Program Info

Breakthrough Indoor percussion’s season will take place from early November through early April, and we will be competing both locally and nationally. Competitions will take place from early January – Early April in both Arizona and California.

FAQ

Q: How do I become a member?

A: Breakthrough Indoor Percussion is an audition only independent indoor drumline. This year, our inaugural season audition will take place in November and at that time you are encouraged to audition for the instrument that most suits your abilities.

Q: Will my high school program interfere with Breakthrough?

A: We encourage all prospective members to participate in their high school programs and make those programs priority. If your high school offers an indoor drumline program then you are expected to consider this before auditioning for Breakthrough. If your school offers a program, under the WGAZ/WGI rules you must receive a waiver from your band director in order to participate in an independent line within the circuit. We are also sensitive to high school programs that participate in concert band and solo and ensemble contests and you are expected to attend all high school functions and we will help work around those for you.

Q: How often are practices?

A: We rehearse primarily on Fridays, Saturday’s and Sundays. This allows members that instruct/participate in high school ensembles time to prepare them and take care of those duties for Saturday shows. Please check the schedule (Will be posted in early October) for full camp weekend dates.

Q: Will this interfere with Drum Corps?

A: We anticipate many members of Breakthrough being involved in drum corps both locally and around the country. We encourage everyone to march during the summer months, as it provides valuable experience. We will do our best to work around drum corps camp schedules.

Q: How much are fees?

A: Audition fee for the audition/tryout camp is $20 (which will cover your audition, lunch, and a Breakthrough Indoor Percussion T-Shirt). Season Fees are TBA (Tentatively $400/Per member, but nothing has been confirmed yet).

Q: Do you offer fundraisers?

A: We offer a multiple fundraisers during the season which help drive down fees. Please do not rely totally on fundraisers due to the nature of fundraising. Information will be coming soon.

Q: Will Breakthrough interfere with extra curricular activities?

A: We will rarely hold practices during the school week except for Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. If you play a sport that has conflicts with Fridays – Sunday’s then it will be difficult (but not impossible) to join Breakthrough. Contact us and we will do our best to work with you on scheduling.

Q: Can my parents help out with the ensemble?

A: We encourage all members to get their parents involved with the Breakthrough Indoor Percussion support group/booster club. This group helps get us off and on the floor at all shows, helps sew uniforms and build props and paint. Without parent support we would absolutely not be possible.

Q: How can I get a ride to practice?

A: We have members coming from all over Arizona and the surrounding states. Getting a ride once you make the ensemble is usually not a problem. In the event that you make the ensemble and no one is coming from your area you are still responsible for getting to and from practice.

Q: What is the ensemble size?

A: Breakthrough Indoor Percussion owns a complete battery of 8 snares, 4 tenors, and 5 basses and 8 cymbals. We also own a complete front ensemble of 2 marimbas, 2 vibes, timpani, bells, 2 xylophones as well and an entire set of auxiliary equipment. We have enough instruments to field an ensemble of 40+.

Q: What grips does the ensemble use?

A: The snare line plays traditional grip. The keyboards use both Burton and Stevens grip. if you are not familiar with these techniques they will be explained at the audition camp.