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Atlantic Indoor Association

WGI

Winter Indoor Percussion Line

The Athens Drive H.S. Winter Percussion Line is the indoor complement to the percussion unit of the marching band, and is a formal part of our entire band program. Like the marching band percussion section, this indoor group includes battery percussion (marching snares, tenors, basses) and front ensemble instrumentation (mallet instruments, timpani, auxiliary percussion). The group is also auditioning students for synthesizer, electric bass, guitar, and drum set. To be chosen as a member of the Winter Percussion Line is an honor and performing as part of this group is a privilege. The group rehearses from December through early April and performs in a series of competitions beginning late January. Any Athens Drive student is welcome to audition for the line (you do not need to be currently involved in the band program); however, the ability to read music is a prerequisite. The line will be lead by the following staff: John Antonelli (lead), Ray Laffoon, and Shawn Marcinowski.

Auditions for the line will be held 11/28, 11/29, and 11/30 from 5-8pm in the band room. The auditions are required for all candidates. Students will be notified of acceptance by Monday, 12/3. Students accepted on the line will be required to complete a formal acceptance agreement along with a non-refundable $50 deposit (see form below).

I. Qualifications

A. Auditions are open to all current seniors, juniors, sophomores and freshmen.

B. A positive attitude must be demonstrated at all times as reflected in the quality of the work and the relationships with other members of the unit. Students must be trusted to work independently and be able to work together in small and large groupings. Students must also be willing to spend the extra time required to set-up and store-away equipment used in rehearsals/performances.

C. Minimal musical competency includes the comprehension and performance of basic rhythms (subdivision to the sixteenth note and syncopation) in 2/4, ¾, 4/4, 6/8 and cut time meter. All students must be able to read rhythmic notation; mallet performers must be able to read pitch notation.

II. Attendance

It is important to realize that because the group is so interdependent (that is, everyone depends on everyone to be there), any absence or tardy hinders the progress of the group. All percussionists are expected to be at every rehearsal and performance. The attached schedule of rehearsals and performances is tentative, but fairly accurate; the entire schedule will be discussed in detail during the orientation/introductory rehearsals.

Once the schedule is officially agreed upon and confirmed, conflicts with any of the dates must be presented in writing to both the instructors and the parent advisors. Email addresses and phone numbers will be distributed at the orientation rehearsals. The instructor reserves the right to prohibit a student from performance due to excessive or unexcused absence.

III. Performance Expectations

Members will be expected to know the music and choreography before being permitted to perform. This policy will be enforced in the interest of the individual student as well as the entire unit. A member who does not demonstrate satisfactory proficiency in performing part of the show may be asked to perform less work.

IV. Audition Procedures

The audition will consist of sight reading and exercises related to specific instruments. Students who have no previous percussion experience, but who can read music, should not be discouraged from auditioning. We are especially interested in piano players for mallet instruments.

The number of percussion selected will be determined by the quality and skill of those auditioning and the needs of the line.

V. Fair Share Expense

There is a “fair share obligation” for participating in the Winter Percussion Line because the program is not funded by the county. In order to cover the cost of the instructors, music, choreography, competition entry fees, and select equipment, each member will be assessed $325. Members will also be expected to pay for an inexpensive uniform (not to exceed $50). Travel to competitions will be the responsibility of each student; however, details will be coordinated with the parent advisors. Carpools will be arranged to offset expenses.

The $325 obligation may be paid in full at the beginning of the season (12/4), or may be divided up in the following manner: $50 on 12/4; $75 on 1/8; $100 on 2/5; and $100 on 3/4. Financial assistance is available through the booster organization for students who demonstrate need; however, assistance is often contingent on willingness to participate in fundraising activities and past record of service. No student should be discouraged to join due to the financial obligation; we will assist every family willing to contribute their “fair share.”

Students will also receive a small discount for recruiting students to join the “Winter Training Program” which will begin in February. The purpose of this program—which is separate from the “Winter Percussion Line”—will be to provide marching training on all percussion instruments and to increase the size of our current percussion section, and to provide an introduction to marching percussion for non-percussionists. This will be open to current ADHS students or middle school students who plan to attend ADHS. Students will receive $10 off their fair share for the first student they recruit and $5 for each successive member (with a max cap of $25 off their fair share assessment).

VI. Commitment

Upon acceptance into the Winter Percussion Line, each student must complete the attached form and submit it to the parent advisor with at least a $50 deposit by Tuesday, Dec. 4th (checks made payable to the Athens Drive Band Boosters). Students/families with a credit in their band account can have this deposit deducted by indicating so on the form. The $50 will be used toward the overall Winter Percussion Line assessment.

ADHS 2007-08 WINTER PERCUSSION INTENT FORM
(please print clearly)

Student’s name _______________________________ Grade (07-08 yr) ________

Student’s Address ______________________________________________________

City ___________________________________ Zip _______________________

Home phone ______________________ Subdivision _______________________

Student Email __________________________________________________________

Parent(s) Names ________________________________________________________

Parent Email (for correspondence) ______________________________________

This is to verify that my child(ren) is intending to be a member of the 2007-08 Winter Percussion Line. I have read and understand the information regarding scheduling and financial commitment and agree to be a cooperative participant.

Signed (parent) ___________________________________

____ $50 Deposit (non-refundable) enclosed/attached.

____ Please deduct the $50 from my band account (must have credit).

THIS FORM MUST BE RETURNED BY TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4, IN ORDER TO BE GUARANTEED A POSITION IN THE 2007-08 WINTER PERCUSSION LINE.

(To print this form, either print the page from the Word document, or cut and paste the text above into your favorite word processor and print.)