Rhythm X
info
FAQ
Q: How do I become a member?
A: Rhythm X is an audition-only independent indoor drumline. Each year, auditions will take place
sometime in
October. At that time, which will be announced on
this website, you are encouraged to audition for the instrument that most suits
your interests and abilities.
Q: Will my high school program interfere with Rhythm X?
A: Though the majority of our membership consists of
'college-aged' youth, we often have a select few members
of high school age. We encourage all prospective members to participate in their high school programs, making those
programs a priority. If your high school offers an indoor drumline program, you are expected to
consider this before auditioning for Rhythm X. We are sensitive to high school programs that
participate in concert band and solo and ensemble contests.
You are expected to attend
all high school functions. We will help you work around these
specific conflicts throughout the season.
Q: How often are practices?
A: Rhythm X implements a rigorous rehearsal regimen to
best prepare the members for their performances. During the
early Fall months (October and November) we rehearse twice a month; usually every other weekend. December through April we practice
at least three weekends a month, sometimes
almost every weekend. We realize the inevitable
conflicts with Drum Corps rehearsal schedules, and will
work with those on a case by case basis.
Q: Will this interfere with Drum Corps?
A: Almost every member of Rhythm X has Drum Corps
experience. We have had members from the Cadets,
Cavaliers, Blue Devils, Phantom Regiment, Bluecoats,
Santa Clara Vanguard, Carolina Crown, Glassmen, Crossmen,
Colts, Capital Regiment, Americanos, and numerous other
Drum and Bugle Corps. We annually work our schedule
around these drum corps schedules to give our members as
much opportunity to be
at both rehearsals. However, compromise between
both organizations is expected as conflicts arise.
Q: How much are fees?
A: The Audition fee, inclusive of both weekends, is $65. Season Fees,
which normally cover transportation, equipment, floor,
uniform, entrance fees, design costs, and some food
costs, are $1000. A discount of $100 is given to
each returning member every year. If accepted into
the ensemble, the audition fee will go towards your 2008-2009
season fees.
Q: Do you offer fundraisers?
A: The most common form of 'fundraising' that we
encourage is a sponsorship opportunity for individuals
or businesses. While there are many other
fundraising opportunities to pursue, Rhythm X has had
much more success with the sponsorship method.
Pre-designed forms are available upon request.
Q: Will Rhythm X interfere with extra curricular activities?
A: We will not practice during the week except for Friday
evenings. During Championships week, the rehearsal
commitment is a little more demanding, as it usually
starts on Tuesday of the week and ends Saturday night. If you play a sport
that has numerous conflicts with weekend rehearsals, it
may not be wise to audition for the ensemble.
Q: Can my parents help out with the ensemble?
A: We absolutely encourage all members to get their parents involved with the Rhythm X support group. This group
helps us move on and off the floor at all shows,
maintain uniforms and props, transport our equipment to
various show sites, and provide volunteer hours at the
Rhythm X souvenir booth. We love
our parents organization and without them our existence would not be possible.
Q: How can I get a ride to practice?
A: We have members coming from all over Ohio and the surrounding
Midwest 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 would still be responsible
for getting to and from rehearsals and shows. Many
previous members have made extreme sacrifices to make
their seasons' travels very successful.
Q: What is the ensemble size?
A: Rhythm X owns a complete battery of 10 snares, 5
quads, 5 basses, and plenty of cymbals.
We also own a complete front ensemble of 5 marimbas, 4
vibes, xylophone, glockenspiel, drum set, synthesizers, as well
as two entire
sets of auxiliary equipment. We have enough instruments to field an ensemble of
50+.
Q: What grips does the ensemble use?
A: The snare line plays traditional grip. The keyboards use Stevens and the Burton grip. if you are not
familiar with these techniques they will be explained at the first audition camp.
Any
Further questions may be sent via email to Executive
Director, Craig Dunn.
rhythmx@insight.rr.com
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