This article contains information about the 2025 SIP 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 9 SCGC (local circuit) A, Open, and World Class titles (2011-2013, 2016-2017, 2019, 2022-2024). SIP has consistently been a national finalist in Scholastic A, Open, and World Classes.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a position in SIP 2025, students must:
- Be in good financial standing with all current booster fees (all booster fees/previous SIP fees must be paid).
- 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 not receive a position).
*Not all students who audition will receive a position*
Auditions
- Auditions are open to any current band student with directors’ approval.
- Any non-percussion student who receives a position in SIP is not eligible for Jazz Band or Wind Ensemble without directors’ approval.
- Any student who would like to participate as a visual ensemble performer should contact Mr. Gilreath ASAP.
- Continue reading below to join the SIP 2025 Audition Google Classroom.
- Open auditions for SIP 2025 will be by video submission in the SIP Audition Google Classroom due by Monday, November 11 by 11:59 pm.
- Audition materials/requirements are now available in the SIP 2025 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, drum set (optional), rack percussion, synthesizer (1 and 2), visual ensemble, student manager/prop operator, and media team.
- The instruments listed above will be filled to best fit the needs of the ensemble.
- Any non-percussion student MUST have a conference with Mr. Gilreath 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 the Student Manager/Prop Operator do?
- Operates metronome during rehearsals.
- Operates/maintains/assists with construction of props.
- Assists Mr. Gilreath/staff logistically during rehearsals and/or show days.
- Required to be at all rehearsals unless otherwise notified by Mr. Gilreath.
What does the Media Team do?
- Generate professional quality content (photos, videos, etc.) for social media approved by Mr. Gilreath. This article by Themarketingheaven.com highlights how high-quality content plays a key role in maximizing engagement and reaching wider audiences online.
- Attends most rehearsals and all shows.
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 6-7, January 4, February 7-8, March 13-15.
- We will be rehearsing at the end of Spring Break to add final tweaks to the show and prepare for our final three performances.
- Dress rehearsals will take place on the day before competitions. Members will wear their show uniform throughout most, if not all, of the dress rehearsal. We will also need Pit Crew to attend the end of these rehearsals as we will always finish with a logistics run through, given that different competitions will have different entrances, exits, and timelines.
Parent Meetings
- There will be a parent meeting for parents of any prospective SIP candidate on Thursday, October 24 from 6-7p in the S9GS Cafeteria (not SHS!)
- There will be a parent meeting of all students who receive SIP 2025 participation contracts on Thursday, November 14 from 6-7 pm in the S9GS Cafeteria (not SHS!)
2025 Show Schedule
- February 15 – Bob Jones HS, SCGC Competition
- March 1 – WGI Chattanooga Regional
- March 20 – Spring Showcase, S9 Gymnasium
- March 22 – Mt. Juliet HS, SCGC Competition
- March 30 – SCGC Circuit Championships, location TBD (likely Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY).
- April 9-13 – WGI World Championships, UD Arena in Dayton, OH
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 $65,000. 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 (custom manufacturing)
- Props
- Musical Equipment
- Show Music Licensing Fees (copyright clearance, etc.)
- WGI Fees
- SCGC Fees
- Show Design
There will be fundraisers in which 100% profit goes towards your SIP member balance!
The 2025 SIP member fees will be $1250 per student.
If you anticipate fees being a hardship, please see Mr. Gilreath.
Fee Collection Schedule
- Nov 14 – $350 (Initial down payment to secure spot, due at parent meeting)
- Dec 16 – $150
- Jan 13 – $250
- Feb 10 – $250
- Mar 13 – $250
SIP Interest/Audition Sign Up Form: https://forms.gle/Wg6TdGUPtvAUdRpg9
SIP 2025 Season Google Classroom Code – jie4cq5