Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT SHOULD I DO TO PREPARE FOR THE AUDITION?
1) You must register your information on an audition form at the Carolina Gold website (www.carolinagold.org/alchemy). At this link, you will also be able to pay for your camps and purchase an Audition Packet for the instrument you are interested in auditioning on.
NOTE: There is a $40 charge for each Audition Packet downloaded, payable thru Paypal.
2) Practice!! One of the key traits that Alchemy looks for is confidence. You can’t be confident if you don’t know your stuff! The audition process will also include visual elements. You are encouraged to also practice playing on the move.
CAN I BE IN ALCHEMY AND IN COLLEGE ALSO?
Absolutely. You are encouraged to have a job or be in school while participating as a performer in Alchemy. Alchemy rehearsals are held only during the weekend. Rehearsals start at 8:00 PM on Saturday and will end at 6:00 PM on Sunday.
CAN I BE A HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT AND BE A MEMBER OF ALCHEMY?
A Winter Guard International Policy created in 1996 reads:
WGI discourages independent units from utilizing membership composed of any high school students who were previously enrolled in an active indoor percussion high school program and have not yet graduated.
Alchemy Independent will in no way recruit students from local high school programs that have a competitive indoor percussion program. Alchemy believes that by helping the local high school programs grow that all organizations will prosper in the future. If your current high school program does NOT have an indoor percussion ensemble then you are welcome to audition for a spot with Alchemy.
Our opening camps are set up as Experience camps, which are a great way to learn new techniques and understand what is expected as a member in an independent organization. Everyone is welcome to audition, even if you are participating in your high school’s indoor drumline.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
There are 4 camps with a $35 Audition Fee for each. All of those fees (excluding the Audition packet) are applied to your tuition upon completion of a Cast Contract. Membership dues for the 2019 are $1200. We have a standard, weekly payment plan to help members be able to pay of their tuition well before the competition season starts and have installed fundraisers in our plans to help members pay it off with ease. Alchemy does everything possible to manage expenses to keep dues as low as possible. Our instructional and support staff largely donate their time. Unfortunately, with soaring costs of fuel, food, etc. Alchemy cannot offer any scholarships or leeway on paying dues. Dues must be paid in full on the required due date or you will be unable to perform with the ensemble until the dept is paid. This can also lead to a termination in contract, upon which the full amount of tuition will be due.
What other expenses do we have throughout the year?
Not included in the membership dues are expenses an Alchemy jacket (app. $70), makeup / styling, and any shoes needed for your performance. You will be responsible for your meals.
DO YOU PROVIDE HOUSING?
Alchemy does NOT currently provide housing during the standard weekend camps. However, once the ensemble is set, Alchemy will help make arrangements to try to ensure that members all have a place to stay for camp weekends.
NOTE: For open audition weekends, if necessary, you will need to make your own housing arrangements.
For out-of-town performances, Alchemy will provide housing. Most of the time we sleep in a high school gymnasium which has complete shower facilities. Housing during the week is your responsibility. Often many members opt to get an apartment together while they work or go to school.
WHAT IS THE REHEARSAL AND PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE FOR THE SEASON?
After auditions, there are rehearsals and/or performances every weekend for the duration of the season.
Click on the Schedule button in the link above!
CAN I STILL TEACH A HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM?
It is our hope that performers from Alchemy would have an interest in teaching high school groups in the area. Often there are many opportunities. Becoming part of Alchemy Independent, you will realize all members involved make many sacrifices. One is the sacrifice of time.
Attendance at camps is mandatory. Even with teaching other groups, one must understand that you have made a commitment to be a performer in Alchemy. School related activities that are a part of the grade for the class, and family emergencies have been excused in the past. Time management of your family, school, work, and social schedules need to allow you to attend every rehearsal.
1) You must register your information on an audition form at the Carolina Gold website (www.carolinagold.org/alchemy). At this link, you will also be able to pay for your camps and purchase an Audition Packet for the instrument you are interested in auditioning on.
NOTE: There is a $40 charge for each Audition Packet downloaded, payable thru Paypal.
2) Practice!! One of the key traits that Alchemy looks for is confidence. You can’t be confident if you don’t know your stuff! The audition process will also include visual elements. You are encouraged to also practice playing on the move.
CAN I BE IN ALCHEMY AND IN COLLEGE ALSO?
Absolutely. You are encouraged to have a job or be in school while participating as a performer in Alchemy. Alchemy rehearsals are held only during the weekend. Rehearsals start at 8:00 PM on Saturday and will end at 6:00 PM on Sunday.
CAN I BE A HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT AND BE A MEMBER OF ALCHEMY?
A Winter Guard International Policy created in 1996 reads:
WGI discourages independent units from utilizing membership composed of any high school students who were previously enrolled in an active indoor percussion high school program and have not yet graduated.
Alchemy Independent will in no way recruit students from local high school programs that have a competitive indoor percussion program. Alchemy believes that by helping the local high school programs grow that all organizations will prosper in the future. If your current high school program does NOT have an indoor percussion ensemble then you are welcome to audition for a spot with Alchemy.
Our opening camps are set up as Experience camps, which are a great way to learn new techniques and understand what is expected as a member in an independent organization. Everyone is welcome to audition, even if you are participating in your high school’s indoor drumline.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
There are 4 camps with a $35 Audition Fee for each. All of those fees (excluding the Audition packet) are applied to your tuition upon completion of a Cast Contract. Membership dues for the 2019 are $1200. We have a standard, weekly payment plan to help members be able to pay of their tuition well before the competition season starts and have installed fundraisers in our plans to help members pay it off with ease. Alchemy does everything possible to manage expenses to keep dues as low as possible. Our instructional and support staff largely donate their time. Unfortunately, with soaring costs of fuel, food, etc. Alchemy cannot offer any scholarships or leeway on paying dues. Dues must be paid in full on the required due date or you will be unable to perform with the ensemble until the dept is paid. This can also lead to a termination in contract, upon which the full amount of tuition will be due.
What other expenses do we have throughout the year?
Not included in the membership dues are expenses an Alchemy jacket (app. $70), makeup / styling, and any shoes needed for your performance. You will be responsible for your meals.
DO YOU PROVIDE HOUSING?
Alchemy does NOT currently provide housing during the standard weekend camps. However, once the ensemble is set, Alchemy will help make arrangements to try to ensure that members all have a place to stay for camp weekends.
NOTE: For open audition weekends, if necessary, you will need to make your own housing arrangements.
For out-of-town performances, Alchemy will provide housing. Most of the time we sleep in a high school gymnasium which has complete shower facilities. Housing during the week is your responsibility. Often many members opt to get an apartment together while they work or go to school.
WHAT IS THE REHEARSAL AND PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE FOR THE SEASON?
After auditions, there are rehearsals and/or performances every weekend for the duration of the season.
Click on the Schedule button in the link above!
CAN I STILL TEACH A HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM?
It is our hope that performers from Alchemy would have an interest in teaching high school groups in the area. Often there are many opportunities. Becoming part of Alchemy Independent, you will realize all members involved make many sacrifices. One is the sacrifice of time.
Attendance at camps is mandatory. Even with teaching other groups, one must understand that you have made a commitment to be a performer in Alchemy. School related activities that are a part of the grade for the class, and family emergencies have been excused in the past. Time management of your family, school, work, and social schedules need to allow you to attend every rehearsal.