When and where are audition and rehearsal camps?
Our audition and rehearsal camps are held at Cass High School in White, Georgia. Prospective members should expect auditions to be held in November and December, with brass camps once a month in January, February, and March. The full corps convenes in April after WGI, and rehearsals are every weekend from June through Labor Day weekend. Camps are almost always scheduled from 10 am – 10 pm Saturdays and 9 am – 5 pm Sundays.
What do I wear for rehearsals?
Atlanta CV’s hornline and drum line wear black shorts and white shirts. Color guard members wear all black clothing. All members should wear athletic clothing that they are comfortable moving in, as well as sneakers and sun-protective gear.
What is the rehearsal and performance schedule like?
DCA is primarily a “weekends-only” activity. On rehearsal weekends, we generally practice from 10 am – 10 pm on Saturdays, and 9 am – 5 pm on Sundays. Rehearsal weekends are scheduled approximately every 2-3 weeks during winter and spring to accommodate participation in winter ensembles, and become more frequent in the summer months. From June until Labor Day weekend almost every weekend is filled with rehearsal, travel and competitions. DCA Championship Weekend is Labor Day weekend, and requires that we leave early Thursday morning and return on Labor Day Monday.
What if I have a school conflict during camps or summer performances?
Members are expected to attend all required rehearsal camps for their section. In the event of a conflict, members are expected to make an effort to attend at least part of the camp when possible. We realize school-related performances and academically required events are priorities; however, absence from all or part of a camp must be communicated and approved by the director and your caption head as soon as possible.
Do you accept woodwind players?
Yes! Every year, multiple woodwind players make it into the brass, percussion, guard or conducting sections. This mostly requires a dedication on the member’s part to practicing the secondary instrument or skills required, but it has been done and you can do it too. While we will help foster your development on these instruments, we do not provide private lessons or specific classes for woodwind players – they are expected to meet the same performance expectations as other members of the corps.
How much does it cost to participate in Atlanta CV ?
All members must pay registration fees and tuition. The registration fee for 2023 is $75 and tuition is $2,125. Members are also responsible for their own transportation to and from rehearsal camps and some competitions, meals, and some aspects of their uniform (such as gloves and marching shoes). There are discounts available for early payment and longevity with the corps, as well as scholarships and fundraising opportunities.
What do the fees and tuition associated with membership cover?
- Registration costs cover application processing, online member account setup, and instruction at audition camps. This fee is non-refundable.
- Housing, instruction, meals at finals, music/drill, instruments, equipment, and uniforms for camps and performances
- Member keepsakes (e.g. big CV stars, necklace CV stars, etc.)
- Bus travel to and from summer competitions
What are some miscellaneous costs assumed by members that I might incur?
- Travel to/from camps
- Some uniform components (shoes, show gloves, undergarments, etc.)
- Meals on rehearsal weekends and some on performance weekends
- Special needs as prescribed by the caption heads (e.g., mouthpiece, gloves, sticks/mallets, rehearsal flags/weapons, etc.)
- Personal items (e.g., sleeping bag, air mattress, etc.)
- Rehearsal clothing
- Souvenirs
When are payments due and what payment options are available?
The full payment schedule is outlined in the 2023 Member Tuition and Fees page included in every CV contract. Payment schedules depend on section and contract date. Please speak to the corps administration if you need an alternative payment plan.
Payments may be made electronically through Venmo (@atlantacv) or on the CV website. Please include your student’s name in the notes section. Payments may also be made at camp in cash or by check (made payable to Atlanta CV). We ask that payments over $1,000 be made in cash or by check to avoid processing fees.
Do you offer scholarships?
There are a limited number of scholarships to help members offset their tuition. Scholarships are awarded by the Board of Directors and multiple factors are considered in awarding them – including attendance, need, personal fundraising efforts and other factors.
Are there ways to reduce my tuition?
We understand that drum corps is an expensive activity; therefore, there are opportunities to reduce costs. Returning members receive a veteran discount and all members can receive a discount for paying tuition in full early. Atlanta CV also offers a comprehensive fundraising program that allows you to earn money to reduce your tuition. In some cases, members have been able to reduce their tuition to ZERO!
How are housing and meals accommodated at camps?
Members can elect to stay overnight with the corps at the rehearsal site. Atlanta CV rehearses at Cass High School and sleeps in the cafeteria. Members will also use the shower facilities at the school. Please bring a sleeping bag, pillow, and shower gear for the weekend. Atlanta CV does not provide meals for members. The corps may provide occasional meals for the entire corps at no additional charge, such as during Finals week. These instances will be communicated in advance.
What do I need to bring to weekend camps?
- Your equipment: brass instrument, mouthpiece, drums/sticks/mallets, or flags/rifles/sabres, and dot book
- Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a one gallon water jug
- Any section required items (such as a black towel for brass players)
- Money to pay fees, as well as for your personal meals
- Two sets of comfortable, exercise-friendly clothes and athletic shoes for rehearsal
- Sleeping and shower gear for the weekend
