The Blue Knights Open Ensemble is open to anyone under the age of 23 years on April 1 of the competitive season. We expect similar to the World Ensemble, most members will be between 16 and 22 years old.

You should absolutely still come to auditions! You’ll also never know unless you try! Participating in the audition process is a fantastic learning experience, regardless of your likelihood to become a member.

All auditionees are expected to attend both weekends. This gives our instructional staff the opportunity to fully evaluate your skillsets and qualities as a performer and potential member. If you are absolutely can not make one of the audition days, please email us at Keenan.Evans@AscendPerformingArts.org.

No, you do not need to audition for the World Ensemble to be able to audition for the Open Ensemble, however it’s highly encouraged you go to both.

Also, registering for both is the same price! Anyone who comes to the World Ensemble’s auditions and then wants to register for the Open Ensemble will receive a free registration code.

It’s possible you’ll be able to march in the Open Ensemble, however your scholastic ensemble must always come first. The Open Ensemble is intended to provide younger performers with an additional opportunity go grow their skills as a musician, performer, and young adult. However, that must be in addition to any scholastic ensemble experience, not at the expense of. Part of the audition process will be discussing and determining if participating in two ensembles will be the right choice for your season.

No, these are independent auditions. Both ensembles are operated under Ascend Performing Arts: BKPE & BKO competes within RMPA & WGI, the BKDBC competes within DCI. You do not need to audition for one ensemble to be a part of the other.

The member tuition for 2024 is being finalized, however it will be approx. $1,500 – $1,750. This covers the cost of instruction, design, uniforms, show production needs, equipment, circuit registration fees, and more.

Have a plan before you come to auditions. Being able to pay your member tuition is a necessary part of being a member of this ensemble.

Being vaccinated is not a requirement to audition, however, if offered a spot, all members may be required to show proof of vaccination as a part of their member contracting. We take the safety of our ensemble, its members, and its staff very seriously. If need be, requiring vaccinations is core to our policies regarding COVID-19 and our ability to protect our ensemble and the time investment our members and staff make to be a part of this activity.

The Open Ensemble will rehearse only on Sundays throughout the season, except for a full weekend between Christmas and New Years for a winter camp. This is to help minimize potential conflicts for any members who also might be marching a scholastic ensemble.

We believe it is in everybody’s best interest that you march with your dream ensemble if you are able, even if that is not us. Although we believe you will have an amazing and unparalleled experience being a part of BKPE, it does not serve us or you if you are still wondering “What if…”.
If you are wanting to make sure you march this season and are auditioning for multiple groups we ask that you are upfront and forthright during the audition process so we can discuss with you your options if you are offered a contract at BKPE while still finalizing auditions with another group.

There are many volunteer opportunities within the Blue Knights Percussion Ensemble, primarily truck driving (CDL required), sewing, providing meals, etc! Visit our Volunteer page to see all our needs or email Keenan.Evans@AscendPerformingArts.org for more information regarding help.

If you have any further questions, please contact Keenan, BKPE Director, at Keenan.Evans@AscendPerformingArts.org.