Experience Camps
Welcome to the Seattle Cascades Drum & Bugle Corps. Thank you for considering our program.
Seattle Cascades are a nationally touring competitive drum & bugle corps, based in the Pacific Northwest.
New to the activity? Learn more about our organization and values to by watching this 2 minute video.
Seattle Cascades Facebook Interest Groups are also available as sources of information:
Seattle Cascades 2023 Interest Group
Please contact the appropriate caption for audition information if you’re unable to find what you need in the website.
BRASS: Joey Riordan
VISUAL: Robert Blake
COLOR GUARD: Anthony Riederer
PERCUSSION: Micah Brusse
Experience Camp Dates:
We’re extremely excited to know that you’re interested in spending your summer as a member of our Cascades Family! Whether it’s your first time auditioning or you’re hoping to return to the organization for another season, we are eager to welcome you. Your journey to excellence starts here, at one of our 2023 experience camps.
NOTE: Percussion and Color Guard members may be required to submit video assignments during the winter months that they are not attending camps.
Register NOW!
What Are You Looking For When I Audition?
Auditions will give the staff an idea of your music, marching, movement, and equipment handling skills.
We will also be looking at several other factors, including:
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Positive attitude.
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Work ethic.
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Commitment to effort.
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Ability to focus and follow directions.
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Ability to learn exercises.
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Ability to process information and instruction and apply it to exercises.
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Ability to handle constructive criticism in a positive manner.
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Interaction with other members
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Ability to attend all camps and move into Spring Training (some flexibility is allowed due to school commitments but this IS our expectation).
In addition to an audition in a rehearsal setting, each prospective member will also be interviewed by the appropriate caption head.
Our marching member Code of Conduct can be found here. This will give you an idea of our organization’s expectation for its members.
Oh yes, in case you think we forgot to mention this: enjoy yourself! Stay positive and don’t lose sight of your goals and objectives. You are here because you enjoy doing this, and the staff does recognize your effort in coming to be here with us.
Commitment, dedication, and teamwork are the cornerstones of our organization. The Seattle Cascades have 56 years of tradition and pride. We encourage your participation, and look forward to seeing you soon.
Audition Materials:
The Audition materials are included when registering for an Experience Camp.
What Do I Need to Bring to the Experience Camps?
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A positive attitude and willingness to learn.
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All musicians: three ring binder with plastic sleeves and a pencil.
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Change of clothes for the weekend. Plan to dress in layers. It will be warm in the gym and cold outside.
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Comfortable marching shoes.
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Sleeping Bag and Pillow
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Showering supplies and Toiletries
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Your own instrument / guard equipment (in particular brass) if possible, to ensure you have something to use throughout the audition weekends.
Housing and food are all provided, and attendance at all experience camps is mandatory unless you have a previously-approved school conflict.
Financial Responsibility:
The 2023 member fee is $4,750.00.
Returning members receive a $100.00 discount for each year they have marched ($100.00 for one year, $200.00 for two years, $300.00 for three years, etc.)
Scholarships are available and will be announced after the audition season.
Member fees must be paid in full before Spring Training move-ins. Here is the estimated payment schedule as a reference:
1st payment: January – $750.00
2nd payment: February – $800.00
3rd payment: March – $800.00
4th payment: April – $800.00
5th payment: May - $800.00
Final payment: June – $800.00
Refunds: please refer to the members handbook for the refund policy.
What Happens if I am Offered Membership in the Seattle Cascades?
If you have been offered a position in the Corps you must take care of your paperwork and membership payments confirming your acceptance of your contract offer immediately. You must pay $750.00 of your 2023 Tour Fees within 10 days of receiving your contract offer.
If you have any questions about the application process or fees, contact our director, Ray Severns.
Shuttle Available
If you need shuttle service between the airport and camp.
The cost is $20. Please contact our Operations Director, Jeremy Bennett if you have questions about the shuttle.
For the Portland Area Camps please fly into PDX and for the Seattle Area Camps please fly into Sea-Tac.
Our 2022 educational program is structured around a series of virtual assignments, physical conditioning and monthly in-person rehearsals, followed by an extended spring training camp and a full national tour.
Learn more about our values here.