Drumline Audition 2013 - 2014 Season
Thank you for your interest in joining the UMBC Drumline! Dates, requirements, links to music, and frequently asked questions about the audition process are located below. If you have any additional questions, please contact us.
Audition information for the 2013-2014 season will be updated by the end of May.
Pre-Audition Rehearsal: TBD from 7-9PM
Summer Audition: TBD from 12-4PM
Band Camp: TBD from 8AM - Dark
Are auditions required?
Yes. Unlike band, where you might be able to "fake it" if you don't know your part, percussion instruments don't hide mistakes! As a bonus for passing the audition, drumline members are eligible to earn $20 for each event they play. Not bad for a part time job! The drumline is competitive... you are competing for a spot.
I really want to be on the line... I'll play anything, but really want to play ~snare/tenors~. What happens if I don't make it on my instrument? Can I play a different drum?
On a case by case basis, you may have the opportunity to try out again at a later date on an alternative instrument of your choosing.
I plan to audition on snare drum. What grip should I use?
Please be prepared to audition with traditional grip. If you have never played traditional grip, consider auditioning for bass, tenors, or cymbals.
I plan to audition on bass drum. Which bass part should I play?
For the audition, you should play all parts. Once we figure out how many basses we will have, you will be assigned a specific drum.
I plan to audition on tenors. How many drums are there?
Our tenors are quints, or 5 drums. If any audition music calls for 6 drums, you will need to play the highest two drums on the 6" spock drum.
I want to play drumset and be on drumline. Can I?
There is no rule against doing both... but drumset auditions are even more competitive then drumline auditions. Additionally, you will be expected to attend rehearsals for both groups.
What is the pre-audition rehearsal?
The pre-audition rehearsal is your chance to run the audition pieces with everyone else who will be auditioning. It is also an opportunity to meet the director and drum captains in-person.
So... memorization preferred.... what exactly does that mean?
Once you're on the line, we memorize all of our music. More mistakes on your audition may be forgiven if you are playing for memory. If you audition with music, we will be more stringent with your audition.
I can't make the audition date... I live far away! Am I out of luck?
Not necessarily. We will be offering auditions over Skype for those who live out of the area. Please contact us.
How long are auditions?
Auditions will be scheduled in 15 minute time intervals.
I made it! What kind of time commitment is required?
We practice twice a week (Sunday and Wednesday evenings). Please see the "Events" calendar for the rehearsal and performance schedule. Once events pick up, we will reduce rehearsals to one day per week.
Audition information for the 2013-2014 season will be updated by the end of May.
Dates
Pre-Audition Rehearsal: TBD from 7-9PM
Summer Audition: TBD from 12-4PM
Band Camp: TBD from 8AM - Dark
Frequently Asked Questions
Are auditions required?
Yes. Unlike band, where you might be able to "fake it" if you don't know your part, percussion instruments don't hide mistakes! As a bonus for passing the audition, drumline members are eligible to earn $20 for each event they play. Not bad for a part time job! The drumline is competitive... you are competing for a spot.
I really want to be on the line... I'll play anything, but really want to play ~snare/tenors~. What happens if I don't make it on my instrument? Can I play a different drum?
On a case by case basis, you may have the opportunity to try out again at a later date on an alternative instrument of your choosing.
I plan to audition on snare drum. What grip should I use?
Please be prepared to audition with traditional grip. If you have never played traditional grip, consider auditioning for bass, tenors, or cymbals.
I plan to audition on bass drum. Which bass part should I play?
For the audition, you should play all parts. Once we figure out how many basses we will have, you will be assigned a specific drum.
I plan to audition on tenors. How many drums are there?
Our tenors are quints, or 5 drums. If any audition music calls for 6 drums, you will need to play the highest two drums on the 6" spock drum.
I want to play drumset and be on drumline. Can I?
There is no rule against doing both... but drumset auditions are even more competitive then drumline auditions. Additionally, you will be expected to attend rehearsals for both groups.
What is the pre-audition rehearsal?
The pre-audition rehearsal is your chance to run the audition pieces with everyone else who will be auditioning. It is also an opportunity to meet the director and drum captains in-person.
So... memorization preferred.... what exactly does that mean?
Once you're on the line, we memorize all of our music. More mistakes on your audition may be forgiven if you are playing for memory. If you audition with music, we will be more stringent with your audition.
I can't make the audition date... I live far away! Am I out of luck?
Not necessarily. We will be offering auditions over Skype for those who live out of the area. Please contact us.
How long are auditions?
Auditions will be scheduled in 15 minute time intervals.
I made it! What kind of time commitment is required?
We practice twice a week (Sunday and Wednesday evenings). Please see the "Events" calendar for the rehearsal and performance schedule. Once events pick up, we will reduce rehearsals to one day per week.
Audition Requirements for Drumline
Perform the following charts for memory- 1 - UMBC Riser
- 1 - National Anthem
- TBD
- TBD
