WLPE is very similar to a marching band but performs indoor on high school and college gyms. We have two ensembles: a competitive ensemble (Varsity) and a non-competitive ensemble (Junior Varsity).
WLPE learns and perfects the same show throughout the season.
There are three sections involved: the front ensemble (mallet percussion, timpani, synthesizers, and other concert percussion instruments), the battery (marching drums and cymbals), and the color guard (dancing, flag, rifle, and other equipment). Occasionally, WLPE also incorporates wind instruments.
WLPE is a shared activity that is open to students in the district from grades 5-12. It is run under the umbrella of the Walled Lake Central Music Boosters.
We are known as "Walled Lake Consolidated Schools" in our local and national circuits as they require us to take our district name.

The Varsity team is WLPE's advanced level group. It is comprised primarily of 10th-12th graders and is an audition-based group. The Varsity team is a competitive group that competes locally and nationally.
The JV team is WLPE's beginner/intermediate level group. It is comprised primarily of 5th-9th graders. The JV team is a non-competive group that does a couple local performances.

The Varsity team is an audition-based team. If you don't make the team, you will be given the opportunity to be on the JV team.
The JV team does not require an audition to be a part of and no experience is necessary.
There are 2 audition dates that you will need to attend for Varsity. Our staff will evaluate you on a number of things and make the final decision on your acceptance to the Varsity team.
There is a packet of exercises for musicians that you will be expected to learn prior to the audition.
Both teams have to commit to the financial obligations involved.

High school wind players are limited to marching cymbals, color guard, or a position in the front ensemble.
Depending on the needs of the Varsity team's production, we may have wind players in the group performing on their wind instrument. This is show dependent and handled by invite only.
We handle wind player admittance on a case-by-case basis as sometimes it is not beneficial for a wind player to be in the group for their musical development.
Middle school wind players are not allowed on either team unless approved by your middle school and high school director of bands.

Fees for the upcoming season are not finalized, but usually the JV is $300-$400 and the Varsity is $900-$1,100. This will be finalized closer to the season starting.
There are some scholarships available and you can reduce costs with our personal sponsor letter.
Costs include most things: travel, most food while traveling, instruction from professional teachers, show design costs, show costs, practice space, uniform, equipment, and more.
We encourage families to really think about what you get for the money. This is a 5-month long season and one of the highest performing ensembles in the world. A 1-week trip somewhere or a summer camp would likely cost more than that.
There are also a number of required fundraisers as the dues do not fully cover the cost for WLPE.

The Varsity generally rehearses Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday's.
The JV generally rehearses Monday, Wednesday, and occasionally Friday.
Due to the nature of the activity and the high level of competitiveness, attendance is required for everything on the Varsity team. We are flexible with the JV team and handle absences on a case-by-case basis.
There are some rehearsals over school breaks for the Varsity team. Attendance is required at these to be on the Varsity team.
For the full schedule, please check out the calendar.

Most practices are held at Walled Lake Central HS. Occasionally we may have a practice at a different location.

Yes and no for Varsity members. A few sports do conflict and make it so you cannot participate (basketball and swimming for instance). However, most spring sports have a few weeks of overlap and are doable. We handle this on a case-by-case basis.
JV we are flexible and can work around your sports schedule. Again, we handle it on a case-by-case basis.

You will be taught by professional educators that do this for a living.
You will become a much better musician and performer because of WLPE.
You will meet new people and form lifelong friendships.
You’ll get to perform in front of many people.
You will learn how to become a better leader and you will learn how to take ownership for yourself.
You will truly learn what it takes to be great at something and to know what it takes to be one of the best in the world at something.
For the JV team specifically, it is designed to allow students an opportunity to learn new skills on various percussion instruments and color guard equipment. Students learn several different playing techniques, dance techniques, equipment techniques, rehearsals processes, practice tips, and more!

WLPE competes in 2 circuits: MAPA (Michigan Alliance for Performing Arts) and WGI (Winter Guard International).
2025 will be the 22nd consecutive year indoor groups have competed from Walled Lake. This will be the 3rd year percussion and color guard have combined.
Percussion has won 14 state championships.
Color guard has won 10 state championships.
Combined, WLPE has won 1 state championship.
The indoor groups have qualified for WGI Finals 16 times and 11 times as a world class finalist.
WLPE is endorsed by Yamaha, Innovative Percussion, Zildjian, and Remo.

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