What should I do to prepare for the audition?

1) You must fill out the Audition Registration form located on the home page of www.elanyoutharts.org. If you are auditioning for Élan Percussion, once registration has been completed, you will be prompted to select the instrument audition packet of your choice for download.

2) Practice, practice, practice!!! The amount of time you put in rehearsing and being prepared may propel you on the day of auditions. Additionally, your level of preparedness demonstrates your work ethic and drive to be a part of Élan Percussion and Élan Winterguard. The audition process will also include visual elements, in which you are highly encouraged to practice playing on the move (tracking).

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When will I be notified if I get a call-back?

At the end of the first audition date, all participants will be notified if they are, 1) Being called back for the instrument they were auditioning for, or, 2) Invited to come back to audition on a different instrument, at the recommendation of the Élan Percussion staff members.

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If offered a spot, will I be handed a contract?
If offered a spot, an Élan Youth Arts Member Handbook & Contract will be emailed to you, which it is your responsibility to print the handbook, read through it in its entirety, and sign and return the contract to the Élan staff. A valid email must be provided in order to receive the member Handbook & Contract.

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If contracted, can I just quit?

It is important to understand your contract is a legally binding document and the terms must be honored. However, if in the rare event or circumstance a contracted member must separate him or herself from the organization, a formal withdrawal form must be completed, which will be provided by the Élan Youth Arts administration. Outstanding debts will have to be paid to the Élan Youth Arts organization. 

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Can I be in Élan while attending College?

Absolutely. You are encouraged to be in school or have a job while participating as a performer in Élan. Rehearsals and performances will only take place on weekends, with exception to the week of WGI Championships in Dayton, OH. Please be prepared to travel during the week. Use your best judgement with school and work related matters...missing WGI Championships is not an option. A season calendar is available on our "Calendar" page at www.elanyoutharts.org.

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Can I still teach a high school program?

With the knowledge and experience you will gain from being in Élan Percussion or Élan Winterguard, it is our hope that you would continue your role as an educator, should you already be in such a position.

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Can I be a high school student and be a member of Élan?

Yes. However, according to the current Winter Guard International Policy manual:

"WGI discourages independent ensembles from utilizing membership composed of any high school students who were previously enrolled in an active high school program and have not yet graduated."

Élan will in no way recruit students from local high school programs that have a competitive

indoor percussion program. Élan believes that by helping the local high school programs grow, all organizations will prosper in the future. If your current high school program does NOT have an indoor percussion ensemble or indoor Winterguard program, then you are welcome to audition for a spot with Élan.

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Is Talent the primary audition requirement, or is attitude and improvement considered?

Talent is important, but it is certainly not the only criterion. Attitude is extremely important, and your improvement between camps/auditions will show the Élan staff that you have potential for growth.

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Do I need to show up to every rehearsal?

Yes, all rehearsals and camp weekends are mandatory! It is your responsibility to sort out potential conflicts with work schedules, or other conflicts. However, as a general policy, if you are a high school student and your music program has an event or performance, Élan’s position is that your school event has the priority. In such occasions, we will work with you and your high school music Director to the best of our ability to accommodate any performance schedule conflicts.

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How much does audition and enrollment cost?

 

ÉLAN PERCUSSION:

 

The audition registration fee is $30 online. The total amount for tuition is as follows:

 

Tuition Schedule 1:

ALL Members: $3,000.00

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ÉLAN WINTERGUARD

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The audition registration fee per day (3 individual days) is $20.00 online, or a bundled discount rate of $50.00 for all 3 days.

 

Tuition Schedule 1:

ALL Members: $2,400.00

 

Funds collected from tuition are allocated for the purchase of instruments, uniforms, sticks, mallets, heads, props, truck rentals, competition registration fees, insurance, facilities fees, and operational costs.

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Does tuition have to be paid upfront?

No. The tuition schedule has been broken down into manageable monthly payments, which the payment schedule is listed in the Élan Percussion Member Handbook & Contract packet as well as the Calendar on the website. But, if you are in a position to pay it in one lump sum, you are more than welcome to do so. 

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What other expenses do we have throughout the year?

The tuition covers a majority of the expenses, but every member will need to purchase uniform shoes (we will announce during the season) and we estimate they will cost between $50.00 - $100.00. Performers will be responsible for their own meals as they will not be provided for any rehearsals or performances.

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Are there fundraising opportunities?

Yes. Our Fundraising Coordinator will designate fundraising opportunities throughout the season. Historically, members that minimally participate in the offered fundraising efforts raise on average approximately 9%-10% of their tuition cost.

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Additionally, all members of Élan Percussion will be responsible for a mandatory $200.00 fundraising contribution, and all members of Élan Winterguard will be responsible for a mandatory $200.00 fundraising contribution.

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What is the rehearsal and performance schedule for the season?

The Calendar tab contains the rehearsal and performance schedule for the season. Please note all dates and locations are subject to change. 

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Are masks required at all times?

No, but it is highly recommended to wear a mask.

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Does my contract guarantee going to Dayton, OH for WGI Championships?

No. While the administration will take every step possible to make the travel to Dayton, OH a reality, your contract does not guarantee the trip. In the event the trip to Dayton, OH for WGI championships is canceled, tuition will be adjusted to reflect costs minus the Dayton travel.

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Can I participate in WGI Championships in Dayton, OH if I'm behind in my tuition?

No. With the financial demand it takes to make the trip tp Dayton, OH possible, every member has to be current with their tuition in order to secure their participation.