Drumline Handbook

Dear Percussionist,

I’d like to thank you for your interest in our program. The band staff and student leaders are working to make this season an excellent one, and you will be an important part of our success. The following information is to ensure a good start to the upcoming season.

On August 12, 2012 (Sunday) – Please register in the Band Lounge in Elliott Hall between 12:00-1:00 p.m.  Then at 1:00 p.m. in Room 15 of the Elliott Hall of Music, the band staff and student leaders will have a meeting with all prospective students who wish to audition for the Purdue University “All American” Marching Band Drumline. You may also attend a “private practice” time from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in Room 30 to get used to the drums that you will be auditioning on. Following the meeting, drumline auditions will begin. Auditions may last a while, so be patient.

The band workshop will begin with the initial placement auditions. You will be placed in the line according to your initial audition, then moved to different places within the section during the workshop, at the discretion of the faculty and student leaders. Each placement audition consists of three excerpts. First, each candidate auditioning for snare, tenors, or bass drum will be asked to play a rudimental long roll. Second, each candidate according to his or her specific interest will play the selected excerpt. Third, will be the sight-reading portion of the audition. If you are interested in bass drum, you will be asked to play only one part, but I will choose which part, so practice all the parts. Persons who are interested in the cymbal line, please prepare the excerpt included in the packet. Also, candidates for snare drum should note that the AAMB snare line employs traditional grip. All auditions will take place the Sunday before band camp. You will be receiving a schedule for the upcoming season during the month of July. The letter will give more detail on dates, locations, and times. Each person will be evaluated on preparation of material, technical and rudimental abilities, ability to play and march, speed, quality of sound, rhythmic and stylistic interpretation, grip, and (most importantly) attitude as a team player. The excerpt will be posted during the first week of July. Your audition excerpt is TBA in the cadence chapter. Please learn the entire excerpt for which instrument you want to audition. It will be marked Audition Music 2012.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me personally.

Dr. Pamela J. Nave
Associate Professor of Bands/Percussion