Welcome back to the Chops blog. Audition season for indoor percussion is upon us and many of you may be considering marching in an Independent percussion ensemble this winter. Indoor percussion, although a relatively young activity, has become very popular, both locally and nationally, over the past 10-15 years. Over this time, many “Independent” ensembles have been started to give percussionists the opportunity to continue performing after they graduate from high school. It also gives those whose high schools do not have a performing ensemble, an opportunity to join and experience the thrill of performing in an indoor percussion ensemble. For those of you not familiar with this, there are “Scholastic” and “Independent” classifications in indoor percussion. Here is the class description from the WGI website:

Scholastic – units whose membership comes from the SAME High School or a school that feeds to that particular High School.

Independent – units whose members are not necessarily associated with a particular school.

The units are then further divided into classes:

• A Class – Beginning programs and performers.
• Open Class – The intermediate developmental level of performers.
• World Class – The most advanced programs and performers.
The Percussion division also offers Scholastic Concert Classes for units who do not include marching in their programs.

For performers in and around Indiana, there are Independent ensembles based out of Indiana that you might want to check out.

Legacy Indoor Percussion (Indianapolis, IN) – Independent World Class (PIW)
Legacy Open (Indianapolis, IN) – Independent Open Class (PIO)
INov8 Percussion (Floyds Knobs, IN) – Independent Open Class (PIO)
Marian Knight Star Percussion (Indianapolis, IN) – Independent A Class (PIA)

There are also many other ensembles within driving distance that may have spots available for the upcoming season. It’s best to keep your options open and don’t limit yourself to just one group you’d like to march with. If you’re in northern or southern Indiana, look up some of the ensembles from surrounding states. You might be a lot closer to one than you think!
If you marched in high school, and miss the rush of performing, get out there and audition and find your place to perform again. You won’t regret it!

For more information on ensembles, audition dates, schedues and more visit the WGI website.

If you go to an audition, let us know on our Facebook page! If you wear a Chops Percussion shirt, be sure to post a pic to our Facebook or Twitter page!