Indoor percussion ensemble

The athletic arts were looking for a sport that could challenge and excite skilled musicians, so they started creating their own styles all over the world.

The activity is enjoyed throughout the United States and Japan, as Winter Guard International (WGI) provides many regional and national opportunities to compete.

Percussion ensembles first appeared in WGI shows in 1992,[5] and the theatrics, sets, and music selection has advanced throughout the activity's history.

[6][4] Competition became international when Color Guard Netherlands (CGN) introduced indoor percussion in Europe.

Some groups will also use prerecorded sound samples such as a short jingle or a cappella singing which is typically accompanied by the front ensemble.

In many cases, percussion groups will use unconventional instruments including trash cans, barrels, pipes, brooms, and other objects to output desired sound effects.

[5] The ensemble member is also required to 'guide' to the others, meaning to use the other marchers as a reference point and keep with formation using peripheral vision.

Depending on the financial situation and the creativity of the design team, sets can be created to help the audience engage the performance to a greater depth.

Painted floor coverings and backdrops are used to portray a story as the group performs the music in and around the props.