FAQ
Q: How do I become a member?
A: Motor City Percussion is an audition-only independent indoor drumline. Each year, auditions will take place sometime in Late October or Early November. There is an audition form that you are encouraged to fill out on our home page, and information on exact times and dates will be sent to you as they become available.
Q: Will my high school program interfere with Motor City Percussion?
A: We encourage all prospective members to participate in their high school programs, making those programs a priority. If your high school offers an indoor drumline program, you are expected to consider this before auditioning for Motor City Percussion. We are sensitive to high school programs that participate in concert band and solo and ensemble contests. You are encouraged to attend all high school functions, and we will help you find ways to work around these specific conflicts throughout the season.
Q: How often are practices?
A: Motor City Percussion implements a rigorous rehearsal schedule to best prepare the members for their performances. During the early winter months (November and December) we rehearse two or three times a month depending on when the holidays fall and building availabilities. January thru April we rehearse every weekend to keep up with the competitive demands of Open Class. We rehearse strictly on Friday nights (Typically 5:30pm to 11:30pm) and Saturday pretty much all day (9:00am to 7:30pm). We leave Sundays free for family time, homework, free time etc…
Q: Will this interfere with Drum Corps?
A: We will always work to create schedules to give any member doing drum corps an opportunity to be at both rehearsals. However, compromise between both organizations is expected as conflicts arise. Basically we will work things out on a case by case basis, always counting on compromise from both ensembles.
Q: How much are fees?
A: The Audition fee, inclusive of both weekends, is FREE. Season Fees, which normally cover transportation, equipment, floor, uniform, shoes, entrance fees, design costs, and some food costs, are between $800 and $900. If accepted into the ensemble, the fees will be broken into payments throughout the season. We work extremely hard to make sure that anyone who wants to march with can have that opportunity even if they have financial restraints. Our staff members are professionals at making it work.
Q: Do you offer fundraisers?
A: The most common form of 'fundraising' that we encourage is a sponsorship opportunity for individuals or businesses. While there are many other fundraising opportunities to pursue, Bowl-a-Thons, Candy, Cookie, Pizza, Dessert Sales, Raffles, Drum-a-Thons are all made available, but Motor City members have had much more success with the sponsorship method. Pre-designed forms for this fundraiser are available upon request.
Q: Will Motor City Percussion interfere with extra curricular activities?
A: We will not practice during the week except for Friday evenings. If you play a sport that has numerous conflicts with weekend rehearsals, it may not be wise to audition for the ensemble.
Q: Can my parents help out with the ensemble?
A: We absolutely encourage all members to get their parents involved with the Motor City support group. This group helps us move on and off the floor at all shows, maintain uniforms and props, transport our equipment to various show sites, make Saturday lunches, and provide volunteer hours at the Motor City Home Show. We love the Motor City parents and without them our existence would not be possible.
Q: How can I get a ride to practice?
A: We have members coming from all over Michigan. 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 would still be responsible for getting to and from rehearsals and shows. Many previous members have made extreme sacrifices to make their seasons' travels very successful.
Q: What is the size of the ensemble?
A: Motor City Percussion owns a complete battery of 10 snares, 5 quads, 5 basses, and plenty of cymbals. We also own a complete front ensemble of 4 marimbas, 3 vibes, xylophone, glockenspiel, drum set, synthesizers, chimes as well as a sizable amount of auxiliary equipment. We have enough instruments to field an ensemble of 40+.
Q: What grips does the ensemble use?
A: The snare line plays traditional grip. The keyboards use Stevens and the Burton grip. if you are not familiar with these techniques they will be explained at the first audition camp. If you have questions beforehand about our techniques please contact us and we will put you in touch with the right staff.
If you have any other Questions, Comments, or Concerns PLEASE contact me anytime. I am always happy to answer any question you may have to make sure you are as prepared, and comfortable as possible to march with Motor City Percussion.
Aaron Swick – Director, Motor City Percussion
Contact – director@motorcitypercussion.com, aswick@motorcitypercussion.com