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2025 AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

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• Thank you for your interest in the United Percussion and Arts, Inc. 2025 season. Auditions for United Percussion World and United Percussion 2 will be on Sunday, September 22nd, 2024 from 9am-6pm at Eastern High School in Voorhees, NJ. Callbacks will be on Sunday, September 29th, 2024. The first rehearsal for both groups will be Sunday, October 13, 2024.

• There is one audition packet for both ensembles. Each audition packet contains an audition guide, sheet music and audio files. Battery audition materials feature video tutorials for select content. This content was performed by select members of the United Percussion cast. The videos will undoubtedly aid you in your audition journey. You can only obtain this material by registering. As always, registering is free for the current season. The audition fee is on sale for $60 until September 2, 2024. Thereafter the fee will be $75.

• INSTRUCTIONS: In order to download the combined audition packet, you must register. Once registered, you should “add to cart” and checkout. You will receive an e-mail containing a secure link for download. This link is only valid for 24 hours from delivery. If you do not download within 24 hours, and the link invalidates, please contact info@unitedpercussion.org for re-delivery. The download link re-directs to a .zip file so it is highly recommended to download from a desktop device. You can register by simply clicking on the section button you wish to audition for. We do not charge a separate fee for packets/registration. We ask that anyone who downloads a packet and does not audition to please consider a small donation. (Please make sure your registered email and cell phone information is accurate as it will be used for pre-audition communication. It will not be shared outside of the organization).

• After completing your registration and download, we ask that you pay the audition fee. The fee is required prior to auditioning and is non-refundable. You may pay by using the button below. Once you have registered and paid, you will receive an outline of the plan and the protocols for the audition.

• Auditioning is a great way to obtain high level evaluation and feedback (even if you cannot march this season). We offer performance opportunities in 2 groups, United Percussion World and United Percussion 2. Leading up to the audition, you can submit any questions to info@unitedpercussion.org or to our staff listed in your packets. We encourage all prospective members to link themselves to our social media accounts in order to network with other former, current, and future members. Connect with us on our official Facebook, Twitter or Instagram pages. We highly encourage you to subscribe to our YouTube channel as we will be releasing tutorials and helpful audition information. We also have a 2025 interest group on Facebook that you can join here. Snares/Tenors/Keyboard Players - We also require that you prepare a short audition piece. The piece should be at least 30 sec-1 minute in length and should "showcase" your talents for the staff. If you have other talents, unrelated to percussion, be sure to let us know!

• All prospective members will also be tested on performance, acting and stage presence. How you present and communicate your technical ability is a BIG part of the process.

• Positions are available in every section within both ensembles and open to anyone between the ages of 14-22 (must be no older than 22 on April 1st, 2025). For 2025, we are also accepting registrations from talented solo performers. This includes, Vocalists, Woodwinds, Brass, specialty instruments, A/V technicians, and other talents. If you have a special ability, and would like to join United, please contact us by emailing info@unitedpercussion.org prior to September 1, 2024.

• In short - Step 1: Register; Step 2: Pay the audition fee ; Step 3: Attend.

• U.S. Military veterans may be granted one (1) year of eligibility immediately following their end of active service. To qualify, individual must have enlisted prior to their 19th birthday, served for no less than four (4) years, and must have been honorably discharged or medically separated. Veteran must submit a copy of their discharge papers and separation documents to WGI prior to December 1 to qualify.

• NEW 2025: United will be auditioning Visual Performers for the 2025 season. We are also accepting registrations from talented solo performers. This includes, Vocalists, Woodwinds, Brass, specialty instruments, A/V technicians, and other talents. If you have a special ability, and would like to join United, please contact us by emailing info@unitedpercussion.org prior to September 1, 2024

• We accept video auditions for those who have an unavoidable conflict. Below, you will find our guidelines for preparing a successful and complete audition video.

  1. Register and download the audition packet for your section or sections of choice below.

  2. Pay the audition fee and indicate in the notes section at checkout that this is a video audition. You must pay the audition fee prior to submission and must submit your videos by a date to be determined.

  3. Record an introduction of yourself and your videos of each of the exercises and upload to a shareable website. You don't have to do more than 1 or 2 reps of each exercise. Include a video of your extra talents, solo, or something you want to show off. Make sure we can see everything you want us to.

  4. Send the link(s) to info@unitedpercussion.org with the subject <your full name>2024 UP Video Audition. Auditions are open to everyone and the packet will contain all the instructions you need to audition and get evaluation.

  5. We will contact you after evaluating your videos with feedback and further instructions on involvement with United Percussion and Arts, Inc.

• We understand that we are still dealing with some COVID risks and challenges. All audition attendees must be COVID free in order to attend. We ask that you follow our COVID-19 plan.

FAQ's

I have marching band practice/other commitments on audition day, what should I do?

United understands that many of our potential members march and/or teach. Simply email the staff at info@unitedpercussion.org and advise us of your situation. We will work with you toward your goal.

How old do I have to be to audition for United Percussion?

Auditions are open to anyone. In order to march UPW or UP2, you must be between the ages of 14-22. If you are a member of the military and enlisted at age 18, you may be eligible for the "military exception". This allows you 1 year of eligibility immediately after completion of your service. Please contact us at info@unitedpercussion.org to determine your eligibility status.  

I am trying out for United Percussion, what should I bring to the audition?

You will need drumsticks/mallets, water, and lunch. If you are trying out for the keyboard section, we will have mallets for you to use but encourage you to bring your own. If you are trying out for snare, tenor and/or bass, you should bring your own drumsticks. If you have your own drum and stand, please feel free to bring it. If you are trying out for the cymbal line, there will be cymbals available for use, but you are more than welcome to bring your own set. Potential members should also dress appropriate for the weather and also for a short movement related block with appropriate footwear (no jeans, jean shorts, or cargo shorts). Additionally, please make sure that you review the COVID-19 protocols. You will need to be COVID free to audition. If accepted to either group, all members and staff will be required to be fully vaccinated.
 

I am involved in other music related activities (e.g. winter ensembles, drum corps, etc.). Can I still do United Percussion?

Yes. Most of United's members are full-time college or high school students who also participate in DCI, DCA, or other music-oriented programs within their schools. United encourages our members to participate in "Music and Art" related activities and, in most cases, can coordinate a schedule with your outside activity to allow dual participation. 

When do rehearsals begin and end?

United practices on some weekends in the fall, with almost all weekends in the winter. The practice season begins at the end of October and lasts until WGI World Championships in April 2025. The unit practices primarily on weekends, with the exception of our December move-in camp, March spring break camp, and WGI World Championships week. You will find a tentative 2025 schedule on our website shortly.

I really want to join United Percussion but I have some prior commitments that conflict with the schedule, what should I do?

In such a case, you should immediately bring the conflict(s) to our attention. Depending on the conflict(s), we may be able to work out a schedule for participation. 

Where does United Percussion rehearse? I live outside the suburban Philadelphia area, is United too far for me to travel?

United rehearses in locations central to the Philadelphia area. For those who will be taking public transportation we highly suggest traveling to 30th Street Station in Philadelphia. From there you will be able to easily carpool to the rehearsal locations. Member carpools are consistently available.  

UP has had many members from Maryland, Delaware, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Maine, Rhode Island, Virginia and Pennsylvania. We have some members who drive or carpool 10 hours round trip and some who travel 45 minutes. We have even had members move from Texas, Japan and Taiwan to New Jersey to march. If you have a desire to march, it can happen.

How much does it cost to be a member of United Percussion?

We pride ourselves on keeping the cost to march as low as we can. 2024 tour fees for UPW and UP2 were $1550 for new members and $1450 for veterans and DCI World Class Finalists. 2025 tour fees will be announced shortly. The tour schedule will be finalized once local circuits and WGI schedules are finalized. In addition to the dues, you will be required to participate in unit fundraisers and separately pay for your cost to the WGI World Championships. Depending on the schedule, there are times when there may be a travel fee associated with an out of area Regional Championship (for example, if we travel to Dayton, OH for a regional, you can expect a travel fee). Dues are paid monthly from November to March to help manage costs. Additionally, you should plan to pay for your own uniform, performance shoes, and food. Fundraising and sponsorship opportunities are available. In our region, you will not find a better bang for your buck than United.

Does United Percussion provide housing or transportation?

While we do NOT provide transportation or housing, we CAN assist you with coordinating them. If you are coming from out of town prior to the audition, simply email info@unitedpercussion.org and let us know. We can also assist with those wishing to move to the area to march. The Philadelphia region is a great place to live, work and/or attend school.

*all images via Josh Clements, Julia Wehrer, Jon Braude and United Percussion.