If you still have questions after reading the information below, feel free to send an email to info@rcrperc.org.

Below are some answers to common questions:

Q:  Who is eligible to join?

A:  RCR’s only solid stipulation is that students are of a certain age.  School and location do not matter.  Any student interested in trying out must be at least 13 as of August 31, 2009 and must not be older than 22 as of March 31, 2010.  Beyond that, RCR is interested in dedicated individuals with great attitudes who are willing to come to each rehearsal prepared and ready to work!

Q:  Where are you located? Do I live too far away?

A:  Our rehearsals will take place in Big Lake.  Your location doesn’t matter; anyone willing to make the commute to each rehearsal is welcome to participate.  And since each rehearsal is only once per week for a large block of time, a longer commute isn’t such a big obstacle to overcome.

Q:  What experience do I need to have?

A:  The great thing about RCR is that no specific experience is required to participate.  Music-reading abilities are a definite plus, but are not specifically required.  Nor are students required to have percussion experience.  If, for example, you play clarinet but are interested in marching percussion, you are quite welcome to join.  It is the job of the staff to teach the relevant details, such as technique, for each instrument.  This is an excellent opportunity to enhance your music, marching, or performance skills!

Q:  What experience does the staff have?

A:  The whole staff has experienced success at the high school and drum corps levels.  They have worked together in the past and are excited to start this new venture!  Be sure to see visit the staff page.

Q:  Will this interfere with my school’s summer/fall band schedule? What about concert ensembles?

A:  RCR has no intention of interfering with any current music activity.  We see ourselves as a complement to your school’s music experience.  Though we work hard to avoid any conflicts, if any do arise, we ask that the student make their school’s event the priority, which is one reason why we’ve created the rehearsal and season schedule as we have.

Q:  My school already has a drumline or percussion ensemble. Can I still join?

A:  Absolutely you can.  You are welcome to do both!  However, RCR does ask that you make your school’s drumline or percussion ensemble the priority, and that your instructor(s) give you permission to do so.  Also, you may not leave your school’s ensemble to participate in RCR.  We respect scholastic programs and recognize that it is because of those scholastic programs that RCR can exist!

Q:  How much does it cost?

A:  The fee will depend on a number of factors, the main one being how many students participate.  This amount will be announced at the start of the season.  We understand the financial backgrounds of those that are eligible to participate and try to take every measure to keep the costs down as much as possible.  We will definitely be competitive with other current scholastic and independent ensemble fees.

Q:  When will the rehearsals be held?

A:  Every Sunday 1:00 – 8:00 (with a one-hour break from 4:00 – 5:00).

Q:  When does the season start and end?

A:  The season starts on November 8th and will run through March, culminating in MPA State Finals and then the WGI World Championships!

Q:  Will RCR be participating in the WGI World Championships?

A:  YES, absolutely!!