2024 RIB FAQs

  • Those who will be 18 or older in June and have marching arts experience with Brass, Percussion & Color Guard are eligible for Rhythm IN BLUE. We are open to anyone, not just Bluecoats Alumni!

  • All spots are open for Rhythm IN BLUE

    • To audition for Rhythm IN BLUE, cost to obtain the audition packet and for staff feedback is $50 (non-refundable).

    • Those who continue on as performers have base fees of about $1,200.

    • The cost to the performer may vary depending upon housing needs when in the Akron/Canton area. Those needing housing can elect to stay in provided housing ala drum corps style (floors, sleeping bags, etc.). Participants can elect to stay on their own at area hotels or AirBnB’s (secured on your own at your cost). 11 meals will be provided throughout the season, generally o performance days, with the rest at the performers cost. Fees will include uniform, instruction, transportation (at times), staging, and certain types of equipment.

  • Virtual Auditions will occur where our staff will learn the talents of each performer. There is no limit to the size of a SoundSport group so our selection of performers is very open to a variety of skill levels.

    Members will begin learning the show remotely through Google Classroom and will submit periodic assignments towards perfecting the show. This will continue throughout the Spring where optional rehearsals may be held.

    We will begin mandatory in-person rehearsals prior to June.

  • Your audition materials will be available in School of the Arts once you register for a virtual audition. This audition is a little bit of demonstrating provided material but also is a chance for you to showcase your skills. We also encourage video submissions that show off more than the role desired. We have had guard showcase music skills and musicians share color guard skills. Other have shared skills beyond the marching arts domain.

  • After your Virtual Audition is complete, there are three possible outcomes: a contract, continued development that we hope leads to a contract or an opportunity to come back next year if you are able.

  • We will program the show around the talents of our performers. In 2023 the abilities of those who auditioned drove the specific design of the show. For 2024 we may announce the visual thematic ideas before musical selections.

  • Rhythm IN BLUE allows you to keep a full time job or college coursework. We will meet for six weekends in person during the summer of 2024: May 11-12, June 15-16, June 29-30, July 20-21, August 3-5, August 9-10. Despite only gathering 13 days in that span, there may be as many as 8 performance opportunities! Housing will generally be available after 10 pm the night prior to these weekends.

  • Rhythm IN BLUE is open to anyone who will be 18 or older at our first in-person rehearsal. Exceptions may be made for those turning 18 early in the summer. In 2023 our ages ranged from 18 to 60.

  • Most of the performances are within an hour of The Champion Event Center, which serves as our rehearsal home. Members will transport themselves or carpool with others to shows outside the immediate area. For an extra cost, van transportation may be possible to Indianapolis for our final days of the season.

  • For 2023, all participants had to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. 2024 has yet to be determined. If you have questions, or for more information, please contact us at bluecoats@bluecoats.com.

  • Rhythm IN BLUE (RIB) intends to operate with similar standards and expectations of the Bluecoats experience. With a condensed timeframe and scope of production, our costs will be much less than those of a World Class Drum Corps.

    To audition for RIB it will cost $50. If offered a contract, the first fee will be $300. These two fees are non-refundable. The remaining fees will be based upon the size of the ensemble and 2024 summer performance schedule, with the second payment due May 1st and the final by June 15th. Total cost, including registration, will be under $1,300.

  • Yes. The Bluecoats organization offers a season sponsorship program in which members can have friends, family, and local businesses send money directly to Bluecoats in support of your program fees. Paperwork for this program will be distributed following your signing of a participation agreement. It is the corps member’s responsibility to execute a sponsorship campaign, and ultimately to fulfill all financial obligations for participation.

  • Unfortunately, there are no refunds available for Virtual Audition registration.

  • Send us an email at rhythminblue@bluecoats.com! We’re happy to help.