PPA

Regional Contest #1 - East

Saturday, march 14th, 2026

Start Time: TBA

Hanford high school

450 Hanford St

Richland, WA 99354

Regional Contest #2 - West

Saturday, March 21st, 2026

Start Time: TBA

Ferndale High school

5830 Golden Eagle Dr

Ferndale, WA 9824

State Contest for Selected Performers

SATURDAY, MARCH 28TH 2026

START TIME: TBD

WENATCHEE HIGH SCHOOL

1101 MILLERDALE AVE

WENATCHEE, WA 98801

If you have questions please contact president@pacificperformingarts.org.

REGISTRATION Open Soon!

Updated Solo & Ensemble format for 2026 Season

For the 2026 season, two Regional Solo and Ensemble contests shall take place immediately prior to the Hanford contest on March 14th and the Ferndale contest on March 21th. A State competition will then take place at Championships in Wenatchee on March 28th, made up of qualifying performers from the prior regional contests.
Registration will open February 7th for the regional solo and ensemble contests, and close March 2nd.
The judges at each regional contest will agree on three solos (from all classes) and three ensembles (from all classes) as state qualifiers, as well as first and second alternates in each division, if possible. Results will be announced at the awards ceremony/retreat at that contest and posted to BAND within 24 hours. Qualifiers will be contacted via email and must notify the Solo and Ensemble committee of their intent to participate in the state contest within 72 hours so that all possible performance slots can be filled. The state contest will have a maximum of twelve performances, preferably six solos and six ensembles. If there are insufficient entries in any class, those performance times may be given to alternates from another classification.

Solo & Ensemble Competition Rules

Eligibility & Classification

1. Colorguard/Winterguard performers are eligible to compete in the PPA solo and ensemble contests regardless of circuit or unit affiliation.

2. CLASSIFICATION: Performers may compete in only one (1) of the two (2) classifications defined below:

   • Scholastic Class: The Scholastic Class is open to performers between the ages of 13 to 18, as of January 1st of the current year. Performers in this class must be enrolled in either middle or high school as of the Fall of the current academic school year.

   • Independent Class: The Independent Class is open to performers age 18 and up. Performers in this class are no longer attending high school.

3. DIVISION: Performers may compete in either one or both of the divisions as defined below:

   • Soloist Division: Performers in this division may compete using one (1) or more pieces of equipment.

   • Small Ensemble Division: Performers in this division may compete as a duo, trio, or quartet utilizing one (1) or more pieces of equipment.

4. Performers may enter a maximum of two (2) events but are only allowed one (1) entry per division. (i.e., A student may perform as a single equipment soloist and a mixed-equipment trio).

5. Performers may register for both regional contests regardless of class or prior qualification provided they meet the other eligibility criteria.

Registration & Entry Fees

1. Registration for 2026 Regional contests will open on Saturday, February 7th and close on Monday, March 2nd. Performers must register online.

2. Contest entry fees are as follows:

   Soloist - $40

   Small Ensembles - $85

   State Qualifiers - $25 per entry at state contest

3. Regional contest entry fee(s) must be paid in full no later than 11:59pm on Friday, March 7th, 2026. State contest entry fee(s) must be paid in full prior to the competition.

Performance & Judging criteria

1. The performers are required to write performance choreography, including staging. Scholastic directors may provide guidance to their students as needed but the work is the performer(s)’ original written choreography.

2. Performance time shall be a minimum of 1 minute 30 seconds and a maximum of 2 minutes 30 seconds. Entries will have a 5 minute interval time at regional events and a 4 minute interval time at the state contest. Entrance, set up, performance, and exit must fall within the designated interval time.

3. All programs, soundtracks, thematic, and costuming choices must reflect the qualities acceptable for performing at a scholastic venue or suitable for marketing to sponsors on a national level.

4. All equipment must be properly padded and taped for the protection of the facilities, especially wooden competition floors and easements. All equipment may be subject to inspection.

5. Definitions of authorized equipment:

   1. Flags: Flags are defined as any material attached to a pike, pole, rod, or staff other than an authorized weapon and used as a flag, with a minimum size of eight inches by twelve inches (8” x 12”). National colors must be at least three feet by five feet (3’ x 5’). Flagpoles must be at least twenty-four inches (24”) in length. Curved and straight poles are acceptable; however, complete circles, squares, etc. to which material is attached are not flags. Material attached to chains, ropes, or hoses are not considered flags. The intent of this definition is to utilize a flag as a flag and not as a scenic element or a prop.

      Rifles: Rifles are defined as devices with an outward appearance influenced by a rifle. Rifles must be at least twenty-four (24) to thirty-nine (39) inches in length. 

      Sabres: Sabres/swords are defined as those weapons that are a curved blade (sabre) or a straight blade (sword) and may be constructed of wood, plastic, metal, or any other suitable material. Simulated sabers/swords must have either a hand guard or a hilt and must be at least twenty-four (24) to thirty-nine (39) inches in length. 

      Other: Authorized equipment may be modified by the addition of visual items, however, attaching a flag, rifle, or sabre/sword to a prop does not make the prop a flag, rifle, or sabre/sword – it is still a prop. The Show Coordinator has the right to inspect and challenge a performer for authorized equipment either before or after the maximum performance time. Any questions on eligibility for authorized equipment should be submitted for approval by the performer(s) no later than fourteen (14) days prior to the day of the contest.

6. The judging panel will consist of an Upstairs (Effect and Design) Judge, and an Downstairs Judge (Equipment/Movement) Judge. Each judge will adjudicate the performers utilizing the WGI Solo & Ensemble Judges sheet. Scoring for all solos and ensembles will be based upon correct and consistent completion of various fundamentals and standards for each level of classification. As the levels of achievement and completed standards increase, the possible score criteria will increase accordingly.

7. At regional contests, entries will receive a score/rating as well as judges commentary tapes. At the state contest, entries will only receive a score/rating (no commentary), and adjudicators will select a first, second, and third place winner in each classification. Winners will be announced at the beginning of the PPA Championships retreat/finale.

Competition Area

1. The competition area shall measure sixty feet by ninety feet (60’ x 90’). This does not include ramps, hallways, bleachers, or seating areas. Performers are permitted to utilize the entire designated competition area for their performance. All performers must be within the designated competition area when their performance time begins.

2. The front boundary line shall be considered the full width of the competition area and shall be clearly marked at a minimum of five (5’) feet from the first row of spectator seating.

3. The center of the front boundary line shall be marked by a six (6”) inch taped line at the front and back of the competition area. The outer edges of the competition areas shall also be taped by six (6”) inch taped lines at the corners of the designated competition area.

4. Performers shall enter and exit the competition area through the doors designated as such.