Golden Empire FAQs
What’s the schedule like?
Weekend rehearsals start after Thanksgiving and are typically once or twice a month. Once school is out for the summer, the corps rehearses daily with about one "free day" per week. We perform on weekends starting in late June*. An updated schedule can be found here.
What if I’m in high school, can I march Golden Empire?
Absolutely! Because there are limited rehearsals during the school-year, you should have plenty of time to focus on your high school commitments.
How much are member expenses?
The 2020 member contribution is $1,700. Early-pay and other discounts are available. There is also an audition fee of $40 and the cost of enrolling in the course at Bakersfield College for credit, which is about $100 per semester (or $15 for HS students).**
Where does the money go?
It goes to travel, food, lodging, uniforms, show design, instruction, equipment maintenance, and any other seasonal expenses.
What if I want to march Golden Empire but can’t afford the member contribution?
Various fundraising opportunities are available throughout the season, however, you may need to find additional ways to raise funds. If you are willing to put in the hard work and hours of practice it takes to travel and perform with the group, then you should also be willing to meet the challenge of fundraising. No matter how you do it, you really do need to come up with a plan and go for it!
Can I still perform with an indoor guard/drumline and march GE?
Yes, but this is handled on a case-by-case basis as everyone’s situation is different. We see the value in the indoor activity and have based the winter schedule accordingly, but marching two groups requires great communication with both staffs and a lot of hard work. Take a look at your calendar and start to identify the conflicts right away, then talk to us so we can help you figure things out.
I'm not sure if I'm the right age to be in the group. What's the age limit?
Our average age is 18. You must at least be a HS freshman, and Drum Corps International's age limit is 21 years of age with one exception: Corps members who turn 22 on or after June 1 are eligible to march during that year. Check out the Age Limit Calculator here: http://www.dci.org/audition/
Can my parents help?
Yes! We encourage parent involvement on any level. This includes equipment maintenance, sewing, food crew, etc. Maybe your parents just want to come support us at shows, help push equipment, help with logistics, etc. Email volunteers@geperformingarts.org for details.
I have another question that's not answered here. What should I do?
Just contact us here or email [email protected] and someone will get back to you as soon as possible...usually within a day or two.
*GE competes in DCI's Open Class, and our schedule is subject to change based on DCI's schedule.
**HS students are exempt from BC's enrollment fees. Out of state students may be able to audit the course. Details about BC's tuition & fees are available here: https://www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/admissions/tuition-fees
**HS students are exempt from BC's enrollment fees. Out of state students may be able to audit the course. Details about BC's tuition & fees are available here: https://www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/admissions/tuition-fees
