Frequently Asked Questions

Last Updated April  5th, 2010

Why Forte?  

• Forte, from the French fort for "strength", pronounced /FORTAY/ in English^[1]; a person's strong point ^[1] ("Preparing gourmet cuisine is his forte"). The English pronunciation is likely due to a historical confusion with the doublet below (musical term from the Italian). In light of this, some people regard the common English pronunciation as incorrect and insist that it should be pronounced /FORT, although the French word is actually pronounced with a silent T.^[2]
• Forte (music), a musical dynamic meaning "loudly" or "strong"
• Many of the staff and members of Memphis Sound have come to help start Forte. The Forte name was originally chosen as the new name for Memphis Sound. MYPAA has granted OYAA (Overture Youth Advocacy Through the Arts - Parent Organization to Forte Drum & Bugle Corps) use of the name Forte, even though Memphis Sound and Forte are two separate organization.

What is the Mission Statement of OYAA?

• Mission Statement 

  OVERTURE YOUTH ADVOCACY THROUGH THE ARTS (OYAA) is a non-profit youth enrichment organization, and through the medium of the pageantry arts, OYAA is committed to supporting achievement towards the pursuit of excellence in all areas of their lives

   

• OYAA Vision Statement

  OYAA prepares and inspires young adults from Texas and surrounding regions to become great performers, experienced leaders and exceptional citizens. By maintaining a strong emphasis on instilling positive leadership traits and principles, the development of individual moral character, goal setting and teaching the importance of responsibility and maintaining a strong work ethic, the OYAA experience forever changes those who participate in our ensembles.

  OYAA will ensure a strong family and fraternal environment that uniquely benefits its membership as a result of the discipline derived from the study of the pageantry arts, and daily exposure to learning opportunities that develop important life skills, thereby enhancing the member's positive social development and confidence, and enhancing the quality of life for all members the community.

   

• OYAA Values

  VISION: to insure that all members of the OYAA family have a positive and enriching experience each and every day.

  MISSION: to exceed every expectation through the daily advancement of our values.

  VALUES: The intent of this statement is to establish positive behaviors upon which we will conduct our activities. The extent to which we dedicate ourselves to the implementation of these values will determine our success.

  PEOPLE: We are dedicated to the fair and equal treatment of all of our personnel. We will treat each other with dignity and respect, honoring their contribution to the achievement of the whole.

  RELATIONSHIPS: We develop meaningful and effective relationships based on trust, responsibility, and respect.

   LEADERSHIP: We will lead by example through the establishment of expectations of excellence that combines diligence, perseverance, innovation, education, and creativity.

  COMPETITION: We embrace competition as an opportunity for constant improvement and measurement of the growth of our performers. We always display the highest level of sportsmanship and respect for our competitors and counterparts.

  EDUCATION: We treat every scenario as an opportunity to learn and grow.

  PROFESSIONALISM: We will demonstrate and expect the highest level of ethical behavior from all levels of our organization by always doing the right thing for the right reasons and in the right way.

  COMMITMENT: We expect all of our personnel to effectively complete their responsibilities by doing the very best that they can in all disciplines at all times. Commitment fosters success.

  RECOGNITION: We recognize, acknowledge, and reward positive behaviors and results in visible ways. We will celebrate our successes and encourage those successes throughout the Corps.

  TRADITIONS: We will perpetuate our heritage from the fraternity of members, staff  and volunteers that choose to participate in our programs

How do I audition?

• We have attempted to make the audition process as convenient as possible. Due to the large number of recruits coming from various parts of the country, Forte has held Video Tape Auditions, Satellite Camps and Full Auditions at various locations before starting regular camp days in Dallas.
• VideoTapes - Either recorded at a VideoTape Location or on your own, Videotapes can allow you audition without leaving your home area.  Invitations to attend a full camp will be given out based on these auditions. 
• Satellite Camps - These auditions are short and feature concentrated audition experiences in several states.  These locations allow a student to audition with other students (Video Tapes are solo) and get a taste of what a drum corps rehearsal is all about. Invitations to attend a full camp will be given out based on these auditions.
• Full Audition - With so many students from the North Texas/OK/AR and Houston/LA areas, we have divided the first audition day to two locations. One on November 28th in Dallas (with a kick-off banquet and 2009 Memphis Sound banquet the evening before) and one in Houston on Dec 19th.  Students only have to attend one of these to obtain a contract or call-backs to January. A Student may audition at both locations for an additional $25 to be seen more times by the staff.
• Other opportunities have been announced in OH, TN and VA. These locations will hold a month rehearsal in their area, and students will only be required to come to Dallas once before June move-ins (The April Camp). This will allow members coming from these areas to rehearse with members of the Forte staff close to home, and save money from travel.  We are hoping this makes the drum corps experience more available to students in these areas. Check the Audition page for the latest information
• Auditionees only have to attend 1 audition to be offered a position with Forte.  All Auditionees should plan on attending monthly rehearsals in Dallas starting in January. After Audition Rounds have completed, students may still audition for open spots at ANY Forte Camp in OH, VA or TX.  

Some additional quick points from the Audition Page:

• All Audition Sites are treated equally in regards to being offered a position with Forte in 2010.

• Dallas and Houston are the primary audition sites, but students auditioning in Virginia, Georgia, South Dakota, and Ohio will all have equal chances to earn a spot

• All Students who audition in Texas, South Dakota, or Georgia (possibly depending on recruit's location) will need to make plans to attend all Texas Camps from Jan - May)

• All Students who audition in Virginia, Ohio and Georgia (possibly depending on recruit's location) will have the chance to attend more localized rehearsals for Jan, Feb, March and May. Auditionees from these locations will need to plan to attend the April Camp in Texas.  

• All Students from all locations will be required to move-in to DFW area starting in Mid-early June for Everydays

• Ratings will be given out at all audition locations

• Contracts will be offered starting at the January Camp. This includes the local rehearsals in VA and OH 

Where and when are camps?

• The Full Camp Schedule is located on the AUDITION PAGE. We will be utilizing schools from across the DFW area to reach out to our local community.
• All rehearsals from Jan-May are 10am -10pm; One Saturday per month.
• Students may arrive Friday night and leave Sunday morning if they are traveling a great distance/flying. Housing is not provided, but hotel partners have offered special discounts, as well as Memphis Sound alumni have offered their homes for sleeping arrangements. Join the 2010 Forte Interest Group on Facebook  for more information

  • For all Grand Prairie area auditions and rehearsals:  Hyatt Place of Grand Prairie/Arlington has extended our special rate to all Forte dates in 2010.

    To book online, just go to the website - www.hyattplacedallasnortharlington.com and enter the code where it says Group/Corporate #53411

    Or you can call 972-988-6800 and ask for the Forte rate! (Thanks Steve Murphy!)

    

    Hyatt Place
    1542 N Hwy 360
    Grand Prairie, TX 75050

• For 2010, there are no camp fees. All students attending are required to pay $100 Audition Fee ; and $500 per month from January - May.
• Any student not being offered a contract will receive a refund of all but a $100 per rehearsal clinic fee
• Any student wishing to 'audit' a rehearsal, may do so with permission of the Corps Director. Clinic Fee is $100 (that's only $10 an hour!)
• The Corps will provide Lunch and Dinner, along with snack items at all rehearsals
• Move-ins each year are in Mid-June. Specific dates are determined by the Tour Schedule. Move-ins are typically the 2nd week of June.

I have already auditioned elsewhere this season, can I still audition for Forte?

• Members who are auditioning for Forte come from a variety of backgrounds. We welcome students who have auditioned for other organizations and have chosen to pursue Forte, regardless of reasons
• In order to be eligible for Forte, you can not hold any obligations to another corps (past years dues, paperwork, current year camp fees, etc). 
• If you are a veteran of another corps, we will contact your old corps before fully executing your membership contract
• Veterans of Forte (or for 2010 - returning members from 2009 Memphis Sound) may not audition for another corps the season they are intending to march Forte.  This rule only applies to the previous season, and only to veterans. Many World Class corps and some Open Class corps also have this rule. New members to Forte may have auditioned in other places prior, and all other veterans are not bound by this rule. **This rule is in place for November - May Only.  Open Spots in the summer months MAY be filled by a veteran, upon approval of the Caption Head and Corps Director
• Forte's goal is to grow to World Class in a few seasons, in order to achieve that dream, we will build our foundation on returning members and encourage their participation year to year.

What do I need for camps?

• RSVP for your first audition online.  Pre-payment of fees may be available- contact director@fortecorps.org for more details
• Download all forms from CorpsData.net or fortecorps.org as instructed by Caption Heads, Corps Director or the Membership Coordinator
• Each Camp is $500. This is applied towards the Tour fee and is expected from all attendees for all camps.  Full Tuition is due by the May Camp unless approved by the Corps Director.  If a student is not offered a contract, they will be refunded $400 of the $500 for each camp. 
• Please bring your own equipment, especially in the early rehearsals, we will have more students than equipment, and bringing your own horn, drum or flag will ensure you will be seen more by staff. If you do not have access to these items, please let your caption head know so that we can ensure you have equipment.  

Why aren't all camps for the weekend?

• All Camps (except for April) are Saturday only rehearsals. This allows for safe travels on Friday night and Sundays
• With students coming from 15 different states, Friday night rehearsals are poorly attended due to various flights and travel concerns
• Many winterguards hold Sunday rehearsals, and by not having rehearsals on Sundays, members of Forte have an easier chance at participating in winter guard, school programs, and other events in their communities
• Sunday rehearsals are often lighter attended with recruits needing to leave early for other commitments and travel.
• We ask that NO ONE leave early or arrive late to a Forte rehearsal without permission from the Caption Head and Corps Director. Overnight accommodation with other members or hotels can be arranged. 

$2600 Seems like a lot of money?

• Yes, the drum corps experience can be an expensive one.  For $2600, members travel across the country in the finest busses available, are fed 4 meals a day, taught by some of the top educations in North Texas and across the country, learn and tool their craft in the most intense 'band camp' available, and come back a better musician/dancer and person.
• There are camps offered in the summer for 7-10 days that are more cost intensive than a summer of Drum Corps.  The Drum Corps experience is very unique and provides invaluable life skills, as well as performance & music skills.
• There are scholarships available, application will be live in January, and Applications are due at the February Camp
• Fundraising Opportunities will be given to members at all auditions as a way to defray the cost to participate in the corps
• Forte is an all-inclusive fee. Instead of having a low Membership fee, and then tacking on a number of fees for Auditions, Summer Training, Fundraising, Equipment, Uniform, etc, We wrap all the expenses into one lump sum and provide a payment plan.  There are no hidden fees or expenses.
• There are a few things that are needed in the summer, and if you download the MEMBERSHIP OVERVIEW PACKET for a breakdown of other items you will need and a convenient way to plan ahead

How can I raise money towards my dues?

• Sponsorship Letters & Fundraisers (Both Corps Sponsored and Individual) are great ways to earn money towards the corps
• If a donor donates in your name through a Sponsorship letter, we will give credit to your CorpsData Account. (Tax deductible letters are available upon request)
• Fundraisers are outlined as Downloads on CorpsData for contracted members, and great ideas are available in the How to Pay for Drum Corps Group on Facebook (a list by the same name is also available on Facebook)
• Payment Plan options are available as well as limited Scholarship Opportunities (Scholarship applications are due by the January Camp, applications are available on CorpsData to applicants)

Do I have to pay full dues if I join later than the first audition?

• Yes, In order to be considered a member of the corps, full dues must be paid, irregardless of how and when they are paid
• There are no discounts provided by joining the corps late.  It costs the corps about $4,000 per member, and the charge to the member is 65% of the total charge to the corps.  Discounts only help to raise the bottom line number of the entire corps. So essentially, by offering a discount to one member, it raises the cost for another.
• If a member has not paid full tuition by that season's deadline date, a Payment Plan form must be on file in order to be allowed to move-in to camp.  Details of the payment plan must be adhered to in order to maintain membership for the season.  Failure to do so may result in increased fundraising time in lieu of rehearsal or the cancellation of the membership contract.
• Any member receiving Tuition Assistance, must have a tuition assistance form (Scholarship Acceptance Form, etc) on file with the Membership Coordinator. Terms of the Assistance Form must be adhered to in order to maintain assistance level and to reach 'Financially Clear' for the season.

Are my donations tax deductible?

• Yes, donations to the corps (money, food, sponsorship) are tax deductible. Tax letters are available upon request
• Donations to the Capital Giving Campaign are also tax deductible.  Tax letters are available upon request
• Tax letters are prepared at the end of the fiscal year (September). Letters may be generated sooner upon request.
• Tax letters may be requested at any time, up to one year from time of donation.

Are dues refundable?

• During Auditions, if you pay a dues installment and are not offered a contract, you will receive the dues portion (minus any clinic fee) back before leaving camp. Students are encouraged to try for a different instrument or section if they do not receive a contract in their initial choice.
• The ONLY payments that are refundable are on tangible items that can be returned in perfect/unused condition (Polos, Shoes, Duffles, etc)
• Dues are non-refundable for all reasons (Quit, Injury, Disciplinary Dismissal, etc). Please see the member handbook for more information. There are NO exceptions to this rule, and information is in the Tour Handbook, Membership Handbook, Contract Paperwork, and is communicated verbally.
• The Corps Director in special cases (of Injury, Illness, or certain Family Emergencies) may choose to apply monies paid into Forte into a future season of Forte. This would allow that member to return as a member of Forte and apply monies paid in a previous season to the current one. This is done on a case by case basis and has to be approved by the Director.  This is ONLY in the case of Injury, Illness, or certain Family Emergencies.

What happens if the corps doesn't field for the season?

• While it is fully the intention of Forte to field an Open Class competitive corps in 2010, factors do sometimes come into play that prohibit touring. In the unlikely event that the corps is unable to remain active for the season, members will be refunded their dues payments minus the Clinic Fee per rehearsal along with the initial audition fees.
• Should the corps opt to take an exhibition/non-competitive season instead of a DCI Sanctioned Tour, member's fees will be adjusted/refunded to reflect the adjusted structure for the season. In this unlikely scenario, any student choosing not to participate in the adjusted schedule will be refunded in the same way as the inactive status in the first bullet point.
• Sponsorships are not refundable as they are donations to the Organization. The Corps will apply those sponsorships to the next season of Forte (should the member decide to return in the following year), or will donate those funds to the new corps of choice of the member. These funds are not refundable per law.
• Donations are not refundable per law.
• Any extras purchased (Corps Jacket, Gloves, Shoes, UnderArmour, etc) belong to the member and are not refundable. Some items may be able to be purchased back from the member.
• All Corps are required to have a policy for inactivity. In addition, if OYAA (the parent organization) ever ceases operations, all equipment will be sold off to satisfy any debt and remaining funds/equipment will be donated to a like charity. Under our charter, Forte does maintain the right to exist separate from OYAA should the situation arise.

I am a parent and I have a LOT of questions

• We love parents and are always willing to take the time to answer your questions. We realize that most parents haven't heard of drum corps until their child comes home with a poster or weblink for this new activity they want to do and want you to pay for! Some really helpful folks to get to know:
  • Chris Green, Corps Director - Director@fortecorps.org
  • Cheryl Brossette, Volunteer Coordinator - Volunteer@fortecorps.org  (Parent of a Forte Member)
  • Suzanne Novotnak, Membership Coordinator - membership@fortecorps.org (Parent of a Forte Member)
• At all rehearsals, we will have an open meeting for parents to meet with members of the Management Team and ask questions about anything dealing with the corps. These meetings are informal, but are always well liked by those in attendance. 
• Handouts will always be available online for parents to download. Because we know not all the right information or paperwork makes it home with your kids
• If your child is in college, don't think you can't be involved as well.  While we know those students 18 and under REALLY need your support, our young adults also enjoy parents being involved as well.

Am I eligible for Forte?

• Students must be 14 years of age and no older than 22 on June 1, 2010 in order to be a marching member of Forte. A convenient age-limit calculator can be found at http://www.dci.org/audition/ 
• Students must audition and meet all financial and other obligations to be considered for membership
• Forte does not discriminate on any basis
• International Members are encouraged to audition via videotape.  International Members will need to attend one in-person camp before move-ins.  International Members will be offered a contract at the in-person camp and be required to meet all financial and other obligations upon arriving at June Move-ins

When will the tour schedule be announced?

• Forte was approved to join the DCI Tour as an Open Class participant and full schedule can be found at www.dci.org
• Forte will also be performing in the local community on many occasion. Sporting and Arts Events, Community Support, Parades and Grand Openings. Make sure you subscribe to our GoogleCalender  to see Forte everywhere we perform, on and off the field!  The Google Calendar is available on our Tour Page - www.fortecorps.org/tour.htm 

Can I send a care package to someone on tour?

• YES! All packages must go to the corps address, in the following manner:   MEMBER NAME c/o Chris Green; 7212 Rueda; Grand Prairie, TX  75054
• There is a weekly mail drop (specific day fluctuates with the logistic needs of the tour schedule). 
• The last Mail drop must be in Grand Prairie by July 30th in order to receive it on tour
• DO NOT send packages to housing or show sites, the students will not receive them. 

When can I order my Forte Jacket?

• Current Staff (Administrative, Design, Instructional, Board and Management Team) may order their jackets at anytime for delivery in January, May or November (Year-end banquet)
  • Current Staff must have employment contract and all paperwork on file before jacket can be ordered and/or delivered
• Veterans (and for 2010, we will be considering Memphis Sound 2009 members as veterans) may order their jackets at anytime for delivery in January, May or November (Year-end banquet)
  •  Veterans must have contract and all paperwork on file before jacket can be ordered and/or delivered. In addition, Veterans must be up-to-date with monthly payment.
• New Members and Volunteers may order their jackets at anytime during the summer for delivery in November (Year-end banquet)
  • All Fees and paperwork must be completed before the jacket can be ordered and/or delivered
• If Jacket is not picked up in person, it may be mailed for an additional charge

How can I help?

• VOLUNTEER!  If your parent or band director are able, we welcome their involvement at our rehearsals and on tour. There is always a way to be involved - volunteer@fortecorps.org
• DONATE! Coming Soon - A list of the needs and wishes of Forte for 2010. These items are large and small.  We also welcome monetary and food donations (especially pasta, #10 Vegetable Cans, Drink Mix, Bread, and Paper Products)
• SPREAD THE WORD! Coming Soon - A poster you can download and post around the band hall, student center, post on Facebook, etc.  Word of mouth is the BEST advertisement for drum corps... and if you are a recruit of Forte, you can reduce your dues by bringing along friends to audition!

More to come!  Have a question not addressed here?  EMAIL THE CORPS DIRECTOR

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For more information about the 2010 edition of FORTE DRUM & BUGLE CORPS; write us at info@fortecorps.org.  

The  new website is coming soon!  So keep your eyes peeled on the weblink above and join our newsletter (CorpsTimes) for the latest information on the corps.

Forte Drum & Bugle Corps is a member of  Overture Youth Advocacy through the Arts, a new 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Grand Prairie, Texas.