Hello Parents! We have some exciting updates about our 2026 indoor season that you won't want to miss! We can’t wait for all our members to join in the fun, and we’re thrilled to unveil the show concept to the students on November 11th! We’re also ecstatic to announce that we’ll be the WGI World Championships in Dayton, Ohio for the 13th time, making this our first back-to-back appearance since 2006! Below, you’ll find all the details on estimated costs, show dates, and rehearsal information to help you get ready for an amazing season!
This page will serve as a comprehensive resource for all the details you need about our activities. You will find links to the WGI site, our circuit site, and our rehearsal calendar here.
Parent Information
Thank you for considering E D White Indoor Percussion for your child's musical education. We are proud to be a part of this incredible activity and have a long history of providing a top-notch percussion program. On this page, you will find all the information you need regarding our program.
​
The fee for Battery and Front Ensemble members is $1,500. This includes students who play snare, quads, bass drum, toms, marimba, vibes, drum set, and rack.
The fee for Prop Members and Band Students is $1,000. This applies to marching cymbals, prop members, and any band students playing an instrument in the front ensemble.
​
​
The fee is due by February 3rd. If you are able to pay the full amount before February 3rd, we sincerely appreciate it.
​
If you need to split payments or need additional time, we can set up a plan to have all payments completed by April 15th.
If the Global Wildlife Sunset Performance brings in more revenue than expected, we will use those additional funds to help cover meals or other expenses so families do not have to.
​
There may be an additional cost of $25–$50 for shoes and for ticket cost ($35-$72) attending World Class Finals if we stay for that performance. More details will be shared soon.
​
The cost for our Elementary Members will be discussed directly with those parents by Mr. Keith.
​
Students may also participate in our Fill My Drum fundraiser and in pizza kit sales. Any money earned from these opportunities can go directly toward your child's fee.
​
​
​
E. D. White Indoor Percussion 2026 Season: Updates and Expectations
We are thrilled to announce the start of our 2026 Indoor Percussion season! Following the incredible success and publicity of last year's program, there is a tremendous sense of anticipation for what our group will achieve next. We are incredibly excited about this year's production, and Mr. Bryan, Mr. Keith, along with our exceptional staff and consultants, are confident that this will be another program that will garner significant attention and positive recognition (PR).
Once the concept is officially announced, we can’t wait to share a very special opportunity that will be a part of this show! We are also very much looking forward to the opportunity for our students to perform on the national stage again, where we know they will bring joy to audiences and inspire them with performances that make them smile, laugh, and perhaps even cry—if it didn't happen, it wouldn't be E. D. White!
​
Bringing our group to the WGI World Championships is a valuable learning and performance opportunity. Our members showcase their talents to one of the activity's largest audiences and are uniquely inspired by observing the outstanding Scholastic World and Independent World groups.
Rehearsal Schedule and Commitment
We're excited to share some great news: the gym repairs are complete! Our primary practice facility will be the newly repaired gym, which will be utilized by our sports teams and both the Indoor Percussion and Winter Guard groups.
​
Rehearsals: A Key to Success
​
Rehearsals have been scheduled; please check the calendar provided by Mr. Keith. While the use of the gym offers a consistent space, dates may still occasionally need to be adjusted based on the coordination required between all groups utilizing the facility. We will communicate any changes immediately.
​
It is absolutely essential for all members to attend their required rehearsals. Please remember that a number of our talented staff members, travel from out of town, and their commitment to be here for our students is significant. Their expertise is invaluable. When members are absent, it places an undue burden on the entire ensemble and severely impacts our progress and cohesiveness. Full attendance is crucial for us to achieve our highest potential.
​
-
Band and Prop Members: To balance your commitment, our band members and prop crew will primarily need to attend Friday and weekend rehearsals.
​​
We value family time immensely and encourage our members to take family trips, as these experiences are valuable. We simply ask that, whenever possible, these trips be scheduled around our posted calendar. We have done our very best to keep the days leading up to major holidays free for our members. However, due to how the holidays fall this year, we are limited in the open days we have available for practices during the breaks.
Academic Excellence and Financial Details
Academic Excellence
​
Maintaining academic eligibility is a non-negotiable requirement. While there may not be specific written guidelines in the main band manual, the grades in each subject for every member will be checked. Should any member have failing grades or a low overall average, they may be subject to removal from the E. D. White Indoor Percussion ensemble. This would place an undue burden on the entire group, so maintaining excellent grades must be a top priority.
​
Financial Details and Fundraising
​
We always strive to conduct this activity in the most cost-efficient way possible. The expenses associated with this high-level competition, however, are significant. A portion of the group's overall cost is covered through the Cardinal Music program and generous donations. The fee paid by each member helps to offset substantial costs, including:
-
Professional Staff
-
Drill and Show Design
-
Uniforms
-
Equipment
-
WGI and Circuit Fees
-
Transportation and Fuel Costs
-
Hotel accommodations​​
​
Payment Arrangements
​
If we anticipate the costs will exceed these projected ranges, we will inform you immediately. A deposit will be required when the indoor season begins, and we will provide the final due date for the fee later. We are happy to accommodate a payment plan, as we want every student to be able to participate regardless of cost. Please reach out to Mr. Keith or Mr. Neil, and we will assist you confidentially.
Uniform Requirements and Contact
Uniform Requirements
-
The performance uniform is provided and must be returned to the band at the end of the season.
-
An official E.D. White Indoor Percussion warm-up jacket is required and may be purchased from Mary’s Embroidery.
​​
We are so grateful for our strong national reputation in this activity, and we know that you, the students, and the audience will be inspired by our 2026 production.
​
Dayton Hotel
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Springfield
1870 W 1st St Springfield, OH, 45504
​
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call or email me.
​
Thank you,
​
985-447-4816
​
Web Sites
​
Vibes Hi-Fidelity Earplugs (seen on TV's Shark Tank) are discreet, reusable earplugs designed for musicians - instead of blocking and muffling sound like traditional foam earplugs, Vibes reduce the volume of loud live music to a safer and more comfortable level that prevents permanent hearing damage, while still allowing you to hear yourself and the rest of the ensemble play clearly.
Each pair of Vibes also includes:
​
-
Three sizes of interchangeable eartips to ensure a proper fit for any sized ear
-
Attachable cord that allow the earplugs to be hung around the neck and prevents them from getting lost
-
Pocket-sized carrying case w/ keyring attachment
​​
Vibes are trusted by over 400 of the country's top high school and college band programs (including schools like U of Texas, U of Alabama, U of Georgia, and LSU), professional orchestras, military bands, independent WGI ensembles, and DCI drum corps.
​
E D White Catholic HS students (and their families) and staff are eligible to purchase Vibes Hi-Fidelity Earplugs at the price of $16.50/pair, discounted from the standard price of $28.95/pair. All orders must be placed by end of day on Tuesday, November 25. The earplugs will be distributed by staff to the students who place orders/have orders placed for them.
​
Click this link to learn more about Vibes Hi-Fidelity Earplugs and to place your order.
E D White Indoor Percussion 2026 Competition Dates
​
February 7th Denham Springs, LA
February 28th Dutchtown, LA
March 7th Global Wildlife Sunset Performance (Fundraiser)
(March 8th Rain Date)
March 14th Jackson Mississippi WGI Regional
March 29th Circuit Championship
World Championships April 16th and 17th.
(we depart April 14th 7pm return late the April 18th or early April 19th)
Get Involved! Elementary and Middle School Students in Indoor Percussion
​
We're thrilled to announce the opportunity for our future E.D. White Cardinal elementary and middle school students to participate in our award-winning Indoor Percussion Program!
For the past three seasons, we've successfully welcomed our younger students into the program and have witnessed incredible success. This unique involvement not only allows them to perform alongside our high school students but also exposes them to the highest level of the activity. This year, the program will once again be traveling to the World Championships in Dayton, Ohio, and there's nothing quite like the experience of our youngest members performing with us and seeing the world's top performances at such an early age.
​​
Who Can Participate?
​​
Participation is open to any current elementary or middle school student who is planning on attending E.D. White High School once they reach high school. This includes students from our public feeder schools and our private feeder schools. The key requirement is a genuine commitment to attending E.D. White.
While open to all students in these age groups, involvement is ultimately based on an individual student's ability to handle the skills given to them for their specific role.
Special Note on Character Roles: We are specifically looking for three young boys who appear to be elementary or middle school age to fill crucial character roles in our show. One of these roles will have a main part in the second movement. While the ability to perform is a plus, we are happy to work with any student who is willing to accept performance instruction for the role!
​
Commitment and Travel
​
We want to make this a low-stress and easy commitment for both the students and their parents. All involvement for elementary students is designed to be a low-stress introduction to the activity based on their skills.
-
Travel: Elementary and middle school students do not travel with the main group for competitions outside of the local area.
-
Performances: It is the responsibility of the parents to transport the student to and from all local performances.
​​
Roles, Rehearsals, and Costs
The cost and time commitment for each student are based on their specific role within the program.
Role TypeRehearsal CommitmentEstimated Cost
​
Musical Part (e.g., Playing an instrument)May be required for most weekend rehearsals. For less involved roles like rack percussion, they will only be needed for part of the weekend rehearsals.$300 - $350. This covers the cost of a uniform and a fee to help cover some instructional time.
​
Character Role Needed only for a part of the weekend rehearsals. Once a student knows their part, they will primarily be brought in towards the end of rehearsals just to participate in our final run-throughs.No Charge
​
This is an unparalleled opportunity to get a head start on the E.D. White band program and experience the excitement of the indoor percussion activity
.
If you have a student who is ready to commit to the E.D. White family and would like to be considered for a role in this year's program, please reach out! We look forward to hearing from you.
​
Email Mr Keith If you are interested
​