How do I become a member?
BUWPE is an audition only independent indoor percussion ensemble. Auditions will take place in late November and December.

Who can audition for the ensemble?
The BUWPE is open to anyone between the ages 18-22 and who will not be over the age of 22 on May 1st of that year's championships regardless of school affiliation. No high school student whose school has a competitive winter percussion unit may audition for the BU Percussion Ensemble.

Will this interfere with Drum Corps?
Many of our members march with drum corps. We try to work our schedule around drum corps schedules to be able to give our members the opportunity to be at both rehearsals.

What is the ensemble size?
The anticipated instrumentation for 2006-2007 is:

• Battery: 18
•     6 Snares
•     3 Tenors
•     5 Basses
•     4 Cymbals
• Front Ensemble: 12
•     3 Marimbas
•     2 Vibes
•     1 Xylophone
•     Auxiliary equipment
•        Rack
•        Drum set
•        Bass
•        Guitar
•        Synthesizer

How much does it cost?
Membership fee:

• Will Be Posted soon...

A $50 credit will be applied to all returning members.

The fee includes all travel including local shows, one out of state WGI Regional and the WGI World Championships in Dayton, OH. We will be flying to Dayton this year! The fee also includes equipment and uniforms. Detailed information will be available at the time of the auditions. We do our best to keep fees low and we have some of the lowest fees in the activity. Below is a list of other Independent Percussion ensembles' fees:

• RhythmX: $750
• Music City Mystique: $850
• Odyssey Percussion theatre: $700
• Aftermath: $600
• Pulse Percussion Ensemble: $1400
• Surround sound: $750

How do auditions work?
We hold audition camps in November and December and most of our members are selected between these dates. The staff will evaluate potential members individually and in group rehearsal and performance settings. All returning members are required to re-audition with new auditionees so that equal consideration may be given. Selection of our membership is based upon:

• Attitude/commitment
• Attendance
• Talent
• Physical health and ability
• Ability to pay fees

How often are rehearsals?
The audition camps and any subsequent camps prior to the end of the first academic semester will be held on Saturdays. Depending on availability of space and of our members, more lengthy camps will be added prior to the start of the spring semester. Once classes resume on January 16, scheduled camps will be held Friday-Sunday.

Where will the ensemble rehearse?
The ensemble's home is in the band room at Boston University, located at 278 Babcock St. As our season progresses, rehearsals will be held in the best spaces we can find. There will be some off-campus camps this year. A detailed scheduled will be available prior to the first audition camp.

Is there housing available during camps?
Housing is not provided for any camps at BU. For any off-campus camps, housing will be provided on a case by case basis depending on the location of the camp. Unfortunately, due to university policy and insurance regulations, no one is allowed to spend the night in the band room.

In what circuits and in what class does BU WPE compete?
BU WPE competes as an Independent Open Class ensemble in both Winter Guard International (WGI) and the New England Scholastic Band Association (NESBA).

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