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Drumline
c/o MN Marching Band
TCF Bank Stadium
420 23rd Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55455
612-624-2514
drumline@umn.edu
New Student Frequently Asked Questions
What is it like to be in the Drumline / Marching Band?
Fun, rewarding and exhausting. Please visit About and the Marching Band website for more information.
Do I have to be a Music Major to be in the Marching Band?
No. Anyone interested in Marching Band can audition to participate in Marching Band. In fact, about 95% of the students in the Marching Band are non-music majors. If you're interested in joining the Marching Band, please visit the Marching Band Website to learn more and submit your information.
Is there a registration deadline for Marching Band?
Yes. The registration deadline to submit forms and fees is typically sometime during the last week of June. The most up to date information is at Auditions.
If you need forms mailed to you, please call 612-624-2514.
Are there any Camps for Drumline or Marching Band?
For students preparing for their Drumline Audition:
We typically have three optional rehearsals in August on Wednesday nights from 7pm - 9pm to help new students prepare for Auditions. You would have to contact other sections to see if they do something as well. More information on the optional Drumline rehearesals in August can be found on the Auditions page.
For students who have auditioned into the Band:
The Marching Band has "Spat Camp" (our Band Camp) at the end of August to prepare the students for the season. To learn more about Spat Camp, please visit About/Spat Camp for more information.
Are Wednesday night Drumline rehearsals mandatory during the Football season?
Yes. Do not schedule anything else on Wednesday nights during the Gopher Football season.
What are auditions like?
Please visit Auditions for this answer.
When can I sign up for an audition time?
Everyone signs up for an audition time at the beginging of the audition day. Please visit Auditions for times and locations.
Can I audition on more than one instrument?
Yes. Please visit Auditions for times and locations.
How many people typically Audition for Drumline, and how many students are in each section?
About 50 people audition for the 25 open spots on the line. So about half of the people who audition will perform for the season.
We march 8 Snares, 6 Multi-Tenors, 6 Bass Drums and 10 Cymbals.
(Yes, that equals 30. The 5 leaders are not included in the 25 open spots.)
Those who are not selected are welcome to return for Athletic Band auditions.
Where can I live for the days between Auditions and Spat Camp if I am selected to perform on Drumline?
If you can't find housing on your own there are usually returning students with a couch or floor space to accommodate new members until Spat Camp.
Contact someone on leadership if you'd like to arrange temporary living space for this situation.
Can I send a video for my audition?
We are currently not accepting video auditions at this time.
Do I have to be a student at the University of Minnesota to play in the Drumline?
No. All that is required is that you are selected at auditons, agree to the Marching Band Policies, commit to the rehearsal and performance schedule and pay the fees for the class (Marching Band).
Please visit Auditions for more information.
For information about Marching Band Policies, please call 612-624-2514.
What is Spat Camp?
This is our Band Camp. Visit About/Spat Camp for more information.
How much does it cost to join the Marching Band?
This question will be better answered by calling the Marching Band Office at 612-624-2514.
Are there Scholarships or Financial Assistance opportunities for Marching Band Students?
This question will be better answered by calling the Marching Band Office at 612-624-2514.
Do I have to play Traditional Grip to play Snare Drum?
Yes. If Traditional Grip is new to you, please read Traditional Grip.
What equipment does the Drumline use?
Click here to see our equipment list.
What sticks and mallets does the Drumline use?
Click here to see our equipment list.
What type of cymbals does the Drumline use?
Click here to see our equipment list.
How do I join the Marching Band?
You can get started by completing the Marching Band Join Form.
Does the Band memorize their music for the season?
Yes. Show music and traditional music is memorized for performances.
What are the traditions and history of the Drumline?
We're working on a "Traditions" page which will be found in conjunction with the "About" page.
What are the traditions and history of the Marching Band?
Please visit Marching Band History.
Booking Frequently Asked Questions
Are the members of the Drumline all students?
Yes.
Is the Drumline part of the Marching Band?
Yes.
Are the students of the Drumline available for non-University performances?
Because of the intense athletic schedule coinciding with the students' lives, it's extremely rare that the Drumline would perform outside of University activities.
If you are interested in having the drumline perform at your event, please send email to drumline@umn.edu with all of the relevant information for your request.
Please also read about performance fees below.
What are the fees to hire the students of the Drumline for a performance?
This is determined by the concensus of the students on a case to case basis. But to give you an idea; a bus to transport the students and their equipment around the Twin Cities would cost between $500 - $1000.
If the students deem an appearance appropriate for compensation, payment could be $1500 or higher depending on the students determination of the value of their time when requested.
What are the traditions and history of the Drumline?
We're working on a "Traditions" page which will be found in conjunction with the "About" page.
What are the traditions and history of the Marching Band?
Please visit Marching Band History.