RMPA Newsletter #12

It's State week! This weekend at the Coliseum will be a great end to a great season. Congratulations to everyone on all of your growth and accomplishments, we can't wait to see all the shows one last time in the big arena!

In this final regular season newsletter, we have a couple awesome 'off-season' opportunities for your students, a short read from our RMPA Judge Coordinator (and Visual judge at Prelims) Dave Pickett, as well as some advice on how to maximize your last couple rehearsals from Mike Nevin. Big thanks to Mike for all of his help with this newsletter as well as all of the feedback throughout the season!

Best of luck to all the performers and staff as you wrap up the season. See you at the Coliseum on Saturday!

Colin Spear

President, RMPA Board of Directors

• Rolling Front Ensemble: Marching ensembles WILL be allowed to try the new WGI Rolling Front Ensemble policy this weekend. HOWEVER, this is primarily for groups going to the World Championships, as this will be in place at all events in Dayton. Adding a new variable like this during the final week for your students has the potential to add stress and create more problems than it solves, so please be smart about deciding if you want to do this or just do what you've already practiced all season long. IF you do decide to utilize the rolling front ensemble, you MUST have read the WGI release (linked above and also here), and abide by all instructions from the Timing and Penalties Judge. You must also notify Unit Checkin that you will be opting in to this so that we are prepared for any groups who will be trying it. Please also be aware that the flow is Back To Front, which makes the rolling front ensemble not particularly advantageous with most of the front ensemble path obstructed until time starts.
  
  
• We are closely monitoring the weather for Saturday. While we are all hoping for the best, please plan for the worst. This includes being prepared for NO INDOOR WARMUP AVAILABILITY. There is space under the highway to potentially provide shelter from precipitation, and RMPA is actively looking at alternative solutions, but again: have a plan for the worst case scenario so you can set your students up for success no matter the variables Colorado throws at us. Please also be sure to read any Competition Suite updates, as that is how we will communicate any last-minute changes (such as moving warmup zones to under I-70).
  
  
• RMPA State Championship tickets are on sale now: https://www.axs.com/events/1381076/rmpa-state-championships-tickets

• You can find the final schedule for RMPA State Championships HERE
• Please note that there is a FULL RETREAT for all members IN UNIFORM at the conclusion of the competition.

Repeat announcements:

• There is NO CONDUCTING of an ensemble allowed from outside the performance area. From the official WGI Rulebook:

4.3.4 During a performance, non-performing personnel may not coach, cue, etc., any participants, trigger any audio events, or control any wireless lighting or robotic events from outside the competition area. As per rule 4.3.1 and 4.3.3, staff members may communicate via text message with a designated participant controlling the sound system, lighting or robotics. PENALTY: One point (1.0) to Disqualification at the discretion of the Timing and Penalties judge

• Please talk with your students (and families) about how to act during performances. We have put together this 1-pager (also found in the 2026 RMPA Handbook), please share and encourage your students/families to read it closely.

• Saturday, April 4th: RMPA State Championships @ Denver Coliseum
• April 16-19: WGI Percussion World Championships
• Good luck to Monarch Indoor Percussion, Legacy Winter Percussion, Blue Knights Percussion Ensemble, and Rise Percussion!
• Sunday, June 14th: RMPA General Membership Meeting (Virtual)

Dave Pickett took some time to offer some words of encouragement and motivation after judging State Prelims last weekend. Dave also serves as the RMPA Judge Coordinator and has been working hard to help facilitate the growth and development of our circuit. Thank you Dave!

Take a look at some great strategies to make the most of your last few rehearsals!