Question 1

What's new for the 2026/2027 season?

Accepted Answer

This season, we're continuing to build one program across the entire year. Winter is where we build the skills, confidence, and performance quality that make our summer field show possible. Every rehearsal, performance, and competition prepares us for what's next.One of the biggest pieces of feedback we heard from our members was that they wanted a true summer field show, and we're excited to make that happen this season. Introducing a field show also opens the door to exciting new opportunities, including competing on the Alberta circuit and hosting our own home show for the very first time. Combined with our summer field show, Stampede tour, K-Days performances, Riverhawks games, Canada Day performances, and other local performance opportunities, this will be our most complete summer season yet.

Question 2

What is Marching Band?

Accepted Answer

Marching Band is an activity where music and movement come together. Musicians that play—brass, woodwinds, drum and auxiliary percussion— instruments perform together, while on the move or standing still. It’s not just about playing music; it’s about telling a story through movement, sound, and visual flair.

It has evolved into a competitive art form, with athletes showcasing creativity, skill, and showmanship in circuits like WGI and DCI. Marching band fosters teamwork, discipline, and personal growth, providing a platform for musical expression and emotional connection with audiences. It continues to push boundaries, captivating worldwide with its innovative performances.

Question 3

What is the rehearsal commitment?

Accepted Answer

The Northern Empire Performing Arts program is a full-year marching arts experience running from September 2026 through July 2027. Members commit to:Weekly rehearsals on Tuesdays at Ottewell SchoolMonthly weekend/day camps (including three overnight camps during the year)Winter performances from February to March, with local and overnight tripsSummer performances, such as Canada Day and K-DaysA 6-day summer tour in Calgary during July (July 8 - July 13)Participation requires consistent attendance at rehearsals, camps, and performances, along with dedication to the team and program goals.Changes to our programming means spending more time together from mid-May through the end of July, with regular rehearsals, performances, competitions, and some weekend day-trip travel. If you have questions about the expected commitment before registering, please reach out.

Question 4

What days are rehearsals on?

Accepted Answer

Rehearsals take place on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm at Ottewell School (9435 73 St, Edmonton, AB T6B 2A9). Once or twice a month, depending on the season, we also have Saturday camps. Please refer to the 'Events' and 'Program' page for specific dates.

Question 5

How much are the fees and what are the additional expenses?

Accepted Answer

The full-year program fee is:First Performer: $1,500 Second Performer: $1,400 Each Additional Performer: $1,300Additional Travel Costs:Our indoor percussion ensemble, drumline and front ensemble travel to Calgary for overnight competition weekends in February and March. Those trips carry costs that the rest of the organization does not incur, so they are funded by the members who travel rather than out of general fees. Each performer registered in percussion will need to pay an additional $300 for travel.Perform Gear and Uniforms:Travel Bag (All members) - $100 Travel jacket (New members) - $50 Replacement Travel Jacket (Returning members, only if needed) - $100 
A new member owes $150 on October 28. A returning member owes $100, or $200 if a replacement jacket is needed. You will be asked at registration whether a replacement jacket is required.A $100 uniform deposit is required for each performer. It is paid once, held in trust, and carries from season to season for as long as the performer remains with Northern Empire. It is not collected again each year. Please send the uniform deposit as a separate payment from your fees.Uniform Replacement:Hat - $40 Jersey - $75Marching shoes - $75 Pants - At cost

Question 6

Is there any additional clothing that my child will require besides the uniform?

Accepted Answer

The following items are not ordered through Northern Empire and must be purchased by parents, guardians or members:• Black shirt, short-sleeved crew neck only. No logos, graphics, or visible printing. Worn under the uniform jersey. • Black socks, mid-calf. No sport socks, no sneaker socks, no ankle socks. Socks must be long enough that no skin shows if the pant leg lifts while marching. • Athletic pants or shorts for camps and rehearsals. Jeans are not permitted.

Question 7

How does fundraising work and what is the points system?

Accepted Answer

Fundraising covers a significant share of what it costs to run Northern Empire. It can come in many different forms, such as Bottle Drives, selling-based initiatives, working bingo/casino shifts or designating time as a volunteer. Every family carries a share of it, and that share is measured in points. Every year, each family owes:PerformersTotal PointsMaximum from VolunteeringMinimum Bingo Points1 Performer8262 Performers12393 Performers16412The requirement is 8 points for the first performer and 4 for each additional performer. Volunteering can cover part of it, up to the maximum shown. The remainder must be earned by working bingo shifts. The bingo minimum has not increased. A family that volunteers works the same number of bingos as last season. A family that does not volunteer works two more.The Three Ways to Earn a PointSource ValueNotesBingo Shift1 pointNo limit. Bingo is our primary fundraiser and cannot be fully replaced by volunteering.Volunteer Shift1 pointCapped at 2 points for the first performer, plus 1 for each additional performer. All shifts are worth the same.Buyout$100 per pointAny points not completed by June 23, 2027 are invoiced at $100 each.Home Show Northern Empire runs two home shows each season, one in summer and one in winter. Every family must work at least one shift at one of the two shows. This is mandatory and earns 1 volunteer point, which counts inside your volunteer maximum. Families are welcome and encouraged to work both shows. The second show does not earn an additional point, but it is noticed, and it is appreciated. Our home shows do not run without parents. Casino Casinos are a separate requirement with their own tracking. Casino shifts do not count toward your bingo or volunteer points, and points do not count toward casino. Casinos are allocated to us on a rotation by AGLC and do not occur every season. If a casino falls in 2026-2027, families will be notified through BAND with the requirements and dates.

Question 8

Is there any volunteering opportunities?

Accepted Answer

Volunteer OpportunitiesEvent days• Home show: crew, gate, or concession • Competition day crew: load-in, load-out, equipment moves • Parade support • Performance chaperone, local Camps and Tour • Camp chaperone, overnight • Tour chaperone, equipment and facilities • Trailer or truck hauling to events • Storage organization and load-out days • Uniform fittings and distribution • Uniform collection at season end Fundraising• Fundraising support: phone calls, outreach, and general help for the coordinator Ongoing Roles• Board or executive position • Committee memberVolunteer shifts will now earn points alongside bingo shifts. Whether you're helping at a home show, supporting a competition or parade, chaperoning, hauling equipment, assisting with uniforms, or taking on an ongoing role, your time and contribution will now count toward your family's season commitment. Every shift above is worth 1 point, up to your volunteer maximum. A current police information check with a vulnerable sector check is required to chaperone any event, including overnight camps and travel. It is valid for two years from the date of issue.

Question 9

Are fee payment plans available?

Accepted Answer

Families can choose an annual, semi-annual, or monthly payment schedule during registration. Each option has the same total cost, allowing you to choose the schedule that works best for your family.

Question 10

How can I pay fees?

Accepted Answer

E-transfer is our preferred method. Send to treasurer@northernempirearts.ca and include the performer's name in the memo line so the payment is applied correctly. We do not accept cheques. Credit card payments are accepted, and a processing fee applies, charged at the rate our payment processor charges us. The fee will be shown before you complete a card payment. All fees, payments, and balances are visible in the parent portal at portal.northernempirearts.ca.

Question 11

If I have extra points from volunteering, what happens to them?

Accepted Answer

Once your family has met its point requirement, any additional bingo points are surplus, and you choose what happens to them. Surplus applies to bingo points only. Volunteer shifts worked beyond your volunteer maximum do not earn points. Apply to your fees Surplus bingo points can be applied against your outstanding fees at $100 per point. There is no limit on how much you can offset. This is the same rate at which unmet points are charged, so a family that works ahead is credited on exactly the terms a family that falls short is billed. Donate to another family, or to the pot You can direct surplus points to a specific family, or add them to the general pot. Points in the pot are allocated by the Bingo Coordinator, the Treasurer, and the Director together. If you need points donated to your family, please speak to Holly. Those conversations are kept private. Bank for next season From June 1, 2027, once your family has met all of its requirements, surplus bingo points can be carried forward and applied to your 2027-2028 requirement.

Question 12

What does app does Northern Empire use for communication?

Accepted Answer

This season, we're transitioning from TeamLinkt to BAND for communication and introducing a new member portal where families can sign up for bingo shifts, track their bingo and volunteer points, view account balances, and access important season information.Members, parents and guardians will gain access to BAND App and membership portal after registering.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS