2026 Season at a Glance

Gates Chili Independent Winter Guard prides themselves on being the only Winter Guard in New York State that does require members to pay tuition to participate in the organization. To ensure that the organization continues to provide a tuition free experience for years to come, members and families are required to volunteer their time.

What volunteering opportunities are there to participate in?

• Volunteer your time at the bingo hall.

• There are several fundraisers throughout the season that members are required to participate in. Our goal is not to inundate the members and families with multiple fundraisers, but to run 3 to 4 fundraisers that are minimal effort with maximum return.

• There are several other volunteer opportunities that will be discussed at the October 6th annual organizational meeting.tion text goes here

Local competitions in the Northeast Colorguard Circuit (NECGC) as well as potential competition in the Mid-York Colorguard Circuit (MYCGC)

• 2 WGI + events

  • Philadelphia, PA

  • Bethlehem, PA

• 2026 WGI World Championships

GCIWG primarily rehearses in the Gates Chili/Rochester area. Full, in-season weekends begin first weekend of November 2025 through WGI World Championships in April.

All in-season rehearsals are mandatory and full attendance is required – no exceptions. Please plan and ensure that any and all personal, instructional, school, work and career-related requirements are clear from conflict every weekend beginning November 2025 through WGI World Championships in April 2026.

A typical rehearsal weekend for the IA and IO team consists of:

• Friday Night: 6:00PM – 10:00PM

• Saturday: 10:00am to 8:00pm

• Sunday: 10:00am to 4:00pm

On all three days, you will arrive 15 min prior to rehearsal start time for parking and unloading/rehearsal setup.