This article contain information about the Sparkman Indoor Percussion (SIP) 2023 Season.
What is Sparkman Indoor Percussion?
The Sparkman Indoor Percussion Ensemble, or SIP, is a nationally recognized competitive ensemble that develops and performs a show (similar to marching band) in gyms and arenas. SIP competes locally, regionally, and nationally. SIP has won two WGI Open Class World Championships (2016, 2019) and 7 SCGC (local circuit) A, Open, and World Class titles (2011, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022). SIP has consistently been a national finalist in Scholastic A, Open, and World Classes.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a position in SIP 2023, students must:
- Be in good financial standing with all current booster fees.
- Be dependable and not have excessive absences.
- Review and understand the rehearsal/performance schedule.
- Perform audition materials at a proficient level (students who perform an incomplete audition will likely not receive a position).
*Not all students who audition will receive a position*
Auditions
- Auditions are open to any current band student.
- Any non-percussion student who receives a position in SIP is still eligible for any other ensemble within the SHS Band Program, including Wind Ensemble.
- Any student who would like to participate as a visual ensemble performer should contact Mr. Albert ASAP.
- Continue reading below to join the SIP 2023 Audition Google Classroom.
- Open auditions for SIP 2023 will be by video submission in the SIP Audition Google Classroom due by Monday, November 7 by 11:59 pm.
- Audition materials/requirements are now available in the SIP 2023 Audition Google Classroom.
Positions Available
- All positions are open to audition for.
- These positions include: Snare, tenors, bass drums, marching cymbals, marimba, vibraphone, xylophone, bells/chimes/crotales, rack percussion, synthesizer (1 and 2), visual ensemble, student manager/prop operator.
- Any non-percussion student MUST have a conference with Mr. Albert prior to auditioning for SIP.
What is the visual ensemble?
- The visual ensemble will have a visual only role in the show. Dance experience is preferred, but not required.
What Does a Student Manager/Prop Operator Do?
- Operates metronome during rehearsals.
- Operates/maintains/assists with construction of props.
- Assists Mr. Albert/Staff logistically during rehearsals and/or show days.
- Required to be at all rehearsals unless otherwise notified by Mr. Albert.
Rehearsals
- If offered a contract for membership in SIP, students are expected/required to be at all rehearsals/performances.
- The general rehearsal schedule can be found on the calendar section of the band website.
- There will be 4 rehearsal camps: December 2-3, January 6-7, February 10-11, March 24-25.
Parent Meeting
- There will be a parent meeting of all students who received SIP 2023 participation contracts on Thursday, November 10 from 6-7 pm in the S9GS Auditorium (not SHS!)
2023 Show Schedule
- February 25, Bob Jones HS SCGC Competition
- March 11, WGI Knoxville, TN Regional (Hardin Valley Academy)
- April 2, SCGC Championships, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY
- April 19-22, WGI World Championships, Dayton, OH (overnight)
Parent Support
Parent support is a vital aspect of SIP. We are always looking for parents to help construct props, sew, paint, move equipment on pit crew, chaperone, etc. We encourage you to get involved, as this team effort can be very rewarding for both your child and yourself.
Fees
SIP operates on an annual budget of approximately $52,000. This budget is generated by membership fees, fundraising, and corporate/individual sponsorships attained by the membership and/or their parents. Like the overall band program, SIP does not receive any monetary support from the school or school system. Our annual budget includes the following:
- Additional Instruction
- Hotels
- Transportation (equipment truck and bus)
- Floor Tarp (custom digitally printed)
- Uniforms
- Props
- Musical Equipment
- Show Music Licensing Fees (copyright clearance, etc.)
- WGI Fees
- SCGC Fees
- Show Design (except music, which we get for no cost)
100% of your 20/20 fundraiser will go towards your SIP fee balance.
The 2023 SIP member fees will be $1000 per student.
If you anticipate fees being a hardship, please see Mr. Albert.
Fee Collection Schedule
TBD
Sign-Up for SIP 2023 Auditions – Google Classroom