Audition Information
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). If you are a woodwind, brass, or guitar player, then auditions are optional. 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?
If your section has multiple parts, pick the one that you will likely play in the band. You will need to be consistent, therefore, if you are auditioning on 2nd Trumpet, you must play the 2nd trumpet part on all audition pieces.
What are the attendance requirement?
Brass/Woodwinds
At the beginning of each semester, students will submit their class schedules. Members are expected to attend all games that do not conflict with their academic schedule. Members can miss a maximum of 2 games each semester with advanced approval from the director. 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 minimum of one member and maximum of three members per section can be present at a game.
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.
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?
If you are a woodwind/brass player, we will encourage you to continue to show up, play at events, and keep practicing the music. In the spring semester, you will have the opportunity to re-audition. If you pass the audition in the spring semester, you will be paid for all games attended for the entire year (assuming you make the required amount of games). Students must audition in the Fall to be eligible for a Spring re-audition.
Where can I get a copy of the music?
For woodwinds/brass/drumline/guitars, most of our music is available on our Blackboard site. If you have not been added to our Blackboard site, please contact us. Drumset players do not have sheet music for each song. Instead, they must practice to audio recordings, which are also available on the blackboard site. This is why drummers must memorize all charts.
How long are the auditions?
Auditions will be in 20 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?
Fall auditions are held at the end of October. Details will be announced in rehearsal. Spring re-auditions are held in February. Auditions will be held on the third floor of the RAC, room 325.
How do I signup for a audition slot
Signup is online through Google Calendar. Details coming 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). If you are a woodwind, brass, or guitar player, then auditions are optional. 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?
If your section has multiple parts, pick the one that you will likely play in the band. You will need to be consistent, therefore, if you are auditioning on 2nd Trumpet, you must play the 2nd trumpet part on all audition pieces.
What are the attendance requirement?
Brass/Woodwinds
At the beginning of each semester, students will submit their class schedules. Members are expected to attend all games that do not conflict with their academic schedule. Members can miss a maximum of 2 games each semester with advanced approval from the director. 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 minimum of one member and maximum of three members per section can be present at a game.
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.
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?
If you are a woodwind/brass player, we will encourage you to continue to show up, play at events, and keep practicing the music. In the spring semester, you will have the opportunity to re-audition. If you pass the audition in the spring semester, you will be paid for all games attended for the entire year (assuming you make the required amount of games). Students must audition in the Fall to be eligible for a Spring re-audition.
Where can I get a copy of the music?
For woodwinds/brass/drumline/guitars, most of our music is available on our Blackboard site. If you have not been added to our Blackboard site, please contact us. Drumset players do not have sheet music for each song. Instead, they must practice to audio recordings, which are also available on the blackboard site. This is why drummers must memorize all charts.
How long are the auditions?
Auditions will be in 20 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?
Fall auditions are held at the end of October. Details will be announced in rehearsal. Spring re-auditions are held in February. Auditions will be held on the third floor of the RAC, room 325.
How do I signup for a audition slot
Signup is online through Google Calendar. Details coming soon.
