Congratulations! You have taken the biggest step towards an incredible experience as a member of the Colts. Here is a step-by-step guide to our information to ensure that you have everything you need to become a Colt!

Get a head start! If you’re not sure you’re ready, and you’re not sure you should spend the money to travel to audition, do a Pre-Audition Evaluation on video! Submit a video, and our caption heads will review it and give you extensive feedback on your abilities, what to work on, and an honest assessment of where you would stand if you audition. The fee is $25, and you will get this back as a credit on your camp fee if you attend. [Those submitting Pre-Audition Videos are not given preference over December or January camp attendees.] If you decide not to submit a Pre-Audition Video, just follow the steps below...

1)  Request Information. This will add you to our formal mailing list. After submitting your contact information, you will receive all necessary membership information and materials in one helpful packet. Feel free to print and read our 2010 Membership Information by using this link now.

2)  Sign up for our email list, and encourage your parents to do the same. After your initial membership mailing, all other communication is done through our email distribution list, unless you let us know on your RSVP that you would rather receive paper mailings at your address.

3)  Decide to attend a camp! RSVP to let us know that you will be attending. We can help you find a ride or with other special arrangements through your comments on the RSVP form. We expect any interested Colt to RSVP monthly in advance of each camp. This allows us to prepare for your attendance.

4)  Fill out a 2010 Membership Application in advance of your attendance. Submitting the application in advance will save you considerable time at check-in during early season rehearsal camps.

5)  Prepare for your audition. Specific exercises are expected for Brass and Percussion players that must be printed and prepared for your first rehearsal, along with a 30 second to two minute piece of your choice. All individuals are evaluated individually and with the ensemble.

6)  Attend rehearsal! Always check the home page at www.colts.org within a few hours of leaving for camp. Any updates or changes will always be posted here first. Specific monthly rehearsal information is released a few weeks prior to each rehearsal. Camps are held monthly, and all but one are held in a middle school in Dubuque. Click here for detailed directions to the schools.

7)  Become familiar with our calendar. Our pre-season schedule is limited, so attendance is important. Attending part of the camp is better than not at all. If you have conflicts, talk to us, we will work with you! COMMUNICATION IS CRITICAL.

Membership in the Colts is an amazing experience for you and your entire family, and one that takes tremendous dedication, hard work and personal responsibility. Our audition process includes evaluation of your talent and experience, but we also consider your commitment, attitude, financial and personal responsibility, attendance, and parental support and participation.

THERE IS NO OBLIGATION IN ATTENDING REHEARSAL OR BY RETURNING ANY MATERIALS. Find out what we are all about. Even if you don’t become a Colt, you will learn a great deal. You will participate all weekend and perform on Sunday as a member of the Colts. In the process, we will assess your skills, answer your questions, and you will be more comfortable with our program and our family.

The cost for your first rehearsal is $100 (or $75 for returning members), and each subsequent weekend you attend is $50. This fee covers the cost of these rehearsals and does not apply toward your summer tuition.

Following your first rehearsal, you will receive a letter from us that will be: 1) an offer of membership, 2) a recall for a second and final audition, or 3) a suggestion that you try again next year.

Try at least one weekend before deciding anything about the Colts. A life-changing summer of travel, achievement and success awaits you. Being here will make that happen. It can’t happen if you don’t try!