GOT QUESTIONS?
WE HAVE ANSWERS.
HOW MUCH DOES AQ COST?
Atlanta Quest has long been proud to offer a great experience at one of the, if not the, most affordable costs in the activity. However, due to inflation and rising costs across all facets of our operation, our 2023 dues were higher than they have been historically in order to continue to provide a world-class member experience. For the 2024 season, AQ and Q2 dues will stay the same - $1,750. These fees cover travel to out of town shows, logistics such as trailers, equipment, housing, arrangement costs, as well as props, uniforms, and floors. Dues are paid monthly (Oct to March) beginning with the first installment due immediately with the return of an offered contract.
We offer various fundraising opportunities and limited scholarships for those in need.
HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE TO JOIN?
Anyone can audition for our ensembles or attend our clinics, but Atlanta Quest follows WGI Percussion’s rules and guidelines for member registration. In order to march in either ensemble, you must be between the age of 14 and 22, as of April 1st, 2024. Members of the military that enlist at 18 may be eligible for a military exception. This affords you 1 year of eligibility immediately after completion of service.
WHAT DOES THE TIME COMMITMENT LOOK LIKE?
Seasonally: Atlanta Quest’s season runs about 7 months long, start to finish. Auditions start in September and regular rehearsals begin in November, running through mid-to-late April. There are only 2 weekends off (for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays).
Week-to-week: Our rehearsal weekends are generally Friday nights from 7 to 11 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sundays 9 a.m. to 2/3 p.m. (Note: Q2 rehearses most, but not all, Sundays.) The only time we’ll rehearse during the week will be during our Holiday December Camp and WGI Finals.
In addition to rehearsal weekends, members regularly participate in weekday video assignments and regimented practice on their own time.
WHERE DO YOU REHEARSE?
AQ and Q2 audition together but often rehearse separately in the metro-Atlanta area. AQ typically rehearses in Cobb, Cherokee, and Forsyth Counties while Q2 rehearses in Cobb, Bartow, and Forsyth Counties. Members often drive to and from rehearsals individually or in carpools, but almost always carpool during the weekend.
DOES AQ PROVIDE HOUSING?
Atlanta Quest does not provide housing for its members. However, local Atlanta-based members always open their homes and provide housing for their out-of-state counterparts. Many of our members come from out of state and we recommend and assist in finding carpools with members in close geographical proximity.
CAN I MARCH ATLANTA QUEST IF MY HIGH SCHOOL HAS AN ENSEMBLE?
This decision lies solely with your high school band director. We have had members march both Independent and Scholastic groups, as well as just AQ/Q2 with permission from the band director. Unfortunately, without band director approval, WGI will only allow for Scholastic membership.
CAN I MARCH ATLANTA QUEST IF I DON’T LIVE IN ATLANTA?
Yes! About 40% of our membership commutes from out-of-state. We have even had members move from Texas, Ohio, and even Japan, to be part of our group. We recommend finding a friend to carpool with, if at all possible! If needed, we will assist in finding carpools with members in close geographical proximity.
CAN I MARCH AQ/Q2 IF I’M INVOLVED IN OTHER MUSIC-RELATED ACTIVITIES (MARCHING BAND, DRUM CORPS, PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE, ETC.)?
Yes! Most of our membership is involved in college band, percussion ensemble or drum corps. We encourage participation in organizations such as DCI and DCA and encourage coordinating schedules to allow efficient participation. With very few exceptions, they are always able to manage the time commitment of both. Please make sure to communicate anything in advance that you feel may be problematic or conflicting.