AUDITION INFO | Charles Towne

How do Auditions work?

The audition process at CTP is straightforward and simple.

First, You must download the packet of the instrument you wish to audition on. These are located right here on our website for free, on the PACKETS tab. Please provide accurate emails so we can get in touch with you during the audition process. Read and practice all the material within. This is the best preparation you can do for auditions.

Keep an eye out on social media for audition dates, times, and locations and clear your schedule to attend. We value potential members who prioritize CTP if they wish to be a part of the ensemble. We can accept video auditions, but we will need you to attend camp soon after or we will express more interest in members physically present. It is in your absolute best interest to attend auditions physically.

We will begin handing out contracts throughout the audition process, but we keep a keen eye out for those who can learn and adapt. By FAR, your best attributes are a positive attitude, and a willingness to work and show improvement. Any staff member will take these attributes over a talented set of hands with a bad attitude!

If you are offered a contract, you will be told verbally at camp and then emailed a digital version to print and sign.

What is WGI?

Charles Towne Percussion is an indoor performing arts ensemble that learns and rehearses a competitive show each year. Typically, we compete in two circuits, CWEA, and WGI. Carolina Winter Ensemble Association (CWEA) is our local circuit focused on shows within a 3-4 hour driving venue range. Winter Guard International (WGI) is our national circuit, where we compete with other ensembles from all over the country, ending in Dayton, Ohio in the spring, which determines our national ranking. In the 2021-2022 season we ended 9th in the nation in our class, in the 2022-2023 season we ended 4th in the nation in our class, and in the 2023-2024 season we ended 2nd in the nation in our class. In 2025, we were promoted into Open class for a higher level of competition. More information can be obtained on both of these circuits by viewing their websites here:

Financial Obligations

Auditions will cost $40 per person. Membership fees, if offered a contract will be $1450. We are aware that financing a season can be difficult. Over the years, we have learned to offer successful and targeted fundraising, and planning options. Dues are not due all at once, we provide monthly payments. Furthermore, our fundraising regimen is so successful, we have only ever had 2 students in the entire history of CTP not pay all of their dues. We are confident we can work with you to make your season come true. Please speak with the executive director Andrew Kriska if you have concerns.

Other financial obligations will include membership jacket, incidentals, food, and performance shoes.

WGI

CWEA

Time Commitment

Rehearsal time is a big deal at CTP. We are a nationally competitive ensemble, and therefore we expect our members to treat their time commitment with the same reflection. We obviously allow cooperation for school events that may affect grades, but we also work with band directors, students, and parents to resolve these issues far in advance. Poor attendance can result in a forfeit of your position with the ensemble even if offered a contract, as it prohibits the growth of other members and is a waste of our talented staff's time. Rehearsals and shows are conducted on weekends throughout the fall, winter, and spring.