WFPE Percussion Ensembles : The WFPE was created with the goal of offering our players the chance to practice fundimental to advanced technique and offer performances on the instruments within our chosen genre. Percussion rehearsals (TBA) facilitate weekly classes for members of the WFPE Drumline and Cameron Percussion Ensemble. Members of these ensembles have passed the audition process and have been placed on the instrument they are best suited for. These rehearsals also serve as a general forum for interested potential players to view and join in during select warmup processes.

Auditions : Official Auditions are required before a player may become an official member of an WFPE ensemble. They are scheduled on a yearly basis, or pending entry of a new player into an existing ensemble. Quality of sound, level of technical achievement, focus and overall dedication towards our goals of performance excellence are some qualities that will determine a student's placement. Our staff takes a careful look at the progress made by new players and evaluates them accoring to their overall abilities. These auditions are a necessary step when striving towards the greater caliber we hope to achieve. Attitude, skill level and experience, dedication, work ethic, ability to take direction and apply the fundimental techniques presented by the staff envolve a large part of our effort in deciding "who plays what". Auditions are scheduled for new students when directors and staff are satisfied with the level of a potential member's perceived interest and future involvement in our organization. These students are encouraged to choose a performance instrument that suits their current level of technical prowse, and one that will benifit the orgainzation.

Performance Instrument : Although we cannot guarantee all who audition performance placement in an ensemble, players who successfully complete the this process with high marks may be accepted and placed accordingly on the instrument they are best suited for. This, most often times, may not be the student's first instrument of choice, but provides an opportunity for those dedicated enough to continue learning the fundimental percussion techniques offered, and to participate as official members of our performance ensembles. A student's flexability and openness to participating on an instrument other than their personal choice, already has the right attitude and will be rewarded for their overall dedication accordingly. This process of placement allows us to fine-tune our ensembles towards a greater overall excellence that would be impossible to achieve with players attempting to perform on their "favorite" instrument at different levels of ability. The clarity and quality of sound produced by the ensemble, as dictated by the pre-selected skill levels coupled with the positive attitude of the students and their continued mastery of their placed instrument is a winning formula, and a key to the overall success of our organization. Many times this audition/selection process addresses certian weaknesses in a potential player's ability, to the point that their official admittance into an ensemble weighs upon the need of their skills being honed further before reaching a level worthy of acceptance. Lastly, there are a limited number of instruments available and/or a level of section balance (volume) that must be met within the ensembles. Enevitably, there will be those players that cannot be programed into our current ensembles for these reasons.

Though impossible to please everyone, it's important to remember that we are striving for professional level ensembles and that the overall needs of ensemble size and performance quality come first above potentially hurt feelings of "cut" potential players that to not yet posess the talent level necessary to participate as WFPE members. We offer any such player the opportunity to re-audition at regular intervals and to continue attending regular performance ensemble rehearsals, directed by our staff. WFPE rehearsals will continue to be freeforums for non-members to hone their skills until a time appropriate towards their re-audition.

* Please note : The WFPE staff's decision to either place a student on the instrument that they are best suited for, at their auditioned level of technical and physical ability, for the good of the sections and indeed ensemble as a whole, or to not admit a player into an ensemble based on the player's auditioned performance level and overall aptitude, is Final. Those unable to accept this decision and the philosophy behind it, unwilling to be a "team player" as the saying goes, is a disruption to other players or is unable to understand and follow through with the directon of our staff, may be invited to leave the organization immediately.

Fees : WFPE percussion fees or "dues" will be applied to players once they are established members of a WPFE ensemble. These funds facilitate the upkeep of the instruments and the purchase of needed hardware such as uniforms, drumheads, sticks and mallets, etc. Fee amounts (TBA) are subject to change, according to the finantial needs of the organization. Information regarding any fees will be located on our home page for future reference.

Attendance Policy : WFPE percussion rehearsals are open to the attendance of all potential players. This philosophy exsists cheifly to facilitate an open forum towards fostering a prospective players interest in the musical genre our organization encompasses. A potential member's attendance record, once regularly attending the percussion rehearsals will become a determining factor along with audition results regarding official acceptance into one of the ensembles. Once accepted into an ensemble, the importance of regular attendance by every member in creating a unified and consistent ensemble sound becomes paramount.

Any WFPE ensemble member who misses an ensemble rehearsal, and thereby creating a potential lack of ability and quality within their playing, may be removed from performance at the director's discretion for the overall good of the ensemble at any time. As Mr. Spock put it, "The needs of the many, outweigh the needs of the one". There are of course unforeseeable or uncontrollable circumstances which may prevent a member from being on time, or even making it to a rehearsal at all. They can include, but are not limited to : extreme weather conditions, family emergencies, traffic accidents, and other situations over which we have little or no control. They do not, for example, include things like oversleeping, failing to allow enough time to arrive, having to get something to eat, taking a last minute fieldtrip, etc.

It is each WFPE member’s commitment to the organization and responsibility as professional musicians, to arrange their schedule in a way that will avoid conflicts with our ensemble rehearsals and performances at all costs. If a conflict does occur, It is the responsibility of members to request permission from one of the Directors to be excused from being late, leaving early from rehearsal or to be excused from a large ensemble rehearsal or performance alltogether. These rules are in place to create the best, most efficent ensemble rehearsals and performances for our members, and must be in effect at all times. The staff is available at all times via phone or email to facilitate communication of any potential conflict. The more time given beforehand to let the staff know there will be an absence, the more time we have to allow an backup player to take their place.

Physical Requirements (Drumline) : Because the WFPE Drumline is a marching "moving" ensemble, a fair degree of physical effort is required to for players to participate. Although this group does not race across football fields at an level athletic drum corps performers within the genre we strive to emulate, the group does regularly participate in parades, festivals and other events where a high amount of physical movement is required. This typically occurs over long periods of time, on different grades and surfaces. Repetitive motion injuries in the wrists, knees, ankles and other bodily injuries are common within any kind of athletic endevor, and ours is no different. Prospective members MUST be in good physical condition to facilitate the weight and handling of the marching instruments at all times, from the beginning of an event to the end (much less to handle the ablity to perform well on them). A general assesment of a player's physical ability is judged immediately upon their initial class attendance.

Any member or prospective member that does not meet our physical criteria may not only injure themselves and even other members, but poses a serious liability for the WFPE, and may be moved to another instrument or immediately removed all together from active practice/performance at the descrection of the directors or even the support staff without prior notice.

- F.A.Q -

Q - What musical experience do I need to have?

A - THe WFPE is an excellent way to begin learning the basic to advanced processes behind rudimental and concert percussion. A innate ability to perceive and comprehend rhythm (if you can dance, on the beat, you probably already have it), although, previous experience playing drum kit, hand percussion instruments, concert or marching percussion instruments is advised. That being said, the WFPE welcomes any interested potential players, to audition for a spot.

Q - I already play in my school's percussion (band) program, why would I want to try out for WFPE also?

A - The WFPE strives to advance the abilities of those interested in performing within the modern marching and concert percussion genres. It's all we do. Much more individual time and effort is put towards mastering these instruments, motivating and insipiring players towards greater involvement and appreciation of this genre. We reward outstanding educational and performances opportunities to our players at a level that is often beyond what their current school percussion program have to offer (if at all). Also, WFPE continues to travel and perfom regularly during the Summer months when school music programs are not active, offering performances to the delight of thousands of people during summer parades, festivals and other events. In addition, sponsored guest Clinics by renown experts in the percussive field are regularly offered to our students. The WFPE program is constantly growing, introducing new opportunities at every turn. A better question to ask if you're a drummer reading this right now is why wouldn't you want to join?

Q - I think snare is the coolest and I play snare at my high school... I am the best. I am the section leader. They call me "Snare-freak" and my band director lets me take my snare home. I want to play the snare in the WFPE drumline, only snare, and nothing but snare.

A - Great, gee...you must be really good. If the snare drum is the only instrument you would like to perform in the Drumline, then we'll see you at the audition with your burning snare drum chops ready to impress us.

It must be understood that, In many ways (along with quads and bass), modern rudimental drumming in all it's facets is one of the most technically challenging and physically demanding musical activities there is. Performers within the more advanced high school and college level marching bands, the drum and bugle corps activity and related percussive organizations (not to mention select WFPE staff members) have spent years of time honing and specializing their skills to the highest possible quality typically only on the snare drum and/or other specific marching percussion instruments. The depth of technical and musical prowse reached by these advanced players - "the cutting edge", sets the standard for all others to follow within the industry, and has seemingly no limits in terms of future rudimental innovation and difficulty. The WFPE strives to honor and uphold this level of quality and technical ability throughout it's educational process and performance. Any potential "snare drummer" must have a solid grasp of the more advanced rudimental techniques either from prior drumming experience or by way of advancement and achievement within our organization over time.

The bottom line is, any player approaching an audition with a stance that their involvement weighs on whether they are able play on their favorite instrument, rather than being open to other instruments as well, probably has the wrong attitude to begin with. That kind of player, and their ego, will be judged accordingly.

Q - What if I don't pass the auditions? (make the "cut")

A - If you don't initally make the cut, there will be chances to try out during future auditions (which will be annonced officially on this site). You are still welcome to attend WFPE rehearsals and practice technique on silent gum-rubber practice pads (provided this does not interfere with our rehearsal process). There may be times the organization will call on backup players or "alternates" to fill in on a particular member's spot in an ensemble when they are unavailable. We will try and give as much advance notice when this occurs (although this is typically last minute during rehearsals). This information will also be available on the website.

Q - What is a "Challenge?"

A - Once the ensemble placement is complete and active, official members are "set" on their specific instruments within the ensemble for the season. Any existing player within a WFPE ensemble, with directors approval, may "challenge" another player for their position and/or instrument in the ensemble. In this instance, the contending player must out-perform the existing player to the satisfaction of the organization and in the presence of the of the entire ensemble. In this instance the player interested in challenging must make prior arrangements with a director for this to take place.

Q - How many players will you have?.. how many drums?

A - Once the Drumline audition process is complete, we are currently programming for 20 players. Depending on the ability levels and number of quality players, this ensemble will perform with 5-6 snares, 4 quads, 5 bass, and 5-6 BigBeats. CPE will have 10-20players depending on instrument availability. These numbers may change at any time depending on the availability of instruments, talent levels and other factors.

Q - As a member, can I chew gum or eat during rehearsal?

A - no and no.. Our ensembles adhear to the rehearsal ediquette of professional musicians at all times. (drink is ok, water for example).

Q - What is rehearsal (drumline) etiquette?

A - Due to the limited amount of time set aside for rehearsals, our teaching staff must have the opportunity to disburse as much information as possible and make the best use of your and your fellow players time. For this reason, members must remain at attention and silent at all times as dictated by professional musical rehearsal etiquette, unless otherwise directed. You will be given a cue to relax either from a section leader or a staff member at the end of an excercise or music. The basic rules of etiquette are repeated often during rehearsals and are a enforced at all times. First-time members will learn quickly during WFPE class what we mean by this.

Q - Can I take a marching drum home to practice on?

A - No. The various percussion instruments currently in use by WFPE are provided privately by the staff specifically for use by the organzation. Unfortunately, several of these have been missing at past rehearsals due to a member's lack of attendance (even forgetting to bring the instrument to rehearsal), so we are NOT allowing instruments to be checked out at this point. All players should be using practice pads at all times for at-home practice.

Please be aware : it is not always necessary to practice on the actual instrument of choice itself, especially at home. A good practice pad is just as effective at working your chops, and definetely cut down on the amount of volume a real instrument will create. It's well known, especially during the off-season, that rudimental players spend 90% of their practice time on pads. All current members should have a pad of some form to practice technique, warmups and music at home. The more acceptable form of this for our purposes is a gum-rubber type practice pad. Real Feel, Xymox, Promark and Vic Firth are some companies that offer these. They are lightweight, quiet, last 10 times longer and have great "feel" and response to them that "Old school" pads can't really match. Dave's Pro Drums has a large selection of these pads, and provides a discount to all WFPE players.

Q - What is the age-limit to audition for a WFPE ensemble?

A - At present, there is no formal age-limit governing who may audition for our ensembles. For refrence, WFPE Drumline players age currently ranges from 10 to 21 with the frequent addition of staff and professional (adult) players adding in their expertiese during performances. The Concert Percussion Ensemble (CPE) ages range from advanced high school players to professional adults musicians. The Willamette Falls Symphony accepts all ages as well.

Q - How much Does it cost?

A - Currently, regularly attending WFPE ensemble members will pay dues based on the point of arrival of the player within the ensemble. More information will be available regarding this fee once auditions have taken place.

Q - What do I need to bring?

A - The WFPE staff currently makes every effort to provide all instruments and their respective implements (sticks and mallets) during classes and rehearsals. Purchacing your own sticks or mallets, especially marching snare sticks and a practice pad for your continued at-home edifcation, is stongly advised and highly appreciated. The best answer to this question of what to bring?... an open mind and the egerness to learn something new. The more willingness one has to take direction and apply the techniques preseted, the greater you will achieve.

Q - Are there any other groups like this out there?

A - Of Course! There are numerous outstanding percussion-related groups similar to ours throughout the northwest, across the nation and around the planet. Vist our ever-growing LINKS page for more information.

Questions? contact : David C. Lauder 503.723.5565

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