WGI 2026 is almost here.

With the first WGI 2026 Percussion and Winds shows officially happening this weekend, the FloMarching staff have put together a short list of five Percussion and Winds programs (and a few honorable mentions) that you need to make sure to watch this 2026 season.

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Without further ado...

George Mason University (PIW)

It should go without saying that GMU's 2025 production, "The George Mason Show," was one of the most viral shows seen in the WGI Percussion space in some time. Both technically difficult and cheeky, GMU managed to deliver a show to the members that demanded a lot out of them while being easy for fans of all experience levels to understand and engage with. 

GMU ended up securing a 6th place finish at the 2025 WGI Percussion Finals (94.863), achieving the ensemble's highest-ever Percussion Independent World Finals finish. All eyes will be back on George Mason for the 2026 season to see if the ensemble is able to harness that positive momentum that has been building over the years. 

And not for nothing, but according to their Instagram account, THE George Mason is going to be back for 2026... 

Catch performances from George Mason University this WGI season at the 2026 WGI Ashburn Percussion/Winds Regional on March 21, and at the 2026 WGI Percussion/Winds World Championships on April 16-19.

Center Grove HS (PSW)

There's no better feeling as a performer than putting out a crowd-favorite show, and that's what Center Grove HS has been doing perfectly over the last couple of seasons. The Indiana-based ensemble finished 10th in 2025 (89.725), just barely missing that coveted 90-point benchmark in spite of an electric Finals finish.

Between its high-flying super hero themed 2025 program and its 'emperor takes all' 2024 program, team FloMarching is looking forward to seeing what Center Grove HS has cooked up for 2026. 

Catch performances from Center Grove HS this WGI season at the 2026 WGI Indianapolis Percussion Regional+ on March 14-15, and at the 2026 WGI Percussion/Winds World Championships on April 16-19.

UTSA (PIO)

The Percussion Independent Open class has seen a bit of a shakeup after the 2025 season, with the PIO silver medalist Civitas Independent opting to bump up to PIW. Because of that, the 2025 bronze medalist, UTSA, is looking to capitalize and achieve an upgrade in hardware at the end of the 2026 season. 

With one local Texas competition already under its belt (in which the ensemble opened with a 78.650), UTSA is ready to put in the work to see what they can achieve in a stacked class.

Catch performances from UTSA this WGI season at the 2026 WGI Dallas Percussion/Winds Regional+ on March 21-22, and at the 2026 WGI Percussion/Winds World Championships on April 16-19.

Boise Gems Independent (PIA)

A name you may be familiar with but outside of the WGI sphere is Boise Gems. The drum corps of the same name (founded in 2022) is expanding its offering for students by creating an indoor percussion group based out of Boise, ID. In their own words, "This is more than just a new season. This is a new chapter, a chance to push boundaries, tell new stories, and create a sound and visual identity that’s uniquely ours. From the roar of the crowd to the echo of the last note in the gym, we’re here to shake things up."

Catch performances from Boise Gems Independent this WGI season at the Salt Lake City Percussion Regional on March 7, and at the 2026 WGI Percussion/Winds World Championships on April 16-19.

Obsidian Winds (WIO)

After a wildly successful inaugural season in which Obsidian burst onto the WIA scene and secured a silver medal at WGI Winds Finals, the Nashville-based ensemble bumped up to Winds Independent Open for the 2026 season. Obsidian's 2026 production titled "Ma" is said to explore "the gap, the breath, the moment where flow begins." 

Catch performances from Obsidian Winds this WGI season at the 2026 WGI Atlanta Percussion and Winds Regional+ on March 21-22, and at the 2026 WGI Winds World Championships on April 18-19.

Honorable Mentions

Because we couldn't help ourselves, here are a few more Percussion and Winds groups that are worth keeping in the back of your mind.

• Dartmouth HS (PSO) - Veteran percussion fans may notice the class change here with Dartmouth HS, and that's because DHS's longtime percussion director Tom Aungst officially retired after the 2025 season. A change in director is a valid reason to opt to go down in classes (in this case, from PSW to PSO) until the ensemble can find its new groove under new management.
• Immortal Winds (WIO) - Though Immortal Winds will not be making its way to Dayton this year (our team is anxiously awaiting the year they make the leap to attend WGI World Championships), California residents can see what the Mandarins offshoot does during the 2026 season at the WGI Percussion/Winds Union City Regional+ on March 14-15.
• Vista Murrieta HS (PSW) - The California powerhouse is making its way back to Dayton in 2026 for the first time since 2023, when the program received 4th place for its production titled, "Tilting at Windmills."