November 2006

A special Phantom Regiment thank-you to these supporters of the organization:

We’ve emailed everyone that has requested the info packet or registered for the audition camp, but since the list is so large, some mail servers mail block our email. So just in case, we’re posting the email here.

If you just purchased the $10 packet, you still need to register for camp if you plan on attending. The early payment deadline has been extended until Sunday afternoon. So you can save time and money by registering now. Either way, keep reading for some reminders and a request for you located below.

If you have already paid and registered for the audition camp – then you are all set. We hope you are as excited as we are to go get going. When you arrive, you will only need to check in; where you will receive a ticket to show you’ve paid and checked in; have your photo taken; and that’s it. When you arrive, drop off your luggage in the gym, and get in line to check in. We will have souvenirs available all weekend, so you will have some time to do some Christmas shopping as well!

If you haven’t done so already, you can send us a picture so that we can print out your audition form ahead of time and then you could skip this step next weekend. If you do (or did) send one, don’t be surprised if we ask you to take another photo. That could happen if the photo you sent doesn’t fit our needs.

REMINDER
Make sure to bring a plain white t-shirt (or two) that you can write your name on (we will provide black markers – just be sure to not leave a mark on whatever table surface you are writing on).

REQUEST
Lastly, please fill out this arrival/departure info ASAP. Even if you are driving, we’d like to know how and when you are arriving. If you are flying in, fill in all of your flight info. This will give us and the Van Galder bus company an idea of what we need to plan for ahead of time. So PLEASE fill this out NOW:

Arrival/Departure Info Form

REMEMBER: you want to get off the Van Galder bus at the ELGIN, ILLINOIS stop. This is different from last year. You can also get a copy of the Van Galder bus schedule at the website above.

We look forward to seeing you and making sure you have a great experience!

Thanks and good luck next weekend!

If this is your first year to audition, you are probably nervous about the entire process – which is completely understandable. But don’t fret it. You will be seen and heard by some of the best educators in the country. They will also give you an audition sheet with some feedback that could help you gain a spot here, or with another drum corps if you’re not offered a spot with us. We want to make sure you have a great experience with us during the weekend and we will do everything possible to make sure you do.

But this is not just an audition. You will get to experience what it’s like to be a member of the Phantom Regiment. During the weekend, not only will you have the chance to audition, receive instruction from the staff, but you will also be a part of our 2006 Year End Celebration! Be the first to view the championships performance from the 2006 On the Road DVD. You will also witness the presentation of the 2006 Chevron Award and 2006 Mark Glasscoe Memorial Member of the Year Award. If that wasn’t enough, you will be the first to hear and see the announcement of the 2007 Phantom Regiment production!

We understand you will be nervous, and a bit intimidated by the whole process. We will do our part to ease your fears so that you have the best opportunity to succeed. We also want you to have as much fun as possible.

You will find our FAQ section below. We hope to see you on Friday November 24!

GOOD LUCK!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register?
            You can RSVP and register here: Audition Registration

How do I know where to fly into and how to get to the shuttle stop in Elgin, Illinois?
            Once you register, you will receive the audition & information packet which will detail all of the transportation issues. Basically you can fly into either Chicago’s O’Hare or Midway airport. From there, you will need to take a shuttle bus to Elgin, Illinois (www.vangalderbus.com). The Phantom Regiment will provide transportation to and from the high school and the shuttle stop all weekend long.

Who do I call if I think I may have been left behind in Elgin or lost if I’m driving?
            You can call 815-540-9737 any time all weekend long.

What if I don’t have internet access OR receive an error while registering?
            Certain computer systems and setups receive an error during the registration process. If you’ve received an error, OR if you don’t have access to the internet, please call us at 815-226-2835 and we will take your registration over the phone. If you leave a message, be sure to let us know when is a good time to contact you and make sure to leave your phone number speaking clearly and slowly.

How much does it cost to audition?
            The registration fee is $95 for potential new members until November 17. Any registrations after November 17 including registering on the day of will be $115. You can save by registering before November 17. Registration is only a once-a-year fee and is non-refundable.

What do I do when I have a football game or some other conflict on audition weekend?  Should I try to make it on Sunday?
            The audition camp will end at 2pm on Sunday so you’re best bet is to show up before Saturday evening. If you can’t make any of the audition camp, you can audition at the January camp (except conductors and guard) for any remaining positions.

Can I send in a video tape for my audition? Are there any other audition sites?
            We do not accept video tapes in lieu of an audition. The only audition takes place in Huntley, Illinois which is very near Rockford. Part of the audition process is making sure you can get to Rockford as attendance is very critical during the winter camps.

Can I audition for more than one section?
            We want you to be a member of the Phantom Regiment, so you can audition for different sections. Be sure you stick with your strongest instrument/section. Those wishing to audition for conductor may also decide during the weekend to move to a different section if they and/or their instructor realize their chances for one of the three conductor positions become slim.

Do you take members that are younger than 17 years old? Can I audition if I’m under 17 years old?
            Our membership age is generally between 17 and 22 years old. You are more than welcome to audition, and we actually recommend it for those that are between 14 and 17 years old as it will give you experience as to what it will take to be a part of the Regiment in the future.

Is camp attendance really that important?
            Without a doubt! We only rehearse once a month during the winter/spring so it is imperative that we have everyone there so that we can make progress all year long. The only excused absences are for school concerts.

I don’t get out of school until June 15th, is that a problem?
             Yes. Everyday rehearsals start approximately May 18th and this is the time when we need to put our production together before our first performance.

We’re looking to increase the number of photographs in our current photo gallery. Do you have some good shots of the Regiment that you’d like to share with us and the rest of the world? Do you have some quality shots from the top of the stands? Or how about a great action shot?

If so, email them to photos@regiment.org. Be sure to include where & when they were taken. We would love to show off your photography and increase the number of shots in our galleries!