2008 Prospective Member Information

What is Chops, Inc.?

Chops, Inc. is an all-age Drum and Bugle Corps based in East Bethel, MN — a suburb of 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 does Chops, Inc. Perform?

Chops primarily performs in parades and field show competitions in Minnesota and throughout the Midwest.

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.

Field Show Performances

Chops performs a full-length field show (similar to a challenging half-time show) in several DCI and DCA competitions. Many of the shows, including a show that Chops sponsors, are in Minnesota. Other shows in Wisconsin, Iowa, and New York give Chops the opportunity to perform for new audiences and continue to expand its fan base.

Where do you rehearse?

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

Summer Rehearsal (May – August) locations are mainly around the Twin Cities, Minnesota metro area with a couple in Waseca, MN when we're in the area for performances. As locations for each rehearsal are finalized, directions are posted on the Chops web site www.chopsinc.com.

What is the schedule?

Chops’ schedule runs from January through Labor Day each year. From January through May, there is one weekend rehearsal camp per month (All day Saturday and a half day on Sunday) 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 Labor Day, Chops typically performs in 7–10 field show competitions and 10–15 parades. Performances can occur on any night throughout the summer season but typically occur on the weekends. Chops does its best to keep two weekends free of performances and rehearsals each summer month.

2008 Schedule

February 23–24:Rehearsal Camp #1
March 8–9:Rehearsal Camp #2
April 4,5:Rehearsal Camp #3
April 26–27:Rehearsal Camp #4
Week of May 13–17: Weekly Rehearsal Schedule Begins
May 17–18:Drill Camp #5

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