It's that time of year again, time to prepare for the 2008 edition of the Northgate Marching Band. Auditions for the 2008 Percussion section are about to begin. The Percussion section has established a tradition of excellence by setting a high standard of performance. The benefits of participating are far more than just music related; being a member of the marching band requires teamwork, dedication, responsibility, perseverance and attention to detail. These are all skill that are necessary for success in life.

So why should I join?
The band program at Northgate is one of the most successful organizations in the entire school. Every member contributes from they day they join, so you have a role in the success of the group.

Is it easy being in marching band?
NO!! There is a standard that has been set and that everyone is expected to live up to. That standard will not be lowered!! Some people will tell you to do you best and that will be good enough, that's wrong. To be able to truly do your best you must learn how far you can push yourself and how to overcome adversity when it shows up, because it will. When you've given all you can give then you have done your best, we will help you to learn where that point is.

I'm not sure I'm good enough to join.
Being a member of the marching band will allow for more direct instruction on percussion instruments. The percussion instructors are only concerned with teaching the percussion section. We teach a technique that is meant to translate to all fields of percussion, there will be no drumline technique and then a separate concert band technique. It all translates for all percussion instruments. Also, having percussion instructors available will increase your learning curve. You will learn more in the first semester of high school than you did in your entire middle school career. The main reason is the availability of the percussion staff.

Are the spring rehearsals important?
YES!!
1. We have a very specific approach to playing, without the correct explanation you will have a very difficult time transitioning into the high school program.
2. This is the only audition we have for the Fall Percussion section. Unless you move in from another school or there is a very special circumstance, there will not be another chance to audition.
If you miss the spring auditions and are allowed to try out at a later date you will be placed in the front ensemble, all battery percussion positions (snare drum, multi tom, bass drum) will be set based on the spring auditions only.

I will be a freshmen in the fall, what are the chances I'll be able to march snare drum?
First off, the one thing that everyone must understand is that one instrument is not better than another. Because you play snare drum in the marching band doesn't mean you are "first chair" or the best player. All instruments in the percussion section are important for the success of the ensemble. We will place people where they best fit in the group. If you have trouble counting rhythms then bass drum may not be the best position for you because the bass drum line is made up of 4 or 5 individuals who must count their rhythms to make the entire bass part complete. We will be able to evaluate individual abilities during the audition process. Part of our accessment will include improvement from the 1st to the last rehearsal. Also, marching fundamentals will be introduced and a basic understanding must be demonstrated. We are looking for a combination of musical talent and the ability to learn the marching aspect also. After all, the title says marching band.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact the staff at director@celeritypercussiontheatre.org or percussion@northgateband.org. Both email addresses are checked, the first one more frequently than the second.

Please bring marching snare drum sticks, you can purchase them at Newnan Music or any other local music store. Preferred brand is Vic Firth. Cost should be between $7 and $9. If they are priced at more than $9 then you shouldn't buy them from that store.

Please download copies of the exercises and bring them to each rehearsal. It is the policy of the Northgate Percussion staff to require each member to be responsibility for his or her music. The 1st copy of everything we hand out is free of charge, if you forget or lose your must there is a charge of $1 per page for each piece of music you must receive from an instructor. Everyone will be required to purchase a 3 ring binder and sheet protectors for the marching season to ensure that all music is available and in readable form for all rehearsals.