2009 Prospective Member Information

What is Chops, Inc.?

Chops, Inc. is an all-age Drum and Bugle Corps based in Minneapolis, MN.

Chops’ mission is to provide a summer learning opportunity to individuals interested in music and performance through membership in a high quality, respected, and professional drum and bugle corps organization. Chops emphasizes character, social development, leadership, self-discipline, and the pursuit of musical excellence to its membership in all avenues of the organization and works to create the most positive learning experience possible for its members.

The corps is comprised of three sections: the horn line, drum line (front line percussion and marching battery) and color guard. These sections are also known as: Top Chops Brass Line, Chopstix Percussion, and Hot Chops Color Guard.

Who Joins Chops, Inc.?

Everyone! Chops is made up of members from all over Minnesota and beyond. The majority of the members are typically recent or current college students or in their last years of high school. Many members have completed college and use Chops as an avenue to continue performing. All interested individuals are welcome.

Where do you rehearse?

Winter Rehearsals (March – April) will be held at our Rehearsal Facility in Hopkins, MN.

Summer Rehearsal (May – August) will be held at our Rehearsal Facility or at St. Louis Park High School in St. Louis Park, MN.

What is the rehearsal schedule?

Chops is committed to a minimal rehearsal schedule with efficient use of time at rehearsal and requires all members to come prepared to rehearsal. Chopstix Percussion, Top Chops Brass Line, and Hot Chops Color Guard hold their own, separate rehearsals, and then come together throughout the season to rehearse their concert program which is a combined performance with all three parade groups and the front line.

Chops’ parade groups rehearse from March through Early August each year. From March through May, each group typically has one weekend rehearsal camp per month (Saturday and a half day on Sunday), one and one sectional between rehearsal camps. Weekly summer rehearsals begin the third week of May and usually take place Thursday evenings from 6:00pm – 10:00pm and run through August.

Between June 1st and early August Chops’ parade groups typically performs in 10–15 parades. Performances can occur on any night throughout the summer season but typically occur on the weekends.

2009 Schedule

The first rehearsal for the entire corps is on Saturday, March 21, 2009.

The full 2009 schedule is still being finalized and will be posted soon.

Where do Chops’ parade groups perform?

Chops parade groups primarily perform in parades and concerts around Minnesota.

Parade Performances

On the parade route, the three sections of the corps (horn line, drum line, and color guard) perform as three separate units. This allows each group to showcase what they do best.

Each group performs a street routine that is completely different from what they play in the field show. Parade performances focus on entertaining and involving the crowd along the parade route.

Is there a fee to participate?

Yes, each member is required to pay dues every year. These dues help pay for instrument and uniform usage, instruction, transportation, some meals while at rehearsal an on tour, and much more.

How do I get more information?

We’re glad you asked. To receive more information, please fill out the Online Membership Application.

If you have any additional questions not covered here please don’t hesitate to contact Chops at 612-424-3669 or via email at recruiting@chopsinc.com.

Membership Information

Chops, Inc. is a Non-Profit 501(c)(3) Organization