Find Your Place.
Become a Gem.
Boise Gems Performing Arts offers two competitive performance experiences for young musicians and performers: Gems Drum & Bugle Corps and Boise Gems Independent Percussion.
Both programs combine high-quality instruction, exciting productions, travel, competition, and a strong sense of community. Our goal is to help every member grow—not only as a performer, but also as a teammate, leader, and person.
BGPA primarily serves performers ages 14–21. Exact eligibility may vary by program and circuit rules.
Choose Your Program
BGPA offers two competitive programs with separate seasons, performance styles, and membership commitments. Students may audition for either program; or both.
Gems Drum & Bugle Corps
Outdoor summer drum corps
Gems Drum & Bugle Corps combines brass, percussion, color guard, movement, and visual performance in a complete field production.
Season: June through early July, with preseason camps
Circuit: Drum Corps International
Sections: Brass, battery percussion, front ensemble, color guard, and drum major
Schedule: Preseason camps followed by full-day spring training, performances, and tour
Travel: Regional performances and summer tour
Best for: Students seeking a complete summer marching arts experience
Boise Gems Independent Percussion
Competitive Indoor Percussion
Boise Gems Independent Percussion combines marching percussion, front ensemble, electronics, movement, and theatrical design in an immersive gym-floor production.
Season: September through April
Circuit: Winter Guard International and regional indoor events
Sections: Battery percussion, front ensemble, electronics, auxiliary instruments, and visual roles
Schedule: Weekend rehearsals, camps, and competitions throughout the school year
Travel: Regional competitions and potential national championship travel
Best for: Percussionists and visual performers seeking an intensive indoor performance season
Can I Participate in Both?
Yes. Because DBC and BGI compete during different parts of the year, eligible students may audition for and participate in both programs. The indoor season is also an excellent opportunity for performers to continue developing their skills before the summer drum corps season.
Gems Drum & Bugle Corps
Build Your Summer Around Something Unforgettable
Gems Drum & Bugle Corps is BGPA’s outdoor summer performance program and a Drum Corps International Open Class Corps. Members combine brass, percussion, color guard, movement, and theatrical design to bring a complete field production to life.
The corps is an excellent fit for students who want to improve quickly, perform for new audiences, travel with a team, and experience the unique energy of drum corps.
Available Sections:
Brass
* Trumpet
* Mellophone
* Baritone, and euphonium
* Tuba
Battery Percussion
* Snare drum
* Tenor drums
* Bass drum
* Cymbals
Front Ensemble
* Keyboard percussion
* Auxiliary percussion
* Drum set
* Synthesizer and electronics
Color Guard
* Flag
* Rifle
* Sabre
* Dance and movement
Student Leadership
* Drum major
Instrumentation and available positions may change slightly each season based on the needs of the production.
The Drum Corps Season
Auditions and Preseason Camps
Auditions and educational camps take place before the summer season. Members learn from the Gems staff, receive feedback, begin preparing the production, and build relationships with their future teammates.
Auditions may include individual performance, group instruction, movement, and ensemble work. Staff members evaluate preparation, attitude, consistency, growth, and the ability to apply feedback.
Spring Training
The full corps comes together in early summer for an intensive training period. Members rehearse throughout the day to develop the music, visual program, color guard work, and full production.
Spring training is physically and mentally demanding, but it is also where the corps becomes a family and the season truly begins.
Performances and Tour
Following spring training, the Gems performs at community events and competitive drum corps shows. The corps travels together during its summer tour, representing Boise and the Treasure Valley throughout the region.
The exact tour schedule, housing plan, transportation arrangements, and performance calendar are shared with members and families before the season begins.
The Drum Corps Commitment
Drum corps is a full-team commitment. During spring training and tour, members should expect long rehearsal days, physical activity, travel, shared housing, and limited time for outside work or other obligations.
Members are expected to:
* Attend all required camps, rehearsals, performances, and travel days
* Arrive prepared and ready to participate
* Communicate conflicts as early as possible
* Practice music, movement, and choreography outside scheduled rehearsals
* Maintain their equipment, uniform, and personal belongings
* Follow all BGPA safety and conduct policies
* Support their teammates both on and off the field
Boise Gems Independent Percussion
Make the Floor Your Stage
Boise Gems Independent Percussion, also known as BGI, is BGPA’s competitive indoor percussion program.
BGI combines marching percussion, front ensemble, electronics, movement, visual design, and theatrical storytelling in an immersive gym-floor production. Every performer plays an important role in bringing the show to life.
The indoor season allows performers to develop advanced musical and visual skills while participating in a program that primarily rehearses and competes on weekends during the school year.
Available Positions:
Battery Percussion
* Snare drum
* Tenor drums
* Bass drum
* Cymbals
Front Ensemble
* Marimba
* Vibraphone
* Xylophone
* Auxiliary percussion
* Drum set
* Electric bass
* Electric guitar
* Synthesizer and electronics
Additional Positions
* Visual performers
* Other production-specific roles
Instrumentation and available positions may change from season to season.
The Indoor Percussion Season
Auditions
BGI auditions generally begin in the late summer or fall. Audition events include instruction, exercises, movement, ensemble work, and individual evaluation.
Students should arrive prepared, but perfection is not expected. Staff members consider preparation, attitude, growth, consistency, and the ability to respond to feedback.
Rehearsals
The ensemble rehearses primarily on weekends from the fall through the spring. Some weekends may include extended camps or overnight housing depending on the calendar and rehearsal location.
Because BGI takes place during the school year, members must plan ahead and communicate clearly about school performances, testing, work, family commitments, and other activities.
Competitions and Travel
BGI participates in regional indoor percussion events and Winter Guard International competitions. Depending on the season plan, the ensemble may also travel to major regional events or the WGI World Championships.
The final competition calendar, transportation plan, lodging arrangements, and travel expectations are provided before families commit to the season.
The BGI Commitment
Indoor percussion requires consistent weekend attendance and preparation between rehearsals. Every position is essential to the production, so missing a rehearsal can affect the entire ensemble.
Members are expected to:
* Attend all required rehearsals, camps, competitions, and travel days
* Practice music and movement assignments outside rehearsal
* Maintain strong communication with staff
* Balance participation with school and family responsibilities
* Care for instruments, equipment, uniforms, and props
* Follow all BGPA safety and conduct policies
* Contribute positively to the culture of the ensemble
What Students Can Expect
Both Gems programs provide:
* Instruction from experienced and supportive educators
* Individual feedback and performance development
* Challenging music, movement, and visual responsibilities
* Opportunities to perform, compete, and travel
* Leadership and teamwork experience
* A welcoming community built around creativity, achievement, and belonging
* Friendships and memories that continue beyond the season
You do not need to arrive as a finished performer. You need to arrive ready to learn, work hard, accept feedback, and contribute to the team.
What Parents and Guardians Should Know
BGPA understands that joining a competitive ensemble is a major commitment for the entire family. We want parents and guardians to have the information they need before their student accepts a position.
Before committing to a season, families receive program-specific information covering:
* The complete season calendar
* Membership tuition and payment deadlines
* What is and is not included in tuition
* Transportation and travel expectations
* Meals, overnight housing, and lodging
* Required equipment and personal items
* Medical information and emergency procedures
* Attendance, conduct, and communication policies
* Forms, contracts, and member responsibilities
Members under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian involved in the enrollment process. Families are encouraged to review all dates, costs, policies, and expectations together before signing a membership agreement.
How to Join
1. Choose Your Program
Decide whether you are interested in Gems Drum & Bugle Corps, Boise Gems Independent Percussion, or both.
2. Select Your Section
Review the available positions and choose the instrument or performance area that best matches your interests and experience.
3. Review Audition Materials
Download the appropriate audition packet and carefully review all music, exercises, movement requirements, dates, and instructions.
4. Register for an Audition
Complete the audition registration form and select an available in-person or video audition option.
5. Complete Your Audition
Attend an audition event or submit your video audition by the listed deadline. Auditioning students will receive instruction and feedback from the Gems staff.
6. Receive Your Results
After your audition, you will receive information about your result and next steps. Results may include a membership offer, callback, additional assignment, or feedback to help you continue developing.
7. Accept Your Position
If you are offered a position, review the calendar, financial agreement, policies, and membership documents with your family. Complete the required forms and payment steps to officially accept your position.
Not Sure If You’re Ready?
Audition anyway.
Many students wait because they believe they need more experience before taking the first step. Auditions are not only about proving what you can already do. They are an opportunity to learn, receive feedback, meet our staff, and discover which program may be the right fit for you.
Come prepared. Come curious. Come ready to grow.
Your Next Season Starts Here.
Whether you spend your summer on the field with Gems Drum & Bugle Corps, take the floor with Boise Gems Independent Percussion, or participate in both, your journey begins by showing up.
