WGI Sport of the Arts, as part of its ongoing partnership with Music for All (MFA), is proud to present Sessions Powered by WGI at the Bands of America Summer Camp Color Guard Instructor Academy, as part of the Sweetwater Director Academy. The camp takes place at Ball State University in Muncie, IN from June 22 to 27, 2026.
These sessions by José Peña (Palm Desert Charter MS) and Byron Valentine (Étude) supplement the larger 6-day Color Guard Instructor Academy and Sweetwater Director Academy experience.
About the sweetwater director academy
Led by Dr. Nola Jones, and a renowned faculty, the Sweetwater Director Academy, presented by Yamaha, is recognized as one of the finest and most comprehensive professional development experiences available. The curriculum offers multiple opportunities to fit your schedule and area of expertise with full week and 3-day options. College level music students are welcome to attend! In addition to the core Total Program Success curriculum, directors will have opportunities to“major” in other areas for large periods of time! Throughout the week we will offer directors and instructors the opportunity to take a deep dive into the following multiple-session offerings. While we offer these majors and intensives, you are encouraged to attend any session in any track all week!
Majors include: High School Band, Middle School Band, College Students and New Teachers, Percussion Specialist Academy, Color Guard Instructor Academy, Marching & Movement Instructor Academy. Intensives include: Conducting, Judging, Body Movement and Dance,Mastering the Yamaha Harmony Director, Beginning Band
About the Color Guard Instructor Academy (CGIA)
CGIA blends elite-level instruction, hands-on teaching labs, and powerful conversations about pedagogy, program design, and leadership. You’ll leave with tools you can immediately apply to:
- Marching band color guard
- Winter guard
- Independent and scholastic ensembles at all class levels
All while being surrounded by educators who share your passion!
CGIA delivers a focused, intentional learning experience built around pedagogy, technique, design, and leadership—so instructors at every level grow with clarity and confidence.
Registration information
Learn more and register for the Bands of America Summer Camp Director Academy and Color Guard Instructor Academy at camp.musicforall.org/cgia.
