Become a part of ACIP!
Become a part of ACIP!
An interest meeting is held every October to discuss the upcoming season and the auditions process. Auditions are held in November of every year. Auditions are open to anyone between the ages of 8th and 12th grade. Members must attend an Albemarle County Public School to join (Monticello, Albemarle, Western Albemarle, Community Lab or any of the five middle schools). Members may audition for battery, front ensemble or the visual ensemble. Placement and instrumentation will be determined based on the amount of people who auditions and what is best for the overall group. There are no guarantees that members will end up in the spot they auditioned for.
Battery:
Snare (2 to 3) - reserved for current high school percussionists only
Tenors (1 to 2) - reserved for current high school percussionists only
Bass Drum (4 to 5) - reserved for high school musicians only
Cymbals (2 to 6)
If a student who is not a high school percussionist or a high school musician can demonstrate proficient knowledge and skills on an instrument listed above, they my audition for that instrument and be considered for any open spots.
Front Ensemble:
Marimba (2 to 3)
Vibraphone (2 to 3)
Xylophone (0 to 1)
Bells (1)
Synthesizer/Keyboard (1 to 2)
Guitar (0 to 1)
Bass Guitar (0 to 1)
Drumset (0 to 1)
Accessories (1 to 2) - Concert Bass Drum, Gong, Tambourine, Triangle, Suspended Cymbal, etc.
Visual Ensemble:
One or more members who contribute to the show visually, but do not play an instrument. Members are responsible for helping move props, but are primarily asked to dance and act. No formal training is needed as members will be taught.
Please fill out the interest form to help ACIP Staff prepare for auditions and for the upcoming season.
The Audition Process
The audition is split into two days. If you are auditioning for Battery and/or Front Ensemble MUST be present both days.
Day 1: Battery Auditions
Auditions will be similar to a workshop, however, one by one members will be pulled into a separate room and asked to play/demonstrate the required materials own their own.
Front Ensemble Members will need to be present.
Visual Ensemble members this process may vary year to year. Please see the audition packet for more details.
If the instructors would like to hear/see you on a different instrument or section, they will communicate this as soon as possible. You will not be judged on your knowledge or preparedness of the new instrument or section. The goal is to hear/see which grouping fits the ensemble best based on the individual audition and sets the group up for the most success.
Example: Six people audition for snare, but there are only three spots available. Based on day one, the instructors would like to hear/see the best combination of three from the top four scores. The other two people will be relocated to new instruments/sections and so will the one of the other four people remaining.
Day 2: Front Ensemble Auditions
Auditions will be similar to a workshop, however, one by one members will be pulled into a separate room and asked to play/demonstrate the required materials own their own.
Battery Members will need to be present.
Visual Ensemble members this process may vary year to year. Please see the audition packet for more details.
What Should I Bring To Auditions?
Sticks/Mallets
Music
Drum Pad (Please do not drum on the floor or the walls of the school.)
Athletic Clothing and Tennis Shoes (Visual Ensemble see Audition Packet)
An Open Mind
Other Important Information
Member Fee: $750
This fee goes toward the season expenses. The expenses include competition fees, bus fees, truck rental fees, props and uniforms, show shirt, show sticks/mallets and WGI World Championships.
Members are responsible for purchasing shoes, knee pads (if the show requires it), practice sticks/mallets, practice sleeves (cymbals) and any other personal items that are used during the season.
Show Shoes - between $30 and $40 (link on BAND)
ACIP Jacket - $50
Payments will be broken down into smaller amounts.
Fundraising opportunities will be provided to help with the overall group cost of the season. (Money goes towards the overhead cost of the whole group.)
Every member will participate in fundraising activities to help keep our expenses down. All funds will go into a general funds account and will be used to help cover the season expenses including WGI World Championships. Any funds that are left over at the end of the season will roll over into following season.
If we have the opportunity individual fundraisers will be provided. (Money would go back to the student who raised it.)
Payments are due:
November 10th ($150)
December 10th ($150)
January 10th ($150)
February 9th ($150)
March 9th ($150)
Hours of Commitment: (Does not include competitions or rehearsals day of competitions)
Marching Band runs August to November (4 months) = 170 rehearsal hours
Indoor Drumline runs November to April (6 months) = 172.5 rehearsal hours
Resources and How To Videos
Important Forms and Links
Every member is required to fill out, sign and turn in all forms in full regardless of age or school they attend.
Form Checklist:
ACIP Contract
WGI Release Waiver (based on age)
A link will be posted to BAND
Forms
Due November 10th, 2025
ACIP Leadership Application (optional)
Due Nov 5th, 2025
Please download the app "BAND" to join the page. The page is for future and current members of the upcoming season and staff. Use the QR Code or Hyperlink (click on Members BAND Page) to access the page.
Please download the app "BAND" to join the page. The page is for future and current parents of the upcoming season. Use the QR Code or Hyperlink (click on Parents Band Page) to access the page