Frequently Ask Questions
Q: How do I become a member?
A: Siege Percussion is a by audition only independent indoor percussion ensemble. Each year, around October, there are audition Experience Camps that will give you the best possible chance of successfully becoming a member of Siege. Auditions will take place in October and at that time you are encouraged to audition for the instrument that most suits your abilities.
Q: Is there a place I can go to ask questions about the audition process?
A: We have created a Facebook group for all participants to join, ask questions, and interact with our staff prior to auditions. Click here to join.
Q: What WGI classification is Siege Percussion competing in this season?
A: Siege Percussion will compete in the Percussion Independent Open class for the 2024 season.
Q: How old do I have to be to audition and march?
A: Membership is limited to individuals between the ages of 16 & 22 – 16 years of age before April 1 or 22 years of age AFTER April 1. Students of all ages are welcome to attend auditions.
Q: What should I prepare for auditions?
A: Everything you are required to know for auditions will be posted on our Audition page on this website. The members who can get through the most of this will be highly considered for a membership spot.
Q: Do I need to come to all of the experience camps and both audition camps?
A: The experience camps are designed so that everyone can grow as a
percussionists and potential members have the best possible idea of what we are looking for during the audition process. It is recommended that all people who are planning on auditioning for Siege attend BOTH audition camps. If for some reason you have a conflict that you are unable to resolve due to a school conflict or some other extenuating circumstance, please contact us and we will do our best to work out an alternative plan.
Q: What is the audition process for Siege Percussion?
A: The audition process will break down into three areas:
- Ensemble & Visual performance
- Individual evaluation
- Prepared Piece
All listed auditions are part of a two-step process. The 1st round audition clinic is designed to introduce you to the Siege Percussion Organization and staff, as well as to allow you the opportunity to audition with the hope of being invited to our callback clinic.
In the ensemble environment, we will be looking for your ability to blend, balance, and adapt. As we work through the technical program as an ensemble, specific explanations of the approach will take place. Your ability to keep an open mind and incorporate the Siege approach of doing things in your playing will be crucial.
During the individual evaluation, you will be asked to perform exercises from this packet as well as a 30-second to 45-second piece of your choice. Ex The individual piece can be anything you want that shows your overall musicianship. Expect to receive immediate and detailed feedback from an instructor during your evaluation. Staff will evaluate potential members individually and in group rehearsal settings.
Both audition clinics are recommended, if invited, you must attend our callback clinic for the final audition which will determine membership placement in the ensemble. Selection of our membership is based on an individual’s work ethic, attitude, talent, attendance, physical health, and ability to pay fees.
Q: I’m not sure that I’ll make Siege. Should I audition anyway?
A: Absolutely! You will learn a great deal which will help you in your current performance situation and in future auditions.
Q: Is talent the primary audition requirement, or is attitude and improvement considered?
A: Talent is important, but it is certainly not the only criteria we look at. Selection of our membership is based on an individual’s work ethic, attitude, talent, attendance, physical health, and ability to pay fees.
Q: How often are practices?
A: Siege rehearses primarily on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. We usually have an extended camp in December and also in March. We do our best to schedule around school activities. Please check the website regularly for updates and other pertinent information.
Q: Will my high school program interfere with Siege?
A: Siege only accepts the most responsible, mature, and motivated high school students. You must be able to manage your schedule, your practice habits, your finances, and your grades. We are sensitive to the schedule of high school band programs and you are expected to attend all required high school band functions. Your high school band program is top priority to Siege. You have to keep an open line of communication with your directors to make sure that conflicts between the two groups are at a minimum.
Q: What if I want to march drum corps?
A: We encourage drum corps participation. We try to help by communicating directly with the corps to work out schedule conflicts. Most corps are flexible with the indoor activity. The most important thing is communication!
Please take the advice of our staff when electing to audition for DCI, our staff will be a valuable resource when attending DCI auditions. You may only miss 1 rehearsal weekend for a DCI audition.
Q: How will I know the schedule?
A: All Siege dates for rehearsals and shows will be posted on the CALENDAR tab of the website. Microsoft Teams (Siege’s membership/staff communication platform choice) is going to have more detailed and up to the minute information regarding rehearsals.
Q: Will Siege interfere with extra curricular activities?
A: We will not practice during the school week except for Fridays and Saturdays. If you are involved with activities that have conflicts with Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays then it will be difficult (but not impossible) to join Siege. Contact us and we will try to work with you on scheduling.
Q: How can I get a ride to practice?
A: We have members coming from all over Florida. Once a membership offer is offered and accepted, you’ll be able to communicate internally with other members to arrange for carpooling arrangements. Additionally, there are some local families that are assisting in the transportation area. Getting a ride once you make the ensemble is usually not a problem. In the event that you make the ensemble and no one is coming from your area you are still responsible for getting to and from practice.
Q: How do I stay in touch with the group and know what’s happening in between rehearsals?
A: All members are required to have a Slack account so that we can add you to the Siege group and keep you updated on the day to day operations and logistics of Siege. We will also provide all members with a master email and phone list. You are expected to stay in touch with your section members and technicians on a regular basis. Communication is a key to our success.
Q: Where and when do we compete?
A: We compete at all local shows for the FFCC (Florida Federation of Colorguard Circuit), and WGI (Winter Guard International) Championships in Dayton, Ohio. Local shows are typically every weekend beginning mid February until mid April. WGI Championships are 6 days, April 16 – 21.
Q: How much are fees?
Audition Packet
Audition Packets are $20 and are non-refundable. Audition packets can be purchased without an obligation to attend an audition clinic.
Audition Fee
Audition Fees are $65 and are not refundable. There will be 2 audition experience camps, and the $65 fee covers both of them.
**All audition participants must purchase the appropriate packet and the audition fee***
Tuition Fee
The tuition for 2023/2024 is between $1900 and $2500 for battery and front ensemble members, paid with a monthly payment from October to March.
The tuition for 2023/2024 is between $1500 for visual ensemble members, paid with a monthly payment from October to March.
The Tuition fees cover the cost of instruction, rehearsal facilities, design, show fees, uniforms, instruments, sticks and mallets, floor and props, equipment trucks, WGI travel, and your housing at WGI championships.
Q: How do we get to Dayton, Ohio?
A: The ensemble will travel to Dayton by either bus, van, or air. The choice will depend on the group’s size and budget for the current competitive season.
Q: When do we leave for Dayton?
A: The ensemble will leave on the Tuesday of WGI Championship week and return that following Sunday.
Q: Does Siege provide meals?
A: Members are responsible for meals at all Siege functions. We will be able to provide group meals on occasion, but the cost of feeding 50+ members and staff at each rehearsal and show would make the fees for Siege prohibitive.
Q: Do you offer fundraisers?
A: We will offer a couple different fundraisers during the season which help drive down fees. Please do not rely totally on fundraisers due to the nature of fundraising. We will present a SPONSORSHIP LETTER to members of the ensemble as at least one way to fund-raise. Send it early and often – people love to receive letters in the mail and will take the time to help you out.
Q: Can my parents help out with the ensemble?
A: We encourage all members to get their parents involved with the Siege support group. This group helps get us on and off the floor at all shows, helps sew uniforms, drive trucks, build props and paint, etc. Parent support is an integral part of any youth organization. If you wish to help with Siege in any way please contact: volunteer@siegepercussion.org
Do you have additional questions?
Click on the contact us button to have one our team members help you.