SERIOUS FUN
We're serious about putting on a good show,
but we like to have fun while we do it!
ALL AGES
all skills
Music shouldn't have an age limit;
that's why we open our doors to all.
Started on a woodwind, and want
to play brass or percussion?
We have skilled mentors that can teach you!
work & Play
You have a life. So do we.
We keep our rehearsal schedule
reasonable so you can balance
school, work, and family, too.
Who says you can't have it all?
Ch
opsI
nC
The new normal
We are excited to announce a 2021 Winterguard Season; here's what we're doing to make it safe:
Chops, Inc. is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all of our staff, members, and their respective households. To ensure we have a safe and healthy Winterguard season, we have developed a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan in response to the pandemic. Our goal is to mitigate the potential for transmission of COVID-19 during the practices and events of the winter activity season, and that requires full cooperation from everyone involved.
Our COVID-19 Preparedness Plan is based on the guidelines and recommendations of the CDC, the MDE, the MDH, the MSHSL, and OSHA. We at Chops, Inc. will continue to update and adjust our plan and responses according to all guidelines and restrictions set forth by the various agencies tasked with addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, and will communicate any changes to members and member households.
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About us
Do you love music? We do!
Chops Inc. is an award-winning, independent performing arts organization based in Minneapolis/St. Paul. We are best known for our all-age drum and bugle corps that competes nationally with Drum Corps International (DCI). With a dedicated world-class staff and talented mentors, we are here to provide our members with an enriching and rewarding experience.
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What makes us different?
Chops is best described as a family; we are united by our shared passion and commitment to music artistry.
We offer opportunities for all those who are passionate about music to perform. We even provide mentorships and learning opportunities for members who may have started their music career on one instrument, but wish to march with us as a brass or percussion player, or even with the colorguard.
Chops' moderate rehearsal schedule makes it easy for members to still enjoy performing while balancing school or work.
CONTACT US
JOIN
Interested in joining Chops as a musician or colorguard?
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Volunteer
Let us know you want to help, and we'll let you know when and where!
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BOARD
Want to come to a Chops board meeting and see what happens behind the scenes?
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Call
Leave us a voicemail and we'll call you back ASAP.
612-424-3669
STANDING IN SOLIDARITY
Chops Inc., and Chops Drum and Bugle Corps, strongly condemns the events surrounding the killing of George Floyd, and stands in solidarity with people of color — especially African Americans — as they protest against long-standing inequality and oppression. We strongly condemn any and all acts of racism, discrimination, and violence.
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We vigorously stand behind our corps motto, "Be Yourself," and what it means in these times: that everyone should be free to live their lives, regardless of their race, skin color, ethnic background, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, or socio-economic status. We are committed to supporting this by maintaining an organization that is tolerant, diverse, and inclusive. This has not changed throughout our nearly 30-year-long history as a fixture in the marching arts community of Minnesota.
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We choose to make this statement today because we firmly believe that we must always stand on the side of freedom and solidarity, and that we must stand with the African American community of the Twin Cities, of Minnesota, and of the United States. To fail to do so would be against the founding beliefs that guide our organization.
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We strongly and unequivocally say that BLACK LIVES MATTER.
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In Solidarity and Determination,
The Board of Chops Inc.
IF YOU ARE IN A POSITION TO HELP SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS IN AID OF THE COMMUNITIES DIRECTLY AFFECTED BY THE CURRENT EVENTS, OR THAT ARE WORKING TO CREATE A PERMANENT CHANGE, BOTH HERE IN THE TWIN CITIES AND BEYOND, PLEASE CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING: