Question 1

What is Open House?

Answer

Open house is a weekend in which returning and prospective members get to meet the educational team and experience a rehearsal with the drum corps. We give out lots of information on what it’s like to be part of our team and the expectations for membership. We also use this weekend to announce the program design for the upcoming season.

Question 2

How much is it?

Answer

A $80 Registration fee is required to receive an audition packet and participate in our open house. If you don’t attend open house the $80 registration fee is due before your first camp weekend.

Question 3

Do you accept walk-in registrations?

Answer

Yes! You can register in person on the day of open house, however, if you register ahead of time you will have early access to audition materials.

Question 4

What if I can't pay online?

Answer

You can pay your registration fee in person upon your arrival to camp. Checks can be made out to Hawthorne Caballeros. Cash will also be accepted.

Question 5

How much experience do I need?

Answer

We suggest at least a year of high school marching band and some training on your preferred instrument or equipment to be prepared to audition for the Caballeros. However, more importantly is a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. Our staff can train those even with little experience.

Question 6

What if I can't make both days?

Answer

That’s ok! We’d love for you to come for whatever amount of time you’re able to make that weekend.

Question 7

Can I come to Open House just to watch?

Answer

Unfortunately, we do not allow spectators at our Open House. A paid registration will allow anyone to come and fully participate in our Open House weekend even if they have no intention of continuing on for the season. If you are a parent of a student that has a paid registration you are welcome to stay for the day at no additional cost.

Question 8

What if I can’t make either day? Can I still audition for the season?

Answer

Yes! Auditions will continue at our December camp. Our brass and battery sections will also accept virtual auditions. Reach out to our membership manager or your section's caption head to let us know you’re interested and we can provide you with details about our expectations and the audition process.

Question 9

Do I have to commit to the season?

Answer

You do not need to commit to the season to come to our open house. However, the $80 registration fee is still required even if you just sit in for the day.

Question 10

What do I wear?

Answer

If you have your own marching instrument or equipment it would be good to bring it with you to open house. Due to the number of people who come to this weekend we may not have enough corps provided instruments or equipment to go around. Once members are offered a contract we will provide them with corps equipment. We suggest wearing lightweight athletic clothing that will allow you to move around easily. There may be portions of the day you will train with the visual team.

Question 11

Do i need to bring my own food/water?

Answer

Meals are included with the cost of the weekend but if you wish to bring your own meals and/or snacks, please do so. We highly recommend bringing your own water bottle or jug.

Question 12

Will there be housing?

Answer

Unfortunately we are unable to offer housing this year.

Question 13

Do my parents need to come with me?

Answer

We would love to meet your parents and discuss with them what our expectations are for you as a member, and answer any questions they may have about your membership, but it is not required that they attend. We can also discuss volunteer opportunities we have for them to also be part of our family!