UMass Drumline Audition Information

Thank you for your interest in the UMass Drumline. Nothing is more important than finding dedicated and talented members.

The UMass Drumline has a long and rich history of excellence and we hope that you can be part of it!

Your acceptance into the drumline will be determined on a variety of factors including: your ability to meet the time commitment, acceptable academic standing, attitude, and your proficiency level on your chosen instrument.

Band camp is Aug 23–30 on the UMass campus

How to Audition

1

Record an audition video.

All percussion candidates must submit an audition video.

  • Upload your video via YouTube
  • Audition videos are due by July 7th
  • Perform ALL required material for your preferred section
  • All materials MUST be memorized
  • You MUST play with a metronome clearly audible in your video
  • Where possible, please perform on an instrument (not a practice pad)

2

Prepare your audition materials.

Please send us an email with the following information:

  • Full name
  • Current address
  • Phone number
  • Email address
  • YouTube audition video link/URL
  • Preferred section (snare, tenors, bass, cymbals, front ensemble)

3

Submit your audition.

Send your email to Ian Hale: ihale@umass.edu.

Once we have received your email, we will contact you with more information. If you have any questions please contact us or email Mr. Hale.

Videos are due by July 7.

Audition Material

You MUST use the music listed here, on the Audition page, in your video.

Do not use music found on other pages of this website, as they may be outdated.

Snare/Tenor/Bass

Cadence 2024 — Score & Legend

Duple Check Patterns

  • Play #1-4 and 11-14
  • Tempo: 84bpm
  • Marking time is required in your audition video.

Triplet Check Patterns

  • Play #1-3
  • Tempo: 100bpm
  • Marking time is required in your audition video.

Two-Height Rolls (audio version here)

  • Play whole exercise
  • Tempo: 144pm AND 160 (two separate takes or videos)
  • Marking time is required in your audition video.

Full-Down-Tap-Up

  • Play whole exercise
  • Tempo: 138bpm
  • Marking time is required in your audition video.

Flam Thing

  • Play pages #1-2
  • Tempo: 112bpm
  • [Marking time is not required for Flam Thing]

Plus all Pregame music

Cymbals

Cadence 2024 — Score & Legend

  • Audio mp3 file
  • Tempo: 116bpm
  • Marking time is required in your audition video.

Note about Cadence cymbal parts— Unless otherwise instructed, play “Side 1” part (all notes with stems pointing downward).

Duple Check Patterns

  • Play #1-4 and 11-14
  • Tempo: 84bpm
  • Marking time is required in your audition video.

Triplet Check Patterns

  • Play #1-3
  • Tempo: 100bpm
  • Marking time is required in your audition video.

Full-Down-Tap-Up

  • Play whole exercise
  • Tempo: 138bpm
  • Marking time is required in your audition video.

Plus all Pregame music

Note for cymbal players:

All cymbal candidates must play Duple Check Patterns, Triplet Check Pattern, and Full-Down-Tap-Up, with sticks on a drum pad.

Pregame music should be played with cymbals if possible. If this is not possible, please play the cymbal parts with sticks on a drum pad.

Pregame Music

All Pregame Music is required for all auditioning battery members (snare, tenors, bass, cymbals).

Metronome markings are included in each piece.

Keyboards

Duple Check Patterns

  • Play #1-4 and 11-14 on written pitches
  • Tempo: 84bpm

Triplet Check Patterns

  • Play #1-3 on written pitches
  • Tempo: 100bpm

Full-Down-Tap-Up

  • Play whole exercise on written pitches
  • Tempo: 138bpm

One at a Time

  • Play vibraphone or marimba part (2 mallets)
  • Tempo: 120bpm

DVC

  • Play with 4 mallets
  • Tempo: 90bpm and 100bpm

Fourmal

Brief solo (optional)

[Keyboards do not need to play Pregame music]

Drumset/Rack

Duple Check Patterns

  • Play #1-4 and 11-14
  • Tempo: 84bpm

Triplet Check Patterns

  • Play #1-3
  • Tempo: 100bpm

Full-Down-Tap-Up

  • Play whole exercise
  • Tempo: 138bpm

Note for rack/drum set players:

In addition, drum set players must submit a sampling of material that demonstrates your abilities in at least three different musical styles (e.g. Rock, Jazz, Latin, etc).

Use of articulations and dynamics are important. Fills are encouraged.

Guitar/Bass Guitar

Duple Check Patterns

  • Play #1-4 and 11-14 with sticks on a drum pad
  • Tempo: 84bpm

Triplet Check Patterns

  • Play #1-3 with sticks on a drum pad
  • Tempo: 100bpm

Fourmal — Score

Note for Guitar/Bass Guitar players:

Submit a sampling of material that demonstrates your abilities in different musical styles.

Use of articulations and dynamics is important. Comping and soloing are encouraged.