First off, is there an age limit to WGI like there is with DCI?

Ok, now, how does one go about starting a WGI independant line from scratch? Some questions I got in mind:

• How does one go about getting into competitions? Just fill out the form and pay the $90, and show up? Or are there certain people you must contact (regional rep, etc)?
• What are some advertisting practices that some of you have used to get staff and/or members?
  

i think the age limit for WGI is the same as with DCI, seeing as 21 is the cutoff for our independent line. I'm not sure about filling out forums and such, seeing as i'm just a student. as for advertising, all we did to get members was have the drumline staff from our city (2 high schools) tell the drummers about it and boom, there you go. the drummers force their friends to be roadies and it all works out.

You can not turn 23 by the first day of WGI
Championships...The board talked about taking away the age limit for independant world this year, but it didnt fly.

Daniel is right about the age thing....23 is the limit

In order to participate in WGI championships, you must attend a WGI regional. Most groups become members of their local circuit (registration process) and then choose to attend the regional closest to their location. You must pay a pretty penny in order to attend a regional.

I would imagine that most places have some if not all staff members in place before anything happens with membership. Alot of new independent lines are formed from staff members at local high schools. I have seen a staff composed of people who used to go to college together. Thinsg like that....also, if you have some of the staff in place, see if the ones already there might know someone who could staff a certain position.

Our staff is made up of a core group of people that marched together, and over the years they've added their own students to the group (that's how I joined staff - I marched Conquest, then was asked to return as a staff member).


b

Some other considerations that need to be made!!

-Equipment (purchase, lease, borrow, etc)
-Practice Facility (Maybe a local HS band room)
-Staff
-Recruiting (local high schools)
-Transportation (school bus, tour bus rental, etc.)
-Fundraising (it's not cheap)
-Liability Insurance (protects the organization, and it's members)
-Uniforms (buy, make, etc.

I could go on and on...

This is a very big endeavor, with alot a lot of risks, but if you stick to your guns, plan well, organize well, don't do it alone, and get tha good support or booster group behind you.