COLERAIN WINTER PERCUSSION ENSEMBLES – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
For parents AND students…
What exactly is this ‘Winter Percussion’ thing?
The short answer – it is like marching band, but without the band, and performances are held in a gym/arena instead of on a football field. The winter percussion ensembles consist of 20-30 members each, and utilize Battery (snares, quads, bass drums, cymbals) and Pit (marimba, vibraphone, synthesizer, drum set, ‘accessory’ percussion, bass guitar, etc) percussion instruments. Auditions are held in late November, with rehearsals and performances running from December to mid-April.
CHS offers two winter percussion ensembles – The Varsity ensemble consists mostly of upper-class percussionists, and is geared toward intermediate/advanced skill levels. The JV ensembles is our ‘training group’, consisting mostly of students in grades 7-10, (as well as non-percussionists looking for an opportunity to march in the winter) and is focused on building basic/intermediate skill levels.
When/Where are Auditions for CHS Winter Percussion?
Auditions will be held on Saturday, November 20th and Sunday, November 21st from 1-5pm in the CHS band room/gym. There will be a short informational meeting at 1pm on the 20th, which parents are welcome and encouraged to attend.
What can students do to prepare for the Audition?
The best advice is to make sure that you have a solid grasp on basic musical/rhythmic concepts, as well as proper technique for keyboards/marching percussion.
The most important aspects we are looking for are:
1) positive attitude.
2) willingness to learn.
Other factors that will determine which ensemble a student is placed with include:
-confidence
-sound quality
-learning curve
-skill level
-marching technique/foot timing
Remember that you are not expected to ‘get it’ right away; If everyone was perfect at auditions, what would we do with the rest of the season? Work hard, keep an open mind and a positive attitude, and you’ll do just fine.
Do I need to be in 6th bell Percussion Class to join winter percussion?
Enrollment in the curricular percussion class at CHS is not required – However, members are strongly encouraged to do so if their class schedule permits. Not only will joining the class make you a better musician, we will also use some class time for WP rehearsal.
What if I’m not a band student?
Although previous musical experience is strongly preferred, it is not required to audition. Please contact the Director with any concerns in this area.
How much does it cost?
There is a one-time Audition Fee of $50, which is applied to your membership fee of $350. This fee covers instructional staff, circuit registration fees, uniforms, and equipment. Payment due dates are scheduled throughout the season for those who cannot pay in one lump sum.
To offset financial burden to students and their families, we will offer fundraising opportunities and are implementing a sponsorship program this season. Please discuss any financial concerns with the Director. The CHS winter percussion program does everything possible to manage expenses to keep fees as low as possible. Fees must be paid in full on the required due date or you will be suspended from the ensemble.
What other expenses do we have throughout the year?
Not included in the member fees are: meals on competition days, travel expenses to and from shows (see below), and a $30-40 camp fee to cover meals and housing for winter percussion camp at Camp Higher Ground in January.
How will students travel to and from performances?
In the past, students have traveled to performances via school bus. This season, students are responsible for their own transportation to and from performances. Carpooling is strongly encouraged. Students will always meet at CHS to rehearse and load equipment before performances, and will always meet back at the school afterward to unload equipment.
What is the rehearsal and performance schedule for the season?
A complete rehearsal/performance schedule will be handed out at auditions. The JV ensemble will rehearse on Sunday and Wednesday evenings, the Varsity group will rehearse on Sunday afternoons and Thursday evenings.
Performances for both groups are on Saturdays. Students should avoid scheduling any other activities on ‘show days’, as these can often be all-day events. For planning purposes, students should keep the following dates open:
January 22nd
January 29th
February 5th
February 19th
February 26th
March 12th
March 18-20th (varsity only)
April 1st-2nd
April 14-16th (varsity only)
Do I really need to be at every rehearsal?
In becoming part of CHS winter percussion, you will realize all members involved make many sacrifices. One is the sacrifice of time. Attendance at rehearsals and performances is mandatory.
The student must understand that you have made a commitment to be a performer in our ensembles. Absences will be excused only in the case of certain school related activities, severe illness (with doctor’s note) or family emergencies. Any issues/concerns as to the validity of absence can be discussed with the Director. Time management of your family, school, work, and social schedules need to allow you to attend every rehearsal/performance. Excessive absence can lead to dismissal from the ensemble.
I still have questions!
Feel free to contact Adam Nurre, CHS Percussion Director, via email at nurrea@nku.edu.
