-What is Indoor Drumline?
Indoor Drumline consists of a front ensemble or pit (marimbas, vibraphones, timpani, electric keyboard, guitar, drumset and lots of aux percussion) and the battery (bass drum, tenors and snare drums). It is a competitive performance group that utilizes elements of a stage musical (theater and drama) combined with marching and movement on a designed floor mat. These themed performances are conducted indoors in gymnasiums during the winter season. The shows generally provide the audience with a moving visual experience that tells a story based on the music. The group will perform at approximately 5 competitions (some with the Georgia Indoor Percussion Association and some with Winter Guard International) and one to three venue performances (Taste of Collins Hill being one) throughout the season.
Indoor Drumline is a lot like marching band but just for percussion. The Collins Hill Indoor Drumline mission is to provide an educational and positive environment for all students by performing high quality, entertaining shows that all audience members can enjoy. For more info visit the organizations we are a part of: www.wgi.org and www.gipacircuit.org
-Why should my child join?
Indoor Drumline provides an opportunity for the percussion section to be featured the entire show. This provides the students with the opportunity to improve on their instrument and grow as a featured performer. Musical and physical demand is much higher than most marching band elements.
Indoor drumline also provides a great environment for team building. At Collins Hill we have a unique environment where students from several schools can collaborate together.
Numerous past CHHS indoor participants have moved on to compete with world class indoor groups and have successfully attained music scholarships for college.
-Who can join Indoor Drumline?
Anyone interested in the Indoor Drumline is welcome to audition; no prior drumline experience is necessary, although it is helpful. We have had band members with no percussion experience (oboists, bassoonists, pianists, etc.) as members of the group. Experience with drum kit, or guitars is also welcomed. Other local high schools without an Indoor Drumline program are encouraged to audition. In the past we have had students from Duluth, Central Gwinnett, Brookwood, and North Gwinnett High Schools. The camaraderie of combined students with a passion for percussion makes for a very rewarding, unique experience amongst the Drumline. For audition date and time information, please see the calendar on the Indoor Drumline website, www.collinshilldrumline.com.
– What does the audition look like?
Students will be able to request their position of choice and, over the course of the November rehearsals, each student will be given a chance to earn that spot. Total students interested will determine total positions for snare, tenors, bass, front ensemble, etc.. The staff will place the students according to what is best for the student and the overall instrumentation of the group.
-How much does it cost?
In keeping with last year’s fees, the cost of indoor drumline is $800 for the season. This fee is paid in 4 monthly installments: Nov – ($200 – Non-refundable deposit and commitment form due) Dec – $200, Jan – $200, Feb – $200. The fee covers expenses such as staff compensation, registration fees for competitions, uniforms, props (paint, wood, fabric, hardware), 5-6 homemade meals for late night rehearsals, percussion instrument expenses (mallets, drumsticks, drumhead covers), gas expenses for the large trailers that haul props to competitions, etc. Currently we have one overnight trip scheduled and hotel costs are also included in this fee. You can make all payments with cash, check (made payable to: CHHS Band Boosters, with “Indoor Drumline” on the subject line), PayPal or credit card.
*If cost is the only reason for your student not being able to join, please contact us. We are always happy to work out other payment schedules. Communication is the key.
– Are there any fundraisers to help offset the fees?
Yes! We have lot’s and we will talk about those at our information meeting on November 7th. Many of the fundaisers help DIRECTLY with your payments top the group. We also have a few program directed fundraisers to help the group fund. For example, we have a night where a portion of all the purchases from Panda Express goes back to the Drumline. More info on fundraisers will be coming soon.
-Is there a uniform?
Yes, there will be a custom uniform as we do not use the marching band uniforms. Cost for this is included in the fees. Measurements will be taken once the drumline positions are determined. It is important that immediately after each show, the uniform/shoes are given back to the uniform mom(s) as instructed so that they can be prepared for the next show. Please do not launder the uniform.
-How often are practices and performances?
The typical weekly rehearsal schedule is Tuesday, Thursday 3:30-6pm. There are some weeks that this is adjusted due to other band conflicts. We also have a few extended rehearsal 3:30-8pm (dinner provided) and 5 competitive shows that occur on Saturdays. At this time the schedule is very close to being done, but there are a few things that could change. Always consult the calendar for the most up-to-date information.
-Where do you perform?
We have 5 competitions during the season, the specific dates and times of which will be announced soon. These competitions occur at local high school gyms, arenas and one out-of-state high school. Other than competitions, we are invited to perform at the Taste of Collins Hill, a big fundraiser for the CHHS band program. This is usually perfect timing for helping us run through our show early on in the competition season. Additionally, opportunities could arise during the season for special performances. For example, last year we were invited to Gwinnett Church to perform “Home,” by Phillip Phillips with their band. We used the money earned from that performance to purchase some equipment for the Indoor Drumline.
-How can I, as a parent, help out?
We often need help building and painting props, moving equipment at shows, chaperoning, organizing fundraisers, and organizing uniforms. Parent help is hugely appreciated and essential to a successful season! Parents have a great time working together to support our kids and in the process, enjoy getting to know each other.
Two of the most important ways that parents can help include:
1.Ensuring that your child is present and punctual at all rehearsals and shows, and
2. Keeping current on the fee payment schedule (or keeping the staff aware of any fee payment issues).
-What does a typical performance day look like?
A show day is typically a very full day. Report time will be in the morning for a rehearsal and loading of the equipment trucks. We will then travel to the show, (buses are not provided, so we are dependent on parent drivers) unload, prep for the show, and then perform. Most shows involve a prelims and finals sow e may perform again and then hopefully be home around dinner time or a little after.