Membership

The St. Martin Independent indoor percussion group exists to further multiple aspects of each participants musical goals. Members gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of working together, inspiring each other and supporting the overall vision of SMI. Members become part of the SMI family gaining plenty of life long friendships and memories as they grow in both musicianship and leadership.

How to join

Members are "contracted" with SMI after a series of rigorous auditions. Auditions for membership are held each year in November. Exact dates and times will be posted here. For more information, please make a request by contacting us.

Who will be our newest Members? 

A list of our performers can be found here: 2023 SM Independent Roster?

Forms/Packets

Applications Leadership, Member, and Staff

Emergency Medical Authorization 

The Schedule (2023 Schedule)

Handbook

Battery Warm Up Packet

Cymbals Warm Up Packet 

Front Ensemble Warm Up Packet

Visual Packet

Rehearsal Packet

Thank you for your interest in joining SM Independent Percussion this season. 

We are excited to get started!

***2023 Calendar is Ready***

Location: St. Martin HS 11300 Yellowjacket Blvd. Ocean Springs, MS 39564 

The Schedule (2023 Schedule) We begin, as with every season, with Auditions, Evaluation, and assignment of Member positions. Throughout the fall in-person camps are planned and while we prefer in person auditions there will be virtual audition opportunities. 

Proof of Eligibility Members must submit government issued documentation that fulfills age and other related guidelines of the governing organization Winter Guard International.Membership placement and contracting begins in October and will continue into November. Once the staff has had the opportunity to evaluate you through the Audition process, you will be contacted and informed of your next steps.  If you are invited to continue with the program, you will be offered one of three membership statuses; (1) Membership (often called Contracted), (2) Callback, or (3) Trainee 

• Member (Often referred to as Contracted)
  If offered membership position at this time, the staff is telling you that they are confident in your preparation, character, and ability to fulfill all the roles and responsibilities of membership and are wanting to give that opportunity to you right now.  A contract to follow will be emailed to you to review, sign, and submit along with your first payment installment.

• Callback (Most fall into this category)
  If offered a callback position at this time, the staff is telling you that they see strong potential in you as a prospective member. You will be asked to continue working with the staff. From here, there will be opportunities for one-on-one conferencing/lessons, additional review etc. allowing you to demonstrate the ability to grow as a performer over time and allowing the staff to get a good feel for the character and personality dynamics important to the culture of the team before drawing a conclusion on membership. 

• Trainee Member
  If offered an opportunity to continue as a Trainee member, the staff is telling you that they see strong potential in you as a future member of the unit, but don’t see that you are quite at the place in your development as a performer to earn a spot at this time.  They are wanting you to continue to work with the staff and train alongside the other membership.  There will be a $100 per month fee to participate in activities, spanning from November through December.  There are instances (and it happens nearly every year), that a Trainee member shows significant growth, and is offered a membership position that becomes available.  If that transpires, the fees paid as a Trainee would transfer towards the membership dues as a Contracted Member. 

Auditions

In-Person Audition Guidelines

There are lots of talented people that talk about going to auditions but never do because they are afraid of not making the ensemble. Our team is growing and there will be a lot of opportunities for you to learn and perform at the highest level. Please take every opportunity to ask questions and learn more about playing the instrument of your choice. EVERY spot in the ensemble is open and available each year to the people who audition. Absolutely no spot in the ensemble will be guaranteed to an individual until they have earned it. 

Audition Camp Fee: $50 per camp (Applied to dues if chosen to be a member)

• Sunday October 9 Registration 8:30am-9:00am, Lunch 12:00-1:15, Ends at 5:00pm
• Sunday October 23 Registration 8:30am-9:00am, Lunch 12:00-1:15, Ends at 5:00pm
• Sunday November 6 Registration 8:30am-9:00am, Lunch 12:00-1:15, Ends at 5:00pm

• Regular Camp Begins Sunday November 13 (Register upon arrival, see Mr. Dunlap) TBA
  
  

Experience and Audition Camp Fee 

If you attend all experience/audition camps and are offered a contract, this fee will be applied to your membership dues and will count towards the November payment. You can pay in person with cash, or cashier checks made out to “SM Independent” 

Attendance
It is highly recommended that prospective members attend all experience and audition days. All audition days are mandatory. However, if you have a schedule conflict and cannot attend one of the event days, you may still audition for a spot. Please be sure to communicate any schedule conflicts with the Unit Director at: st.martin.independent@gmail.com as early as possible so we are aware of your situation.

Audition Packets
It is recommended that prospective members review and practice all exercises in their packet as much as possible before auditions. For more details, please contact the Unit Director at: st.martin.independent@gmail.com 

What to Bring to Auditions
Please bring your own sticks, mallets, and practice pad. Be prepared to practice outside with hats, sunglasses, lotion, healthy snacks and plenty of water. Bring a towel/yoga mat for stretches and other floor activities. You will also need a pencil/highlighter, and a binder with sheet protectors for your music. Please bring your own instruments if possible. There will be a limited number of instruments and we would like to accommodate as many people as possible. There will be a lunch break during each audition day. You will need to bring your own lunch or purchase lunch on your own during the break. Note: Fast food isn’t always fast or healthy. 

COVID-19 Safeguards 

SM Independent, Winter Guard International, and the world will need to continue to evolve to understand the ever-changing nature of the world as we approach the planned in-person events. Sanitizer and masks may be required as we follow COVID protocols. 

Video Auditions 

Video Audition Process Guidelines 

Applications 

Leadership, Member, and Staff Applications 

In-Person Audition Process Tips

The audition process will break down into two areas:

• Ensemble Performance: In the ensemble environment, we will be looking for your musical mastery of the warm-up packet as well as your ability to blend, balance, and adapt. As we work through the technique program, specific explanations of approach will take place. Your ability to keep an open mind and incorporate new ways of doing things into your playing will be crucial.
• Individual Evaluation: If you are asked to perform for an individual evaluation, you will perform exercises from this packet as well as other basic rudimental skills. Expect to receive immediate and detailed feedback from an instructor during your individual evaluation.

• The success of your performance at the audition will be directly related to the level of preparation of the audition material.
  • Use a mirror when you practice and record yourself with some type of electronic device. Listen critically to the recording and work to perfect your performance.
• Always use a metronome, or music with a steady tempo when practicing. Battery members must be able to mark time to all material.
  • Keep in mind that you are always auditioning. Be professional!
  • Be sure to ask questions if you are confused about anything you are being asked.
• Prepare yourself to be involved in a tedious and competitive process. Your ability to stay mentally engaged in the process throughout the audition will be crucial.
  • Strive to give off a sense of confidence in your audition. Everything is a performance, from 8 on a hand to championships. Convince us you are comfortable with what you’re doing. 

Financial Commitment 

Membership Dues are critical to the financial picture of this program.You can pay in person with cash, or cashier checks

made out to “SM Independent”

What do the Membership Dues include? 

What do the Membership Dues NOT include? 

Minimum Payment Installments

In the contract presented to each member, a minimum dues installment schedule will be required. These will be non-refundable to assist in covering costs of ongoing education, planning, administration, and general operations. 

Total Membership Dues Chose (A) $1,500 or (B) $1,350 plus required unit fund raiser

Depending on your choice:

(A) $250 per month November-April. If you attend all experience and audition camps those fees will be applied (if contracted). Dues Includes travel and room in Dayton Ohio. 

(B) $225 per month November-April. If you attend all experience and audition camps those fees will be applied (if contracted). Dues Includes travel and room in Dayton Ohio. Plus required unit fund raiser

Payment methods:

Cash

PayPal and Venmo, but you must include $ difference for fees.

Checks or Cashier Checks to St. Martin Independent  

Fund Raisers = Donation Days, Sponsorships, Online Fundraising  

SMI 2023 Schedule As of 9/20/22 

October:

Sunday 9 (Auditions) 8:30-5:00pm
Sunday 23 (Auditions) 8:30-5:00pm

November:

Sunday 6 (Auditions) 8:30-5:00pm
Sunday 13 (Camp) 8:30-5:00pm
Thanksgiving
Friday/Saturday 18/19 (Camp???) 5:30-9pm/8-6:30pm

December:

Friday/Saturday 2/3 (Camp) 5:30-9pm/8-6:30pm

Friday/Saturday 9/10 (Camp) 5:30-9pm/8-6:30pm

Friday/Saturday 16/17 (Camp) 5:30-9pm/8-6:30pm 

Sunday/Monday/Tuesday 18/19/20 (Holiday Camps???) TBA

Christmas  

January:

New Years

Friday/Saturday 6/7 (Camp) 5:30-9pm/8-6:30pm

Friday/Saturday 13/14 (Camp) 5:30-9pm/8-6:30pm 

Sunday/Monday 15/16 (Holiday Camps???) TBD

Friday/Saturday 20/21 (Camp) 5:30-9pm/8-6:30pm 

Friday/Saturday 27/28 (Camp) 5:30-9pm/8-6:30pm 

February: *Possible Preview Show*

Friday/Saturday 3/4 (Camp) 5:30-9pm/8-6:30pm

Friday/Saturday 10/11 (Camp) 5:30-9pm/8-6:30pm Gulfport

17/18 (Mardi Gras, No Practice)

Friday/Saturday 24/25 (Camp) 5:30-9pm/8-6:30pm

March:

Friday/Saturday/Sunday 3/4/5 (Camp) TBD SMI Home Show

Friday/Saturday/Sunday 10/11/12 (Show) TBD Hattiesburg (Sat/Sun)

Friday/Saturday 17/18 (Camp) 5:30-9pm/8-6:30pm

Friday/Saturday 24/25 (Camp) 5:30-9pm/8-6:30pm 

April:

Friday/Saturday 31/1 (Show) 5:30-9pm/8-6:30pm

Sunday 2 Southeastern University LMCGPC Finals (Sun)

Friday/Saturday 7/8 (Camp) 5:30-9pm/8-6:30pm

Friday/Saturday 14/15 (Last Weekend) 5:30-9pm/8-6:30pm Send Off Show

Wednesday 19 (Depart for Ohio) 20-22 (WGI World Championships) 23 (Return Home)  

Frequently Asked Questions:  

I am not sure if I want to be a member, can I still attend experience/audition camps to learn? Yes! We strive to give everyone auditioning a great experience. Whether you make the ensemble or not, our goal is to help you become a better percussionist and musician. 

Is there an Experience/Audition Camp fee? Yes, there is a fee and If you are offered a contract, this fee will be applied to your membership dues and will count towards the November payment. You can pay in person with cash, or cashier checks made out to “SM Independent” 

Should I bring my own instrument to auditions? We will provide instruments for a full drum line and front ensemble. However, we typically see more people attend auditions than we have instruments for. If you have access to an instrument you are encouraged to bring it – though it is not necessary. 

What is the full schedule for the season? Typically, we will practice Friday and Saturday with a few Sundays and rehearsals over Christmas Break. 

What is the member fee for the 2023 season? Total Membership Dues Chose (A) $1,500 or (B) $1,350 plus required unit fund raiser. The membership fee helps pay for costumes, props, staff, music, drill, equipment, instruments, choreography, registration fees, travel, and much more. You can pay in person with cash, or cashier checks made out to “SM Independent” 

Does the membership fee include a trip to Dayton Ohio for WGI championships? Yes, the Dayton trip is included in your total fees. 

Do we offer fund raising opportunities? Yes, we have several simple fund raisers planned that you can take part in. 

What type/brand marching shoes do we purchase? We use the Crossover marching shoe https://dshowcase.com/product/crossover-shoe/ 

If you have any other specific questions about auditioning for the ensemble you can email st.martin.independent@gmail.com  

We are looking forward to an incredible season! 

In-Person Audition Guidelines, Video Audition Process Guidelines,  Leadership, Member, and Staff Applications