All new brass candidates are required to submit a 2008 Membership/Medical Application. Along with your application, please include an $100 registration fee (we accept check or money order, or you may call the office at (803) 547-2270 and pay by credit/debit card) and mail to:
Carolina Crown
atten: 2008 Brass Auditions
227A Main Street
Fort Mill, SC 29715
Once we have received your application and fee we will send you an e-mail with the appropriate audition packet attachment in PDF format (you must perform the REQUIRED audition music). The $100 is waived for all returning members, however, we require returning members to fill out a new 2008 form so that we have your most current information on file.
*If you require a PDF reader program, visit www.adobe.com to download the most current reader for your computer.
For a more in-depth look at our audition materials please visit the MEMBERSHIP INFO page on the Carolina Crown website.
THE AUDITION PROCESS
Throughout all audition camps, you will be evaluated on tone quality, range, articulation, flexibility, overall musicianship, and the ability to move your feet and play at the same time. You can also expect to be evaluated by the visual faculty at some point during the audition process. In addition to music and marching skills, expect to be assessed with regard to your work ethic, attitude, and character.
Carolina Crown believes in developing skills for the future. We want to provide you with as much constructive information as possible so that you may continue to grow as a musician. Regardless of the fact that you may, or may not earn a spot in the organization, we want to make sure that you have the knowledge and tools necessary to become a better player.
Please be certain to bring the following items to your audition: a mouthpiece; your primary instrument (there will be more people than horns at the early camps – please bring an instrument if at all possible – if your primary instrument is trombone you may audition on that instrument); a 3-ring binder with sheet protectors, and a pencil. If you have any questions, please contact the crown office (crown@carolinacrown.org) and they will direct you to the appropriate personnel.
*Once we receive your Application/Medical Application and your $100 Application Fee we will send you your audition materials.
Here are some frequently asked questions that may help you understand our organization a little better.
• Do I audition at one single camp, or do I have to attend all of the camps?
You are expected to attend all of the camps that are scheduled for your particular section. The audition process spans several camps and involves the evaluation of many aspects that include, but are not limited to: talent; skill; physical condition; attendance; participation; improvement; work ethic; and attitude. We typically begin offering membership to students in the month of February.
• What if I cannot attend a camp or because of a school conflict?
Although everyone is required to be at every camp, pre-arranged school commitments take precedent over drum corps activities. We want you to be successful in drum corps AND school. Most school events are posted on the district or campus schedule months in advance – sometimes up to a year. It is your responsibility to communicate any possible conflicts with the Crown administration AND your Caption Supervisor at the first camp. If you find that you must miss a camp, an audio/video tape may be submitted to demonstrate your progress. This should be arranged with your caption supervisor and the Crown office. *Some sections may require a tape (audio) to be made even if you do attend the camp.
• What if I have a conflict with attending a rehearsal camp for reasons that are not necessarily school related?
Those types of instances will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Regardless of the reason, if you have a camp conflict you should strive to attend as much of that camp weekend as possible.
• What if I still owe money to the last corps I marched with?
Unfortunately, you will not be permitted to participate in Carolina Crown until you have fulfilled all financial commitments to any previous drums corps you have participated in.
• What should I bring?
Everyone should bring the following items to your first Carolina Crown full weekend camp: sleeping bag, pillow, towel, toiletries, clothes you can move in (sweats, T-shirts, shorts, tennis shoes, etc.), a completed membership application and medical form (with the appropriate signature), your registration fee of $100.00 (new members only), and your camp fee of $75.00 (Note - the camp fee for our remote one-day audition events are $40). Depending on your caption, you should bring the following items to camp:
BRASS - marching brass instrument (you can audition on trombone if that is your main instrument), mouthpiece, white gloves, your audition packet, and a sturdy binder with plastic sleeves/sheet protectors for your music
• Will I be proved transportation to the camp location if I fly or take a bus in to Charlotte?
Yes. We will make arrangements to transport you from the Charlotte Douglas International Airport , Rock Hill Greyhound Station, or Charlotte Amtrak Station. We will also arrange to take you back to those locations on Sunday after camp. Please notify the office a minimum of 3 days prior to the camp of your transportation needs.
• Where do I eat, sleep, and rehearse when I am with the corps for the weekend camps?
Carolina Crown utilizes various area schools and their facilities for our camps. Food is provided by the corps for your entire weekend. The corps has a full service mobile "kitchen" staffed with volunteers who will prepare a snack Friday evening, three meals and a snack on Saturday, and breakfast and a snack on Sunday. You will be sleeping in the school gym (or similar size area) "camping style" using a pillow and sleeping bag. You will have access to the school locker rooms for showers.
• Are my parents invited?
Absolutely! Parents are encouraged to attend every camp. Carolina Crown administrators and other volunteers will be in attendance at all auditions to answer questions. Parents are offered the use of separate sleeping quarters in the school and there are numerous volunteer positions available for parents to fill. Bring a sleeping bag and "pitch-in" for the weekend!
• What if my parents would like to talk to someone about the corps?
Parents who have questions are encouraged to contact the Crown office. The office is usually open Monday - Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Feel free to email questions to crown@carolinacrown.org or call 803-547-2270.
• How many spots are open in the corps?
There are 150 total spots open in the corps. We will also carry a select few alternates with us on tour as well. Every student must audition for the corps each year, including returning members.
• What is Carolina Crown?
Carolina Crown is a non-profit youth organization committed to "Developing lifelong excellence in young people through a superior and challenging performing arts education experience." Although we are involved with the development of numerous other youth-arts related activities, the drum corps is the largest program offering of Carolina Crown, Inc. |
