FAQs

Who can join Obsidian Winds?

While WGI Winds has no age limit, Obsidian Winds primarily consists of high school and college students, with exceptions made by Director approval. High school students whose school offers a Scholastic Indoor Winds program can attend our camps but cannot join until after graduation. Although most members are from the Nashville area, we welcome anyone who is dedicated, willing to work hard, and eager to learn.

How much will it cost?

For the 2025 season, Member dues will cost $850, spread across multiple payments throughout the season. Your $60 audition fee will go towards that total if awarded a contract. We are able to offer a “paid-in-full” discount to anyone who can pay the entirety of their member dues by the first regular season rehearsal (December 6th) of $50, bringing the total cost down to $800. There will be a uniform fee of $100 that goes towards the overall cost of the uniform and shoes which will be yours to keep at the end of the season. You are also responsible for travel to all local rehearsals and performances as well as meals on rehearsal and contest days.

What does the time commitment look like?

Our schedule currently looks like this:

  • Friday Nights 6PM - 10PM and Saturdays 9AM - 9PM

  • Three Day Drill Camp 9AM - 9PM January 2nd, 3rd, and 4th

  • 9AM - 5PM Camp Day on both Martin Luther King Day and Presidents’ Day

  • The ONLY two Sundays on the calendar are for performances at SCGC Circuit Championships and WGI Winds Championships.

What do I do if I have a conflict with an audition, a rehearsal, or a performance?

Communication is key! Before you sign the contract, check your personal calendar against our Master Schedule and check for any obvious conflicts. If there is a known conflict, or one does arise, email office@obsidianwinds.org as soon as possible. We are already aware of some conflicts that are obviously excused (MTSBOA Mid-State Auditions, Concerts, Banquets, Drum Corps Auditions, etc.) but the sooner you communicate those with us, the sooner we can make a plan for your absence.

Do I need to bring my own instrument?

Members of Obsidian Winds will be expected to provide their own instruments, unless otherwise agreed upon with the Directors. We currently do not own any instruments ourselves, but in rare circumstances may be able to help locate an instrument for you to use. For auditions, we recommend you not only bring the instrument you plan to use to march, but a concert instrument if applicable if you would like to use it for your individual music audition.