activities · 10
what they do
direct service · 10
- Conduct regular ensemble rehearsals Community Choral and Ensemble RehearsalsConducts structured Sunday rehearsals from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning in October each year to prepare for the competitive season.
- Operate competitive percussion ensemble School-Based Competitive Music EnsemblesOperates a full competitive percussion ensemble with battery, visual, and front ensemble components, participating annually in WGI (Winter Guard International) competitions from 2008 through 2025, achieving consistent finalist and semifinalist placements across Open and World Classes.
- Operating a Percussion Ensemble Community Choral and Ensemble RehearsalsDark Sky Percussion operates a percussion ensemble that includes battery, visual, and front ensemble components, conducting regular Sunday rehearsals from October to prepare for performances.
- Participating in WGI Competitions School-Based Competitive Music EnsemblesDark Sky Percussion regularly participates in WGI competitions, achieving various distinctions including Open Class Finalist and Semifinalist placements from 2008-2013, PIW Promotion in 2014, and World Class Finalist and Semifinalist placements from 2015-2025.
- Produce alternative performance media Interdisciplinary Artist Collaboration ProgramsProduced an Alternative Film Project titled "Polaris" in 2021, expanding performance formats beyond live competition.
- Producing Alternative Film Projects Interdisciplinary Artist Collaboration ProgramsIn 2021, Dark Sky Percussion produced an Alternative Film Project titled "Polaris."
- Sell original performance musicSells original performance music including "BEACH MANSION (Legacy Warmup)" and "HOLLYWOOD" Spree music for use by performers and ensembles.
- Sell performance-related merchandiseSells a range of performance-related products including fence props, ramp backdrops (with seven units remaining in stock), uniform sets, and audition packets for snare, quad, and bass lines for the 2026 season.
- Selling Performance Equipment and MusicThe organization sells various performance-related items including fence props, ramp backdrops, uniform sets, and audition packets for snare, quad, and bass drums, as well as musical pieces like "BEACH MANSION (Legacy Warmup)" and "HOLLYWOOD" Spree music.
- Selling Performance Equipment and MusicThe organization sells various performance-related items including fence props, uniform sets, ramp backdrops, audition packets for snare, quad, and bass, and specific musical pieces like "BEACH MANSION (Legacy Warmup)" and "HOLLYWOOD" Spree music.
strategies · 14
how they think
Theories of action extracted from this org's own source material. Click any to see the full field of orgs running the same approach.
- Accessible Audition Process accessible_audition_processThe organization offers video auditions to remove geographical barriers and increase accessibility for out-of-state applicants, thereby broadening the talent pool and ensuring opportunities for a wider range of individuals.
- Accessible Audition Process accessible_audition_processTo increase accessibility and reach a broader talent pool, Dark Sky Percussion offers video auditions for applicants who are unable to attend in-person, particularly those from out-of-state.
- Accessible audition process for geographically dispersed applicants accessible_audition_processOffers video auditions to out-of-state applicants to lower barriers to entry and broaden access to participation.
- Collaborative uniform design process collaborative-uniform-designCreates coordinated performance uniforms through collaboration with external designers, integrating artistic vision and group identity.
- Competitive Performance in Established Circuits competitive_marching_ensembleThe organization competes in recognized independent world class circuits (SCPA and WGI) to challenge performers, achieve high levels of excellence, and gain recognition within the marching arts community.
- Competitive Performance in Percussion Independent World Class competitive_marching_ensembleThe organization competes in the Percussion Independent World class through established circuits like the Southern California Percussion Alliance and Winter Guard International. This competitive framework drives the pursuit of excellence and provides a platform for showcasing their performances.
- Competitive marching ensemble participation competitive_marching_ensembleEngages in elite competitive circuits (Percussion Independent World class) via SCPA and WGI to drive artistic excellence and performance standards.
- Member Financial Support through Fundraising member_financial_supportDark Sky Percussion provides optional fundraising opportunities to its members, enabling them to meet their financial obligations related to participation and thus reducing financial barriers to involvement.
- Member Financial Support through Fundraising member_financial_supportThe organization provides optional fundraising opportunities to help members meet their financial obligations, aiming to reduce financial barriers to participation and ensure that more individuals can join and remain part of the ensemble.
- Member financial support through fundraising member_financial_supportOffers optional fundraising opportunities to reduce financial barriers and support members in meeting participation costs.
- Performance prop design and distribution performance-prop-designDesigns and sells performance-specific props as part of show production, integrating custom equipment into artistic expression.
- Sectionalized Ensemble Organization ensemble_section_organizationThe organization structures its performers into specialized sections (battery, visual, front ensemble) to facilitate coordinated and high-quality musical and visual performance, which is a common practice in competitive percussion ensembles.
- Specialized Sectional Organization for Coordinated Performance ensemble_section_organizationDark Sky Percussion organizes performers into specialized sections, including battery, visual, and front ensemble (with further divisions into wood, metal, and rhythm sections), to achieve a coordinated and cohesive performance. This structure allows for focused development within each area while contributing to a unified show.
- Specialized ensemble section organization ensemble_section_organizationOrganizes performers into distinct, specialized sections (battery, visual, front ensemble) to enable coordinated and high-level artistic performance.
named programs · 2
what they call their work
Audition Preparation Program
Provides audition packets and resources for prospective members to prepare for seasonal tryouts
Competitive Percussion Ensemble
Year-round training and performance program for advanced percussionists and visual performers competing in WGI and SCPA circuits
relationships · 15
who they work with
- Adams Music Partner — 2026 sponsor of Dark Sky Percussion
- First Avenue Music Partner — 2026 sponsor of Dark Sky Percussion
- Get Some Partner — 2026 partner of Dark Sky Percussion
- Innovative Percussion Partner — 2026 sponsor of Dark Sky Percussion
- On2 Percussion Partner — 2026 partner of Dark Sky Percussion
- Pearl Drum Partner — 2026 sponsor of Dark Sky Percussion
- Remo Drumheads Partner — 2026 sponsor of Dark Sky Percussion
- SCPA Partner — Reports of misconduct may be escalated to SCPA.
- STAYOTHER Partner — Design and production partner for 2024 uniform sets
- Southern California Percussion Alliance Partner — Competes in events organized by SCPA.
- Stay Other Partner — 2026 partner of Dark Sky Percussion
- Synced Up Audio Partner — 2026 sponsor of Dark Sky Percussion
- WGI Partner — Reports of misconduct may be escalated to WGI.
- Winter Guard International Partner — Participates in WGI-sanctioned competitions.
- Zildjian Partner — 2026 sponsor of Dark Sky Percussion