Those Crazy Acronyms and Flight vs. Class:
WLCMB.....Walled Lake Central Music Boosters (not WLC Marching Band...who knew?)
-The WLCMB is made up of parents of the band, choir, and orchestra. The WLC Bands Boosters are a group under the WLCMB.
-The WLCMB also officially includes all music groups at WLC
MCBA.....Michigan Competing Bands Association
This is the governing body for our regular marching band season competitions in Michigan. In the spring of each year, MCBA member bands are divided into four flights of competition based upon MHSAA High School enrollment numbers that are based upon the State of Michigan second semester count. The flights are equalized in size (number of bands) as much a possible per MCBA rules.
2018 MCBA Flights of Competition:
Flight I - 1,686 or greater
Flight II - 1,251 to 1,685
Flight III - 984 to 1,250
Flight IV - 663 to 983
Flight V - 662 or less
BOA.....Bands of America
This is the governing body for the regionals and Grand National competitions in which the marching band competes.
Per BOA's commitment to re-evaluate the classification numbers of 2A-4A, classification numbers have been updated for 2018. Bands are classified by school enrollment, grades 10-12 only. Under BOA's four-class system:
MSBOA.....Michigan School Band & Orchestra Association
WLP.....Walled Lake Percussion
Winter Guard.....not really an acronym, but what is it?
MCGC.....Michigan Competitive Guard Circuit
WGI.....Winter Guard International
DCI.....Drum Corps International
-The WLCMB is made up of parents of the band, choir, and orchestra. The WLC Bands Boosters are a group under the WLCMB.
-The WLCMB also officially includes all music groups at WLC
MCBA.....Michigan Competing Bands Association
This is the governing body for our regular marching band season competitions in Michigan. In the spring of each year, MCBA member bands are divided into four flights of competition based upon MHSAA High School enrollment numbers that are based upon the State of Michigan second semester count. The flights are equalized in size (number of bands) as much a possible per MCBA rules.
2018 MCBA Flights of Competition:
Flight I - 1,686 or greater
Flight II - 1,251 to 1,685
Flight III - 984 to 1,250
Flight IV - 663 to 983
Flight V - 662 or less
BOA.....Bands of America
This is the governing body for the regionals and Grand National competitions in which the marching band competes.
Per BOA's commitment to re-evaluate the classification numbers of 2A-4A, classification numbers have been updated for 2018. Bands are classified by school enrollment, grades 10-12 only. Under BOA's four-class system:
- Class A is up to 600 students
- Class AA is 601-1250
- Class AAA is 1251-1750
- Class AAAA is 1751 and above
MSBOA.....Michigan School Band & Orchestra Association
- This is the organization that sponsors the competitive "festivals" and solo and ensemble competitions in which many of our musicians participate.
WLP.....Walled Lake Percussion
- This is the winter drumline which is comprised of students from all 3 Walled Lake high schools, playing drums and other percussion instruments.
- Season starts after marching band is over.
- They compete inside a gym on within a strict area.
- There is an A-Line and a more competitive World Line (audition only).
Winter Guard.....not really an acronym, but what is it?
- This group competes during the winter months (concurrently with WLP)
- They perform inside a gym within a strict area.
- They use pre-recorded or live music and perform with sabers, flags, and rifles or other props.
- They have 2 lines (teams).
MCGC.....Michigan Competitive Guard Circuit
- WLP & Winter Guard compete in this circuit during their regular season.
WGI.....Winter Guard International
- WLP & Winter Guard compete in this circuit at the Regional & World Competitions.
DCI.....Drum Corps International
- League for competitive drum corps (professional marching bands).
- Many of our alumni continue on to these programs.
Other Interesting Terms:
PIT: This the group that plays [usually] stationary percussion instruments, such as marimbas and the rack.
BATTERY: These are the marching drummers. (think Energizer bunny...battery...get it?) a.k.a. drumline
SECTIONAL: Refers to a practice held with one section of the band.
SHOW SHIRT: Each season, there is a "show shirt" designed, which is specific to that year's show. In addition to general WLCMB merchandise a.k.a. "spirit wear," you can also order merchandise with this "show shirt" design.
MTX: The official marching band shoes (a.k.a. dinkles)
GAUNTLET: The lovely white cuff that members wear over their uniforms...keep them clean!
BATTERY: These are the marching drummers. (think Energizer bunny...battery...get it?) a.k.a. drumline
SECTIONAL: Refers to a practice held with one section of the band.
SHOW SHIRT: Each season, there is a "show shirt" designed, which is specific to that year's show. In addition to general WLCMB merchandise a.k.a. "spirit wear," you can also order merchandise with this "show shirt" design.
MTX: The official marching band shoes (a.k.a. dinkles)
GAUNTLET: The lovely white cuff that members wear over their uniforms...keep them clean!