2027 AUDITION REGISTRATION

Desert Vox is an independent non profit percussion ensemble that competes nationally under Winter Guard International (WGI). WGI brings together music and intense athletic choreography into an indoor arena setting. As a semi professional independent group, our season requires high dedication, extensive travel, and elite performance standards as we compete against the top ensembles in the world.

Instruments will be provided. Please bring a binder with audition music, sticks/mallets, athletic attire, water, lunch, and a good attitude!

Yes, in-person registration is available at the door using Cash, Card, or Tap-to-Pay for $50. Sign up online before audition day to save!

Visit our Calendar for our complete 2026-2027 season rehearsals and events.

Rehearsals: Off days not listed, please visit website calendar.

• October - November: Sundays 9am-5:30pm

• December - April: Fridays 6pm-10pm  |  Saturdays 10am-8:30pm  |  Sundays 10am-5:30pm

• Vox-mas Winter Camp: Dec 28 - 30, 10am-8:30pm

• Spring Break: March 16 - 17, 10am-8:30pm

Competitions:

• January 30: WTCA Evaluation Show (El Paso)

• February 19: TBD WTCA Show (El Paso) on a Friday

• March 13: TBD WTCA Show (El Paso)

• March 19 - March 22: WGI California Regional (Temecula, CA)

• April 3: TBD WTCA Show (El Paso)

• April 10: WTCA Championships (El Paso)

• April 13 - April 18: WGI Percussion World Championships (Dayton, OH)

Tuition covers everything a successful season requires including uniforms, music/drill design, props, floor design, competition fees, flights, hotels, semi truck transportation, instruments, sticks, mallets, and much more. The only additional expense outside of member tuition are some out of town meals and the show themed athletic shoes that members vote on early season.

• Percussion Ensemble: $2,600

• Visual Ensemble: $2,000

6-Month Payment Plan (Biweekly available):

• October 25 - $550

• November 22 - $550

• December 11 or 18 - $250

• January 15 - $500

• February 12 - $500

• March 12 - $250

Pay-in-Full Discount Discount ($100 Off):

• Pay by December 11. Crucial Rule: To qualify for this discount, you must make your scheduled monthly payments on time on October 25 and November 22. Skipping October and November installments to pay a lump sum in December negatively affects the ensemble.

Returning Member Discount:

• All returning members receive $100 discount off any month of their choosing. This can be added on to the pay in full option for a total of $200 off.

Member Tuition Fundraising & Financial Assistance options:

• Klarna/ After Pay available (New option!)

• Sponsorship Letters

• Shirt Sponsor Fundraiser

• Worlds Finest Chocolates

• Krispy Kreme BOGO Punch cards

• Calendar Fundraiser

• Dinner Ticket Fundraiser

• Grants

• Scholarships

• Other Recommendations welcomed

The actual cost of a WGI Percussion marching arts season has always been roughly $2,600–$3,300 per member. Previously, our tuition was set at $2,100 because our administration actively worked to cover the remaining $500 difference through general group fundraising and grants.

This year, we are moving to a more sustainable and equitable approach where each member will now be responsible for their full individual tuition amount of $2,600. The self-driven fundraising options we offer and that you choose to do will go directly toward your personal account to lower your individual fees.

To make this transition smooth and to allow members to focus on their own personal fundraising efforts, we are eliminating mandatory group fundraisers that go into a general pool. No more Squishmallow group fundraising!

This allows Desert Vox as an organization to fundraise separately toward larger future investments such as purchasing new instruments, storage, and ensuring the long-term financial viability of the ensemble.

Yes. March 19 - March 22: WGI California Regional (Temecula, CA)

• 🚌 Leave El Paso the night before on March 18, 10pm/Midnight

• 🚌 Arrive Back in El Paso March 22, midday

Yes. April 13 - April 18: WGI Percussion World Championships (Dayton, OH)

• ✈️Leave El Paso Tuesday, April 13th, AM

• ✈️Arrive back in El Paso Sunday, April 18th, PM

Hotel Stay 😌

Desert Vox is open to performers between the ages of 15 and 22.

• Age Limit (WGI Rules): To compete nationally in WGI Independent classes, members cannot be over 22 years of age on or after April 1st of the 2027 competition year.

• High School Students: We welcome high school students (ages 15+), provided you have the talent, maturity, and required consent from your school band director.

We believe in keeping our communication stress free in one permanent place with minimal changes.

Our website's Calendar & Member Portal is the official hub for the ensemble. All essentials such as Calendar, Music Files, Fundraising options, Grant Applications, and Documents, are laid out in one permanent place.

To complement the website, we use two separate apps for day-to-day communication:

• For Members & Staff: GroupMe for quick updates and rehearsal logistics.

• For Parents: BAND App to stay in touch with administration, coordinate logistics, volunteering, and to receive critical real-time alerts.

Ask us any questions by emailing info@desertvox.org or calling/texting Director Vyvian Perez. Please also explore our website for more information.