What is Breakwater Performing Arts?

Breakwater Performing Arts consists of MCGC competitive winter guards and a winter percussion ensemble. We rehearse at Fruitport Community Schools and receive a huge amount of support from the Fruitport Band Parents Association. We rebranded “Independent” because our ensembles are open to anyone, whether attending Fruitport Schools or not.

Who can March?

Percussion ensembles follow WGI rules regarding participation. As such, anyone younger than 22 years old can participate. However, please note that to be eligible, members must have no outstanding financial obligation to any other performing ensemble. Additionally, those who are under the age of 18 must be enrolled and attending school.

What’s the audition process like?

We choose to structure our auditions like a clinic. All are welcome and there is no cost. On day one (Nov. 12), we will have a quick meeting to introduce the staff at 9am sharp. Afterward the ensemble will be broken up by instrument choice and instructors will go over technique, exercises, marching basics, and dance. We will break for lunch (not provided) and from 1-3pm those members auditioning for a battery position will have a visual block of instruction. From 3-5pm the battery will come together in a larger ensemble setting and play together and the staff will hand out an audition piece. On day two (Nov 19), we will repeat that schedule and in the ensemble block we will play the audition piece as a group. On day two there will be a parent performance at the end and a meeting for those who wish to continue and march in the ensemble with us. After the second audition concludes the staff will have a meeting at which we will discuss who we believe should be in the ensemble and what instrument they should play. Contracts may be handed out at any time during the audition/clinic process. No later than Thanksgiving Day a roster will be posted.

What’s the time commitment like?

We rehearse every Saturday and Sunday. Times vary but generally we begin between 8am and 9am and conclude no later than 8pm. Sundays are a review day, and are only from 1pm-5pm. A schedule will be provided to all members with their contact as well as a form to fill out to detail any events they cannot attend. Additionally, because rehearsals are limited to weekends, members will be required to commit to a great deal of individual practice time outside of rehearsal.

What’s a “visual ensemble”?

Due to the increased number of students looking for opportunity in color guard and dance, we have decided to add a section to our competitive percussion team. Our intent is to bring more people into the MCGC/WGI family and give more students an opportunity to compete. The visual ensemble will be made up of no less than 5 and no more than 16 performers who will learn the basics of spinning flag/weapon, dance, basic percussion and visual performance. While their primary responsibility is to enhance the shows general effect element, the visual ensemble will act, dance and yes, play drums! This is an excellent opportunity for those students auditioning for our ensemble who are musically not quite ready for a battery or pit percussion role but would like to learn as part of the ensemble, or for those students who aren’t ready to march with an independent winter guard but would like an opportunity to dance/spin and be challenged in new ways learning percussion. Like every section, we have invested significant time and resources into the visual ensemble and they will have their own equipment and staff technicians.

What equipment do you use?

Breakwater Performing Arts is proud to be sponsored by Vic Firth and Zildjian. The staff additionally choose to use Mapex drums and Evans heads due to their preference and reliability.