When and Where do the GLASSMEN Rehearse?

The GLASSMEN begin the season in November with Audition Camps in Ohio, Texas, and Florida.  Following the selection of the membership, the corps continues rehearsing approximately one weekend per month throughout the winter and spring. Rehearsals typically begin at 8:00 pm Friday evening and continue until 4:00 pm Sunday afternoon (unless otherwise noted). Members should arrive between 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm on Friday night to register for the weekend and prepare for the evening rehearsal. All camps are held at our G-West Rehearsal Facility, on U.S. Rt. 20, Wauseon, OH. G-West also serves as the housing facility for members, with sleeping rooms, shower rooms, and a full kitchen and cafeteria.

The audition/rehearsal process continues through the first two camps, and the corps membership is generally set by the start of the new year (with the exception of those participating in winter guard). The winter months are comprised mostly of music rehearsals, but the onset of warmer weather brings outdoor rehearsals and marching drill camps.

At the end of May, all members who have completed their school requirements for the year are expected to move into our facilities to begin everyday rehearsals. These rehearsals last for approximately four weeks, in which we solidify the summer program and make final preparations for our eight-week national summer tour. Performing with the GLASSMEN means that you must be able to commit these summer months to being with the corps full-time, as you will be in Toledo and on the road rehearsing and performing with the corps every day from the end of May through mid-August.

How much does it cost to be a member of the GLASSMEN?

Each member of the GLASSMEN is required to pay a one-time non-refundable Registration Fee of $110 ($95 if paid by 11/21/09 either by mail or online). This fee covers the first audition weekend, all instruction and instructional materials (which can be downloaded from the website), and the audition t-shirt. 

Following the initial audition weekend, members are required to pay a Camp Fee of $50 for each weekend they attend throughout the winter / spring months. In addition to meals, these fees cover all instruction, materials, and housing during the winter camps.

Once an applicant is offered a position with the corps, he or she is required to pay a Participation Fee of $2,250 ($2,000 for returning members) to cover the cost of food, housing, instruction and travel throughout the summer months (including spring training / move ins). Members of the guard are also required to pay a Uniform Fee of $125. These can either be paid in full or through a preset schedule of payments.

Total fees for the season can vary, depending on the number of camps a member attends and if they have previously marched with the GLASSMEN. To help each member offset costs and meet the financial requirements for membership, we offer separate fund-raising opportunities throughout the year. We will provide members with a detailed outline of these events and responsibilities - please contact us if you have any questions regarding these fees.

How do I audition to become a member?

To help you be as prepared as possible for your first camp (as well as help us prepare for you), we ask that you fill out a complete Membership Application, the first step in the registration process. This lets us know more about you, and how you are interested in performing with the corps. The Membership Application is included in the 2010 Membership Details and can be downloaded in the 2010 Downloads Area (via the main page and by user registration).

Once you have downloaded the 2010 Membership Packet, you will need to return all necessary membership forms, and your Registration fee (if not paid online) to the corps office to reserve your place at the upcoming Audition Camp(s).

In addition to the 2010 Membership Packet, you will need to download the Audition Packet that corresponds to your specific section of interest.  Once you have paid the one time Registration Fee (either through the mail, or directly online) you will be given a code to download the Technique & Music Booklets (which includes musical excerpts, and exercises for the auditions).

*Note - if you are NOT planning to audition for the corps, but would like to purchase and download the Technique & Music Booklets (for your section), this can be done directly through our Corps Store at ENTERTRAINMENT^TM Products.   

Auditions for the corps are held over the course of the first two camp weekends (as well as the Texas and Florida Audition weekends). It is highly recommended that you attend the first Orientation/Audition Camp in Toledo in November as we typically have a very high attendance of new and potential applicants. You may still audition for the corps at any of the other winter camps, but we attempt to assign all positions for the corps by the start of the new year. (Winter Guard members are generally asked to attend the first two Ohio camps, then reconvene in the spring after WGI Championships.) If you have specific questions about a particular circumstance, please contact us. Mailed-in videos are NOT an acceptable for auditioning, except for overseas applicants or those with prior consent, and must still include a valid application and the non-refundable registration fee.

In addition to evaluating all potential and returning applicants, we start rehearsing and learning our summer program. During the auditions, we will evaluate your performance both within the ensemble and aside as an individual. These first two camps are designed for you to get to know the GLASSMEN Family and see how you might fit within the organization, as well as an opportunity for our staff to assess your abilities. Even if you are unsure whether or not you can march an entire season, we invite you to attend a rehearsal camp. Each member receives an evaluation at the end of the weekend with suggestions for improvement and an assessment of your placement within the corps. We guarantee you will leave the camp with a full sense of what the GLASSMEN are about, and take with you a weekend full of quality music instruction, great experiences, and new friends.

Selection of corps members is based on four basic areas:

We strive to bring the best people we possibly can into the GLASSMEN organization, not necessarily the most talented. We want your experience with the GLASSMEN to be as satisfying, educational, and comfortable as possible. Plan on playing music or performing visual work which you feel best displays your individual abilities (specific requirements will be outlined in the audition packet). Overall, our interest will be not only in your individual skills, but more importantly what you can do within an ensemble setting, and what you can bring to the family.

What if I have more Questions?

If you'd like to ask us a question, please send us an e-mail. We'll send a reply as soon as possible!

Also check out the following:
Nearby Hotels
Map to G-West (.jpg)