Frequently Asked Questions:

Q:  How do I become a member of Austin Independent?
A:  Austin Independent is an audition only independent indoor drumline made up of members ages 14-22.  Auditions for the winter/spring ensemble will take place in late October/early November and at that time you are encouraged to audition for the instrument that most suits your abilities.  Placement is based upon audition, experience, financial commitment and attitude.  It is our intention for anyone interested in the AI organization to have a position.

Q:  Will my high school program interfere with Austin Independent?
A:  We encourage all prospective members to participate in their high school programs and make those programs priority.  AI was created as an opportunity for high school and college-age students in the central Texas area who do not have an indoor drumline program available at their school.  If your high school offers an indoor drumline program than you are expected to consider this before auditioning for AI.  We are also sensitive to high school programs that participate in UIL concert band and solo and ensemble contests and you are expected to attend all high school functions.  We will do our best to avoid scheduling AI rehearsals or shows that conflict with these important events.

Q:  How much will fees be?
A:  Camp/Clinic fees will be $25.  Fees for the summer line will be approximately $200.  Fees for the winter/spring line will be around $600.  Members of the summer line who earn a spot in the winter/spring line will have an opportunity to apply some of their summer fees towards the winter/spring fees.

Q:  Are fundraising opportunities available?
A:  YES.  AI plans to offer a limited number of fundraisers during the season to help drive down fees.  It is in your best interest to find sponsors through your high school booster organizations, family and friends.  Please do not rely entirely on fundraisers to cover your financial responsibility to the organization.

Q:  Does AI offer scholarships?
A:  It is our intention that a limited number of members with certain financial hardships still have the opportunity to participate in the ensemble.  Scholarships may be available to a few individuals based on rules that we set forth.

Q:  How often will AI rehearse? A:  We will have audition camps over 2-3 weekends in late October/early November.  There will be an intense 3-4 day camp in December over winter break.  Starting in January we will rehearse every Saturday, with exceptions.  The season will finish in mid-April, with WGI World Championships in Dayton, Ohio.

Q:  Will AI interfere with extra curricular activities? A: The winter/spring line will rehearse only on weekends.  If you play a sport that has conflicts with Friday's and Saturday's then it would not be wise to audition for the ensemble.

Q:  Will AI interfere with drum corps?A:  We encourage our members to participate in drum corps, and will work with members who are actively participating in corps.

Q:  Can family members help with AI?
A:  YES.  We encourage all members to get their parents and other family members involved with AI.  We will need people to help the performers on and off the floor at shows, help sewing uniforms, help paint, and help build props.

Q:  What class will Austin Independent be competing in?
A:  For the 2007 season AI will be competing in Independent Open Class.