competition schedule for 2021.
-We are in this together
Fall 2020 Meeting Recap
Fall Meeting 2020 Recap
Directors,
Thank you to all those who attended our Fall 2020 Virtual Meeting on August 9th! So much was accomplished with discussions, voting, and learning how to function in an online format.
Minutes and reports are available in the TCGC resources section of CompetitionSuite. (Once you log in, click the "[=] TCGC" button above your unit's name.)
Congratulations to the following who were elected Sunday:
President-Jessica Torrez
VP of Adjudication-Doug Henderson
VP of Education-Joey Powell
Secretary-Mark Waldon
Task Force Members:
Color Guard East Rep-Ryan Page
Color Guard East Rep-Nick Vizza
Color Guard East Rep-Beth Young (Appointed by the e-board)
Color Guard West Rep-David Duffy
Color Guard West Rep-Jen Barton
Percussion Open Class-Dusty Norris
Percussion At Large West-Jordan Garza
Percussion Concert-Bryan Waites
Percussion Valley Rep-Jorge Martinez
Winds- Chad Dempsey
TCGC is excited to have these incredibly talented and knowledgeable people on board for the 2021 season.
Important Information:
The executive board will meet at the end of this month to discuss the results and information from the WGI Circuit Partner's Meeting held 8/16/20. We have already started preparations for this upcoming season and value your input and feedback.
A membership survey was emailed through CompetitionSuite. Please fill out by 8/28/20. If you did not receive the survey in the Recap email, please email [email protected]
Each month we will be reporting any updates related to TCGC 2021, including guidance from local authorities and the CDC. We will also have frequent communication with all potential show hosts. TCGC is committed to providing the best for our students and support for our instructor's/staff.
What's Next?
As you and your unit prepare for the start of school, we wish you the best. This year presents unexpected challenges, but it will also teach us so much about our purpose and the innovation we can create. The executive board is here to answer any questions you may have.
2020 TCGC Hall of Fame
Please help us in congratulating our 2020 Hall of Fame Inductees! Jackie Gilley and Don Click!
TCGC Coronavirus Update
Directors, Staff, Judges, School Administrators:
The Texas Color Guard Circuit has been actively monitoring the potential impact of COVID-19 for the past several weeks. At this time, our events have not been impacted and will proceed as planned unless local or state health organizations suggest otherwise. Our show hosts are in contact with us as well regarding any updates from their administration about school closures that may affect our events. At the time of this email, no events have been canceled.
The best source of accurate information are the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Both offer a wealth of information and recommendations and continue to provide regular updates as this rapidly evolving situation unfolds.
As we wrap up our competitive season, please continue to practice good public health hygiene. We recommend individuals and organizations take the following steps to protect themselves and our community at large. We have a role to play in limiting the impact.
- Encourage participants to wash their hands with soap and water regularly.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your elbow.
- Anyone who arrives at rehearsal or for a show that shows signs of illness or becomes ill should be sent home.
- Perform routine cleaning and sterilization of equipment, instruments, and other items handled by multiple people.
- Prevent all sharing of water bottles, food, makeup applicators, etc.
For additional recommendations, please view the CDC pages on personal prevention & treatment and business/organizations recommendations.
TCGC is committed to working with our event hosts and state and local health organizations and will follow all guidelines and recommendations from those entities to ensure participant safety and public health remain a priority. We will update all participants should the status of any of our events or operations change.
State Championships Hotel Blocks
Use the below contact info and group codes for the Color Guard and Percussion/Winds State Championship events hotel blocks!
Color Guard 3/28/20
- Vineyard Court Designer Suites Hotel 1500 George Bush Drive East, College Station, TX 77840 | 979.693.1220 or 979.764.1250 | Group Code: TCGC1 | Group Rate: $69 - $109.00 | Reservation Deadline: 2/24/2020
- Courtyard by Marriott 3939 State Highway 6 South, College Station, TX 77845 | 979.695.8111 | Group Rate: $99.00 | Reservation Deadline: 2/27/2020
- Hampton Inn 320 Texas Avenue S, College Station, TX 77840 | 979.846.0184 | Group Code: TC1 | Group Rate: $94.00 | Reservation Deadline: 3/13/2020
- Best Western Premier Bryan College Station 1920 Austin’s Colony Parkway Bryan, TX 77802 | 979.731.5300 | Group Code: TCGC20 | Group Rate: $104.00 | Reservation Deadline: 3/13/2020
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Bryan 3041 Plaza Centre Court Bryan, TX 77802 | 979.703.4774 | Group Code: TCG | Group Rate: $104.00 | Reservation Deadline: 3/13/2020
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites College Station 1203 University Drive College Station, TX 77840 | 979.846.8700 | Group Code: CGS | Group Rate: $109.00 | Reservation Deadline: 3/13/2020
- Courtyard by Marriott 3939 State Highway 6 South College Station, TX 77845 | 979.695.8111 | Group Rate: $99.00 | Reservation Deadline: 3/03/2020
- Vineyard Court Designer Suites Hotel 1500 George Bush Drive East College Station, TX 77840 | 979.693.1220 or 979.764.1250 | Group Code: TCGC2 | Group Rate: $69 - $109.00 | Reservation Deadline: 3/05/2020
- Hampton Inn 320 Texas Avenue S College Station, TX 77840 | 979.846.0184 | Group Code: TC2 | Group Rate: $94.00 | Reservation Deadline: 3/20/2020
- Best Western Premier Bryan College Station 1920 Austin’s Colony Parkway Bryan, TX 77802 | 979.731.5300 | Group Code: TCGC22 | Group Rate: $104.00 | Reservation Deadline: 3/20/2020
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Bryan 3041 Plaza Centre Court Bryan, TX 77802 979.703.4774 | Group Code: CG2 | Group Rate: $104.00 | Reservation Deadline: 3/20/2020
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites College Station 1203 University Drive College Station, TX 77840 | 979.846.8700 | Group Code: CG2 | Group Rate: $109.00 | Reservation Deadline: 3/20/2020
TCGC Welcomes New West Contest Director
TCGC is excited to welcome Erik Kosman as the new West Side Contest Director! Erik Kosman is no stranger to the performing arts. He is a highly sought-after designer, consultant, and educator in the marching arts and has worked with many of the top ensembles in DCI, WGI, and BOA.
“We are thrilled that Erik is joining our TCGC team,” said Stephen Howard, TCGC President. “Erik’s familiarity in the marching arts will no doubt be an asset to TCGC as he navigates as contest director for the west side units. We are so glad to welcome Erik to the TCGC Family!”
Erik is also currently Head of Sound for the Boston Crusaders. Previously, Erik was the Electronics Caption Head at the Bluecoats and for the past three years, Erik has served as a consultant and audio engineer for FloMarching.
"I am thrilled to be joining the fantastic team at TCGC!" said Erik Kosman. "The circuit is full of incredible performers, ensembles, and instructors and I am looking forward to working with them all to continue to make the TCGC experience the best it can be."
In addition to the marching arts, Erik has designed and installed audio, video, and lighting systems for many school auditoriums, churches, and restaurants throughout the Southeast. He previously worked as the Technical Coordinator for the Bailey Performance Center at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, GA. In that role, he oversaw the live streaming, recording, and mastering of all concerts.
Erik currently resides in Leander, TX just outside of Austin with his wife Erin and their two huskies, Sabre and Dakota.
EDU by TCGC symposium this Saturday--Register now!!
Dear TCGC instructors, directors, judges, and staff:
On behalf of the TCGC Executive Board and the Judges Association, I am writing to remind you about our "EDU by TCGC" circiut symposium that will be held this coming Saturday. I really can't improve on Keith and Joey's original message except to say that it is a pleasure and a privilege to work with the fastest growing and most successful circuit in the nation--across all classes of competition!
We would like to make a special invitation to those of you who may never have attended an educational symposium before, especially those of you teaching younger guards. I can tell you from my own experience a long LONG time ago that the opportunity to listen to experts, to ask questions, and to meet and collaborate with my peers was instrumental in understanding how better to design and choreograph logically and creatively with color guard equipment.
Further, as the fastest-growing circuit, we simply need to cultivate more local talent to become judges. I understand the reluctance, especially when still fully committed to teaching, but learning about judging will help you to become a better instructor, too.
Please see the schedule below--I am sure you will find the sessions informative, thought provoking, and fun!! Why not RSVP now? All best wishes and looking forward,
Yours truly--Greg Llacer
TCGC Chief Judge ([email protected])
EDU by TCGC
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7th, 2019
Derrick Meeting Spaces in the
DoubleTree by Hilton
Houston Intercontinental Airport
15747 JFK Blvd Houston, TX 77032
The welcome session begins promptly at 9:45am and the last session ends at 5:15pm. Lunch will be provided.
You are welcome to stay around for dinner with the TCGC Judges Association leadership team after.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A MEAL FOR LUNCH, I WILL NEED YOUR RESERVATION CONFIRMED NO LATER THAN Tuesday, December 3rd at NOON!
Please RSVP using the link below:
https://forms.gle/
Feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns...
Here's a look at the schedule for the day:
TCGC in the Valley
Texas’ premier winter circuit for the pageantry arts is moving south!
For the first time in its history, the Texas Color Guard Circuit (TCGC) will host two shows in the Rio Grande Valley in 2020. This will allow the growing numbers of South Texas groups to compete closer to home as well as open new doors for groups who may have been prohibited by travel costs. By participating in these two shows, groups will have the opportunity to qualify for their classification area championships or the TCGC state championships in College Station.
“TCGC is incredibly excited to expand our services into South Texas,” said Stephen Howard, president of TCGC. “This would not have been possible without the work of our staff and partnerships with show hosts. We are looking forward to welcoming teams from the Rio Grande Valley into the TCGC family.”
Shows will take place at PSJA Early College HS San Juan, TX on January 25 and February 22nd at Edinburg North HS in Edinburg, TX.
“TCGC has been on our radar to join for some time, Chad Dempsey, Head Band Director and Assistant Fine Arts Director at Edinburg North High School said. After speaking with other directors in the Rio Grande Valley, we decided that the educational experiences, along with the quality level of many groups, and the facilities for championships made it a worthwhile step to bring TCGC to South Texas. Edinburg North is very excited to be a part of this circuit for the 2019-2020 year.”
As the pageantry arts continue to grow around Texas, TCGC is excited to bring our brand of excellence to this growing area of the state.
---
About TCGC:
The Texas Color Guard Circuit (TCGC) offers a competitive outlet for young adults during winter for color guard, indoor marching percussion, concert percussion units and winds marching and concert units. TCGC offers a variety of competitive classes ranging from the first year unit to the seasoned competitor. Our contest rules follow the rules and criteria of Winter Guard International (WGI) and are judged by both local and national judges.
TCGC is home to 300+ units from around the state and holds competitions in the greater Houston, Austin, San Antonio and now Rio Grande Valley areas from January through April every year with the season culminating at a statewide championship held at Reed Arena in College Station, Texas. For more information on the Texas Color Guard Circuit, please visit www.texascolorguardcircuit.org
TCGC Fee Structure
Click here to see the TCGC Fee Structure for 2020
FALL MEETING
The TCGC Fall General Business meeting as announced:
Sunday, August 18th
Bryan HS Band Hall
10:00AM
Lunch provided
Official Digital 2019 Percussion/Winds State Program
To view online, visit http://bit.ly/
Official Digital 2019 Color Guard State Program
State Hotel Blocks
Use the below contact info and group codes for the Color Guard and Percussion/Winds State Championship events hotel blocks!
Color Guard 3/28/20
- Vineyard Court Designer Suites Hotel 1500 George Bush Drive East, College Station, TX 77840 | 979.693.1220 or 979.764.1250 | Group Code: TCGC1 | Group Rate: $69 - $109.00 | Reservation Deadline: 2/24/2020
- Courtyard by Marriott 3939 State Highway 6 South, College Station, TX 77845 | 979.695.8111 | Group Rate: $99.00 | Reservation Deadline: 2/27/2020
- Hampton Inn 320 Texas Avenue S, College Station, TX 77840 | 979.846.0184 | Group Code: TC1 | Group Rate: $94.00 | Reservation Deadline: 3/13/2020
- Best Western Premier Bryan College Station 1920 Austin’s Colony Parkway Bryan, TX 77802 | 979.731.5300 | Group Code: TCGC20 | Group Rate: $104.00 | Reservation Deadline: 3/13/2020
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Bryan 3041 Plaza Centre Court Bryan, TX 77802 | 979.703.4774 | Group Code: TCG | Group Rate: $104.00 | Reservation Deadline: 3/13/2020
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites College Station 1203 University Drive College Station, TX 77840 | 979.846.8700 | Group Code: CGS | Group Rate: $109.00 | Reservation Deadline: 3/13/2020
- Courtyard by Marriott 3939 State Highway 6 South College Station, TX 77845 | 979.695.8111 | Group Rate: $99.00 | Reservation Deadline: 3/03/2020
- Vineyard Court Designer Suites Hotel 1500 George Bush Drive East College Station, TX 77840 | 979.693.1220 or 979.764.1250 | Group Code: TCGC2 | Group Rate: $69 - $109.00 | Reservation Deadline: 3/05/2020
- Hampton Inn 320 Texas Avenue S College Station, TX 77840 | 979.846.0184 | Group Code: TC2 | Group Rate: $94.00 | Reservation Deadline: 3/20/2020
- Best Western Premier Bryan College Station 1920 Austin’s Colony Parkway Bryan, TX 77802 | 979.731.5300 | Group Code: TCGC22 | Group Rate: $104.00 | Reservation Deadline: 3/20/2020
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Bryan 3041 Plaza Centre Court Bryan, TX 77802 979.703.4774 | Group Code: CG2 | Group Rate: $104.00 | Reservation Deadline: 3/20/2020
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites College Station 1203 University Drive College Station, TX 77840 | 979.846.8700 | Group Code: CG2 | Group Rate: $109.00 | Reservation Deadline: 3/20/2020
TCGC Code of Conduct
TCGC Code of Conduct
The Texas Color Guard Circuit (TCGC) has adopted comprehensive documents and procedures as developed by WGI Sport of the Arts. Please direct any questions regarding these policies to Stephen Howard, TCGC President at [email protected]
The newly revised Code of Conduct for Participating Groups covering participants, staff, and volunteers has been expanded and more clearly defines expectations of conduct, compliance, and reporting for groups participating in any TCGC-sanctioned event. While a Code of Conduct for TCGC Personnel has also been adopted and strengthens the expectations already in place for all TCGC staff, Executive Board, and administration.
It is essential for all members of the TCGC community have information on how to address concerns that may not be in support of this commitment. With that in mind, TCGC has also developed a Participant Protection Reporting Policy as well as a new process of reporting concerns on misconduct or alleged noncompliance directly to TCGC. The Participant Protection Reporting Policy will assist an individual connect with the appropriate party to ensure any concerns brought forth are addressed.
TCGC, in following the leadership of WGI Sport of the Arts, will require all employees, judges, and volunteers to undergo background checks in partnership with the National Center for Safety Initiatives using guidelines from the National Council of Youth Sports. These background checks will screen convictions and pending dispositions for felonies, crimes involving force or threat of force against a person, crimes of a sexual nature (including sex offender registrants), crimes involving controlled substances, crimes involving cruelty to animals, and crimes involving harm to a minor. Additional language in the contract for services has also been added for individuals to disclose any situation that might not appear on a standard background check but could disqualify their participation by violating the spirit and intent of the Code of Conduct.
TCGC is also encouraging participating groups to follow best practices within their organization. Groups should follow their school district policies or state and local laws regarding employment of educational staff interacting with students. Steps should also be taken to formalize compliance and reporting procedures within their group to align with the Code of Conduct.
Early Show Sign-up
The first round of show selection will open on Oct. 15th for units who have paid.
Units are asked to only select 2 shows. Any other shows selected will be deleted at the discretion of the Circuit Administrator.
Units are also asked to choose one compete-by show date until all units have had a chance to sign-up for compete-by. All units (guard, percussion) must compete by February 9th.
Field Day does not count toward compete-by.
Only a sanctioned TCGC adjudicated contest will count toward the compete-by designation.
Spring Meeting Recap
Thank you to all who attended our Spring Meeting! Minutes and reports are available in the TCGC resources section of CompetitionSuite. (Click "LOGIN" button above and click the "[=] TCGC" button above your unit's name. Image attached for reference.)
Some important things you may have missed...
- We are using CompetitionSuite for membership and registration. (Please see the meeting minutes with how to generate an invoice to pay member dues. Image attached for reference.)
- We encourage all unit directors to clean up their CompetitionSuite profile and staff lists. Many school have outdated staff associated with their unit.
- If you are not an admin for your unit and need to be, please contact the Circuit Administrator, Jaime Martinez.
- The 2019 Contest Calendar is available in the meeting minutes and as a separate doc on the TCGC resources page of CompetitionSuite.
- The first postmark for season membership has been extended to Monday, August 27th.
If you have any questions, please let us know!
Our website is now supported by CompetitionSuite!
Directors, Judges, and Staff:
We have migrated to using CompetitionSuite Pages as our new website hosting service! This new service is fully integrated with CompetitionSuite! When you login to register for shows, you will do so through CompetitionSuite.
VERY IMPORTANT! PLEASE LOGIN TO COMPETITIONSUITE AND UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFO AND MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ONLY THE STAFF MEMBERS YOU WANT ASSOCIATED WITH YOUR ACCOUNT!
Many units have old staff members on their accounts and haven't updated contact info in a while. It is super important that you take care of this ASAP!
Please contact Jaime Martinez, Circuit Administrator, or Stephen Howard, President, for more help.
TCGC and PepWear Announce New Merchandise Partnership
The Texas Color Guard Circuit and PepWear are thrilled to announce a merchandising partnership, effective the Summer of 2018. Through this partnership, PepWear will provide official merchandise for TCGC events, bringing a world-class retail experience to an established and respected pageantry organization.
PepWear has been commemorating student achievements for over 30 years, making a partnership with TCGC a natural fit. TCGC’s mission to celebrate the excellence displayed in pageantry through teamwork, character, and skill is the defining vision of this partnership.
Fans and performers can expect an all-new showcase of products that will honor their hard work and commemorate their experience. The apparel, designs, product choices, and shopping experience will bring even more excitement to their special moment.
“We’re honored to partner with a highly-esteemed organization like the Texas Color Guard Circuit,” says Craig Johnson, President and CEO of PepWear. “At PepWear, we believe that every student matters, and that every achievement matters. A partnership with TCGC, an organization that shares our values, is the next step in our mission to honor student achievements. We can’t wait to start planning for the new season and creating new ways to commemorate these events.”
“Since our inception over 20 years ago, TCGC has always strived to set the bar in our activity,” says Stephen Howard, President of the Texas Color Guard Circuit. “We could not be more excited to choose PepWear as a partner because we believe they will help elevate our memorabilia to the next level. We recognize that each event is unique for performers and fans alike, and through our partnership with PepWear, we will be able to offer more opportunities to hold on to those memories. PepWear has consistently been a leader in their field and the partnering of our two top-tier organizations will be an amazing opportunity for both our participants as well as our fans.”
Stay tuned as the 2019 season approaches for more updates. Follow both organizations on social media to get news on events and apparel.
