The 2025 Winter Guard International (WGI) World Championships wrapped up in Dayton, Ohio, capping off a weekend that once again highlighted the depth and emotion behind indoor percussion. Held in early April, the annual event drew ensembles from across the country, turning the city into a stage for tightly synchronized performance, design, and rhythm. TAMA Drums and Bergerault Percussion, whose gear was widely used throughout the weekend, congratulated all performers, especially their partner ensembles, several of which earned top placements.
This year’s championships carried the intensity and detail the WGI circuit is known for. Groups across divisions delivered programs that combined precise drumming with visual storytelling, offering both technical mastery and emotional weight. In the Percussion Independent World (PIW) class, Broken City took home the bronze medal, leaving an impression with a show that felt both musically refined and deeply expressive.
Several other TAMA and Bergerault-affiliated groups also made strong competitive showings. Infinity, Avon, and Unionville each finished in the top five of their respective classes, showing the same level of design strength and performance focus that defines the upper tiers of indoor percussion. While each group brought its own unique voice to the floor, all shared a similar level of preparation and execution, hallmarks of a demanding but inspiring season.
The presence of TAMA and Bergerault instruments throughout the event wasn’t just about gear branding. These companies have long worked alongside ensembles—not just providing drums or keyboards, but offering real support in terms of sound quality, reliability, and educational partnerships. Their connection to the circuit has grown into something more collaborative, built around helping groups meet the artistic and technical demands of modern performance.
WGI’s season finale is always more than a final ranking. For performers, it marks the end of months of rehearsal and growth. For instructors, designers, and technicians, it’s a moment to take stock: what worked, what changed, and what’s next. The community comes together to celebrate, but also to learn.
As indoor percussion continues to evolve in complexity, scope, and creative ambition, the role of manufacturer support remains vital. With companies like TAMA and Bergerault in the mix, that support goes beyond logistics. It shapes the tools that help performers bring ideas to life. This year in Dayton, the instruments stayed still, but everything else moved.