Here are some things to know
Q. How old do I have to be to audition and march?
A. Anyone not older than 21 years of age as of April 1st of any given year and at least 14 years of age is eligible to be a member of RPT. However, being offered a contract to be with the group is not only dependent on age, but also on your levels of achievement, attitude, and accountability. RPT does not discriminate based on gender, religion, race, sexuality, ethnicity, or socio-economic status.
Q. I’m not sure that I’ll make the group. Should I audition anyway?
A. Absolutely! We are a TEACHING organization, and never turn anyone away solely dependent on talent. We will offer a spot to those that are committed and want to work hard. Although we cannot guarantee that the spot will be the one you originally auditioned for, we will find a spot for you that best applies to your talent, your growth and for the benefit of the entire ensemble. We believe strongly in the musical and personal growth of students, at all skill levels. We strive to have every auditionee leave a RPT Percussion audition clinic feeling great. We want to make you a smarter musician. A more confident performer. A stronger leader. And of course, we want you to meet other like-minded students and make some new friends during the process
Q. Is it possible to march and attend school/college ?
A. Nearly every performing member of RPT is a full-time high school and/or college student. Participating in RPT will teach a member how to balance his or her life so he or she is successful in both school and RPT. This balance is a strong value we like to teach our members, as it is something a member will implement in life after becoming a RPT Percussion alumnus. We only accept the most responsible, mature, and motivated high school /college students. You must be able to manage your schedule, your practice habits, your finances, and your grades. We are sensitive to the schedule of high school band programs and you are expected to attend all "required" high school band functions. You have to keep an open line of communication with the Director(s) and staff to make sure that conflicts between the two groups are at a minimum.
*** PLEASE NOTE: RPT PERCUSSION RESPECTS ALL FLORIDA BAND MASTER (FBA) AND FMEA MUSIC EDUCATION/STANDARDS EVENTS (FMEA) AND WILL ALWAYS DEFER TO SAME WHENEVER POTENTIAL SCHEDULING CONFLICTS MAY ARISE ****
Q. What if I want to march drum corps?
A. We encourage drum corps participation. We try and help by communicating directly with the corps to work out schedule conflicts. Most corps are flexible with the indoor activity. The most important thing is communication!
Q. Is it possible to march and have a job?
A. Yes, if a work schedule does not interfere with RPT’s rehearsal and performance schedule. Although RPT will always try to accommodate a member’s school scheduling conflict (e.g., percussion recital held the day of a rehearsal/MPA), RPT does not consider a work scheduling conflict a valid excuse to miss an RPT rehearsal and/or a performance. Members are expected to give their employer a copy of their schedule and work out their work schedule
Q. Is talent the primary audition requirement, or is attitude and improvement considered?
A. Talent is important, but it is certainly not the only criterion. Attitude is equally important and your improvement between camps will show the staff your potential for growth.
Q. What are RPT Percussion rehearsals like?
A. The atmosphere in rehearsal is very goal-oriented and focused on achieving excellence in performance, musicianship, and athleticism. We give plenty of breaks to our members to support the members’ health, something we care very strongly about. Members leave a rehearsal weekend feeling fulfilled, engaged, and eager to return the following weekend.
Q. What’s the rehearsal schedule like?
A. During November , rehearsals are on Sundays from 10am-7pm. December we add Saturdays 10am-9pm and alternating Sunday's 10am-5pm. Starting in January, the beginning of the competitive portion of the year, the ensemble will have rehearsals and/or performances every weekend. Prior to a major competition we will add a Friday night music rehearsal on. There is also two major weekend camps during the season consisting of Friday evening , all day Saturday and Sunday and a 2 day visual staging rehearsal during the Holiday break. The full calendar can be found at: https://rptpercussionflorida.com/calendar
Q. How much are fees?
A. Musician Membership tuition for the 2023-2024 season is $1850.00 and paid in 5 monthly payment installments for those that cannot pay in one lump sum.
Visual Ensemble tuition for the 2023-2024 season is $1650.00 and paid in 5 monthly payment installments for those that cannot pay in one lump sum
BREAKDOWN OF PAYMENTS
- Registration Fee - $50.00
- Commitment Fee - $350.00(with signed contract) November
- 5-Tuition Payments - $295.00 - Musician / $265.00 - Visual December thru April
This covers instruction, design, entry and membership fees for FFCC & WGI, Dayton Ohio trip (transportation, housing ,rehearsal, meals ,etc.) costumes, instruments and repairs, sticks, mallets, floor/tarp, sound equipment, props, insurance, travel expenses, health and wellness supplies, and more.
**NOTE: RPT Percussion does everything we can to keep expenses low to help keep the membership fees down. The instructional staff and support team donate much of their time and sometimes money, to the ensemble each season to ensure a low cost program.
Q. Are there any other expenses that members may have throughout the year?
A. All equipment required for performance is provided through the membership fees. Not included in the membership fees are expenses for NON-required items such as merchandise, meals, and the member jacket (approx. $90.00)
Q. What if I can’t afford to march?
A. We offer multiple fundraisers thru the season and strongly encourage all to participate . Also seeking sponsorship from family, fiends and outside sources such as businesses. We are a 501(c)3 non profit organization under the Paradigm Performance Ensemble, Inc and donations are tax deductible.
Q: How can I get a ride to practice?
A. Members are REQUIRED to make sure they have reliable transportation to and from rehearsals, fundraisers, and most local competitions. Typically, members will carpool with other members in their area. Members have also taken buses, trains, bikes to rehearsal. We do our best to assist to make sure our members have a ride to the rehearsal site or to help set up a carpool. We also ask parents to help to car pool members to local events, if our van is not available. Transportation to FFCC Championships in Daytona and WGI Championships in Dayton Ohio are provided by RPT Percussion.
Q. My family wants to help, what do you need?
A. We encourage all members to get their parents involved in the RPT Parents/Support group. This group helps get us on and off the floor at all shows, helps sew uniforms and build props and paint and provide meals at Monster Camp. Parent support is an integral part of any marching organization. If you wish to help with RPT Percussion in any way please contact:
