WHAT SHOULD I DO TO PREPARE FOR THE AUDITION?

• Register online for the upcoming audition event(s)
• Download and practice the audition packet for the instrument you desire
• Display confidence - the members of Unity Percussion are asked to perform and display confidence at all times, no matter the task. The way to achieve the desired level of confidence is through consistent preparation, both visually and musically.

WHAT ARE THE AGE LIMITATIONS?

Eligible:

Anyone not over 22 years of age as 12:01 a.m. on April 1st of any given year.

There is no age minimum to become a member of the ensemble however, our members are typically no younger than 15/freshmen in high school.

NOTE: All performers, no matter their age, may attend auditions as a clinic participant to gain knowledge and experience.

CAN I BE A COLLEGE STUDENT?

Yes. Education is very important, and the majority of the members are students. You are still required to attend all rehearsals and performances, but these events are held only during the weekend, from the month of January through April.

UNITY PERCUSSION - Fridays at 6:45 PM, and conclude Sundays at 8:30 PM.

CAN I BE A HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT?

Yes. If your current high school program DOES NOT have an indoor percussion ensemble then you are eligible to audition/perform with Unity Percussion.

If you attend a high school that has a competitive indoor percussion program, you are not eligible to perform with Unity Percussion UNLESS you provide written and signed consent from your band director and principal. This form is provided by Unity Percussion upon acceptance into the organization.

It is the goal of Unity Percussion to support all performance organizations, both scholastic and independent, in an effort to grow the marching arts activity.

CAN I STILL ATTEND AUDITIONS IF I AM INELIGIBLE TO BECOME A MEMBER?

Yes. Participating in auditions is a great way to learn new techniques and understand what is expected as a member of Unity Percussion. If you desire to one day become a member of Unity Percussion, attending auditions is the best way to make that possible.

Everyone is welcome to audition, even if you are participating in your high school's indoor percussion ensemble, just please inform us of your ineligibility at auditions.

CAN I MARCH DRUM CORPS?

Yes. We encourage our members to get the marching experience that only drum corps can provide. This is handled through strong communication between you, Unity Percussion, and the drum corps organization.  

CAN I BE A MEMBER OF UNITY PERCUSSION WHILE ALSO HAVING A JOB?

Yes. You are still required to attend all rehearsals and performances, but these events are held only during the weekend, from the month of January through April.

UNITY PERCUSSION - Fridays at 6:45 PM, and conclude Sundays at 8:30 PM.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BE A MEMBER?

There is a registration fee of $75 for the clinic/audition due on the clinic date.

UNITY PERCUSSION
Musician Membership fees are $1,650 or $1,500 if paid in full by December 1st.
Payment dates (a total of 6 - once a month for $275) are scheduled throughout the season for those who choose not to pay in one lump sum.

Visual Ensemble Membership fees are $1,440 or $1,200 if paid in full by December 1st.
Payment dates (a total of 6 - once a month for $240) are scheduled throughout the season for those who choose not to pay in one lump sum.

NOTE: Fundraising opportunities may be provided throughout the season. Some fundraisers are REQUIRED (iPad fundraiser) even if you have paid in full!

The membership fees go directly to supporting the ensembles and the members by allowing the purchase and payment of the equipment and services used throughout the season, including:

• Instruments, sticks and mallets, uniforms, floors, props, etc.
• Membership fees for FFCC and WGI
• Entry fees to the shows
• Travel expenses (charter bus, fuel, equipment trucks, hotel reservations, etc.)
• Miscellaneous items for the members (food, water, etc.)

NOTE: Unity Percussion does everything possible to manage expenses, keeping the membership fees as low as possible. The instructional and support staff largely donate their time each season.

WHAT OTHER EXPENSES DO MEMBERS HAVE THROUGHOUT THE SEASON?

All equipment required for performance (minus sticks, mallets, and shoes) is provided through the membership fees. Not included in the membership fees are expenses for NON-required items such as merchandise, meals, and the member jacket (app. $110).

HOW MUCH OF A TIME COMMITMENT IS INVOLVED AS A MEMBER?

By becoming a member of Unity Percussion, you will realize that all members and staff make many sacrifices - the biggest being the sacrifice of time.

Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is mandatory, with the understanding that you have made a commitment to an ensemble of Unity Percussion. Drum corps auditions and camps, school-related activities (that are associated with a grade), and family emergencies have been excused in the past, but still must be discussed with the Ensemble Director(s) for your absence to be approved.

Time management, planning, and communication is essential to being a successful member of Unity Percussion. Proactive scheduling of your family, school, work, and social schedules must allow you to attend every rehearsal and performance. 

WHAT IS THE REHEARSAL AND PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE FOR THE SEASON?

After auditions, there will be a preseason schedule (through December), and a regular-season schedule (January through April). During the regular season, the ensembles will have rehearsals and/or performances every weekend.

NOTE: All events take place during the weekends except WGI World Championships in Dayton, Ohio.

DOES UNITY PERCUSSION PROVIDE HOUSING?

Unity Percussion does not provide housing during the standard weekend rehearsals. Once the membership is set for each ensemble, individuals can assist in making arrangements to help ensure that all members have a place to stay during the season.

It is often that many out-of-town members make arrangements with local members at their households. Members at times opt to get an apartment together while they work or go to school during the season.

NOTE: For auditions, you will need to make your own housing arrangements (if necessary).

NOTE: For out-of-state performances, Unity Percussion will provide housing. Generally, the ensembles will stay in a hotel (paid for by Unity Percussion via the membership fees).