- Frequently Asked Questions -
How do I become a member?
Attend our clinic and auditions, which will be announced at a later time and will take place in the mid-to-late Fall of each year.
Will my high school program interfere with Breakthrough?
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 option before auditioning for Breakthrough. If your school offers an applicable similar program (i.e. High School winter drumline/indoor percussion unit), under the WGAZ/WGI rules you must receive a waiver from your band director in order to participate in an independent line (i.e. Breakthrough) within the circuit. We are also sensitive to high school programs that participate in concert band, jazz band and solo and ensemble contests throughout the Spring and you are expected to attend all high school functions. We will gladly work with you and your time conflicts provided they are brought to our attention well in advance. We will discuss this topic and answer any and all questions you have at our auditions and clinic in the fall of 2021
How often are practices?
We will discuss this topic and answer any and all questions you have at our auditions and clinic in the fall.
Will this interfere with Drum Corps?
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 - Again, please bring time conflicts to our attention well in advance and there will be no conflict in your participation in both Breakthrough and your chosen Drum Corps.
Will Breakthrough interfere with extracurricular activities?
We do not hold practices during the school week except for Friday evenings. If you play a sport and/or have an activity that has conflicts with Friday's - 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. Early communication is key with scheduling numerous activities such as this scenario.
Can my parents/family help out with the ensemble?
We encourage all members of Breakthrough to get their parents/families/friends 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/mend uniforms, builds props, hosts and assists with fundraisers, helps with member housing/transportation and a large number of other supportive things. Without parent/family support, we would absolutely not be possible. We want members, parents, and their families to become part of the Breakthrough family!
How can I get a ride to practice?
We have members coming from all over Arizona. Getting a ride to practice 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.
What is the size of the ensemble?
Breakthrough Indoor owns a complete battery of: 10 snares, 6 tenors, 6 basses, and 8 cymbals. We also own a complete front ensemble of: 5 - 6 marimbas, 4 - 5 vibes, timpani, bells, chimes, 2 xylophones, drumset(s), complete electronic equipment as well as an entirely overstocked set of auxiliary equipment. We have enough instruments to field an ensemble of 40+. You can see that we are well equipped to support and "field" a large ensemble.
What grips does the ensemble use?
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.