Audition FAQ
Thanks for your interest in auditioning to be in the UMBC Pepband or Drumline!
The UMBC Down and Dirty Dawg pep band has a reputation of being a top band in the America East conference. We have been recognized by local, regional, and national media. It is our goal to continue to strive for excellence. Musical selections for the auditions include songs that the band plays often and new music that we want to master. Members who put the time in to learn these pieces and perform them well will be rewarded with a stipend amount for each game (assuming they make the required amount of games).
Please read through the frequently asked questions below.
To see this years audition music,
click here.
Are auditions required?
Auditions are required for percussionists (drumset and drumline) and guitars (electric guitar and bass guitar). If you are a woodwind or brass player, then auditions are optional. If you play tuba, you qualify for a stipend without an audition. Our goal is to have the biggest band possible. That said, in an effort to encourage attendance to games and level of musicality, members who pass their audition and make the required amount of games will be paid a stipend per game.
Should I audition on a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd part?
Please contact the director as to which part you will audition on. This will be determined based on the instrumentation needs of the ensemble.
What are the attendance requirement?
Rehearsals
Because of the large number of charts we learn each season, attendance to rehearsals is extremely important. During the season, the band will have approximately 8 rehearsals (14 for drumline). Band members may miss up to two rehearsals. Drumline members may miss up to four rehearsals. Please note: this policy applies to all members of the ensemble, even if you are not auditioning. If you do not meet the rehearsals you may not be allowed to participate in pep band for the season.
Brass/Woodwinds
Members are expected to attend all games that do not conflict with their academic schedule. That said, we understand that there are more important things in life then pep band. Members must attend 70% of games in Fall and Spring semesters. Winter games are optional, but encouraged. Additionally, winter games count as "extra credit", and will count towards the 70% in the event a member does not meet the requirement in the fall or spring semester. Members who can not meet this requirement are still welcome to be in the band, but will not be eligible to earn the stipend.
Guitars/Drumset Players
Since we can only have one person on an instrument at a time, these members will need to coordinate who will be at each game. A maximum of three members per section can be present at a game. Please see the policy above for Brass/Woodwind players. The only difference is that the 70% rule will be 60% for Guitar/Drumset players.
Drumline
Based on the class schedules of the drumline, specific events will be scheduled for each semester. We must have an accurate count of who will make it. The drumline does not play at every event. When the drumline is scheduled for event, the full line must be present. Please see the policy above for Brass/Woodwind players. The only difference is that the 70% rule will be 60% for Drumline members.
Do most people pass the audition?
Those who put the time in usually pass the audition. There are a few people each year who do not pass the audition. Most of the time, it is because they did not prepare. If you try to practice a few hours before the audition, you will likely not pass! Please, take some time to look at the music.
What happens if I don't pass the audition in the Fall?
Band
This year, the audition process has been scaled back based on member feedback. Coordinating auditions for a 50 piece band takes a lot of resources. Unfortuneatly, if you do not pass your audition in the Fall, there will not be a re-audition process in the Spring.
Drumline
In the event that there are spots to fill on the drumline, Spring re-auditions may be permitted. Please check the website and our facebook page in January for more information.
How long are the auditions?
Auditions will be in 15 minute time slots. Please show up on time and be prepared to go late. Auditions have a tendency to fall behind.
When will auditions be held?
Band
Band auditions take place at the end of October. This allows new members to get to play the music with the band for a few months before auditioning. Details will be announced in rehearsal. Auditions will be held on the third floor of the RAC, room 325, unless otherwise specified.
Drumline
Drumline auditions will take place over the summer. For those students who are out of state, we may be able to let you audition via Skype. Please contact us for more information.
Drumset, Bass Guitar, Electric Guitar
Drumset and guitar auditions will take place over the summer. For those students who are out of state, we may be able to let you audition via Skype. Please contact us for more information.
How do I signup for a audition slot
Band auditions will be scheduled when rehearsals begin in the Fall. Drumline prospects, please contact the director for information regarding auditions. More information will be posted soon.
The UMBC Down and Dirty Dawg pep band has a reputation of being a top band in the America East conference. We have been recognized by local, regional, and national media. It is our goal to continue to strive for excellence. Musical selections for the auditions include songs that the band plays often and new music that we want to master. Members who put the time in to learn these pieces and perform them well will be rewarded with a stipend amount for each game (assuming they make the required amount of games).
Please read through the frequently asked questions below.
To see this years audition music,
click here.
Frequently Asked Questions about Auditions
Are auditions required?
Auditions are required for percussionists (drumset and drumline) and guitars (electric guitar and bass guitar). If you are a woodwind or brass player, then auditions are optional. If you play tuba, you qualify for a stipend without an audition. Our goal is to have the biggest band possible. That said, in an effort to encourage attendance to games and level of musicality, members who pass their audition and make the required amount of games will be paid a stipend per game.
Should I audition on a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd part?
Please contact the director as to which part you will audition on. This will be determined based on the instrumentation needs of the ensemble.
What are the attendance requirement?
Rehearsals
Because of the large number of charts we learn each season, attendance to rehearsals is extremely important. During the season, the band will have approximately 8 rehearsals (14 for drumline). Band members may miss up to two rehearsals. Drumline members may miss up to four rehearsals. Please note: this policy applies to all members of the ensemble, even if you are not auditioning. If you do not meet the rehearsals you may not be allowed to participate in pep band for the season.
Brass/Woodwinds
Members are expected to attend all games that do not conflict with their academic schedule. That said, we understand that there are more important things in life then pep band. Members must attend 70% of games in Fall and Spring semesters. Winter games are optional, but encouraged. Additionally, winter games count as "extra credit", and will count towards the 70% in the event a member does not meet the requirement in the fall or spring semester. Members who can not meet this requirement are still welcome to be in the band, but will not be eligible to earn the stipend.
Guitars/Drumset Players
Since we can only have one person on an instrument at a time, these members will need to coordinate who will be at each game. A maximum of three members per section can be present at a game. Please see the policy above for Brass/Woodwind players. The only difference is that the 70% rule will be 60% for Guitar/Drumset players.
Drumline
Based on the class schedules of the drumline, specific events will be scheduled for each semester. We must have an accurate count of who will make it. The drumline does not play at every event. When the drumline is scheduled for event, the full line must be present. Please see the policy above for Brass/Woodwind players. The only difference is that the 70% rule will be 60% for Drumline members.
Do most people pass the audition?
Those who put the time in usually pass the audition. There are a few people each year who do not pass the audition. Most of the time, it is because they did not prepare. If you try to practice a few hours before the audition, you will likely not pass! Please, take some time to look at the music.
What happens if I don't pass the audition in the Fall?
Band
This year, the audition process has been scaled back based on member feedback. Coordinating auditions for a 50 piece band takes a lot of resources. Unfortuneatly, if you do not pass your audition in the Fall, there will not be a re-audition process in the Spring.
Drumline
In the event that there are spots to fill on the drumline, Spring re-auditions may be permitted. Please check the website and our facebook page in January for more information.
How long are the auditions?
Auditions will be in 15 minute time slots. Please show up on time and be prepared to go late. Auditions have a tendency to fall behind.
When will auditions be held?
Band
Band auditions take place at the end of October. This allows new members to get to play the music with the band for a few months before auditioning. Details will be announced in rehearsal. Auditions will be held on the third floor of the RAC, room 325, unless otherwise specified.
Drumline
Drumline auditions will take place over the summer. For those students who are out of state, we may be able to let you audition via Skype. Please contact us for more information.
Drumset, Bass Guitar, Electric Guitar
Drumset and guitar auditions will take place over the summer. For those students who are out of state, we may be able to let you audition via Skype. Please contact us for more information.
How do I signup for a audition slot
Band auditions will be scheduled when rehearsals begin in the Fall. Drumline prospects, please contact the director for information regarding auditions. More information will be posted soon.
