Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is it like to be in the University of Minesota Marching Band & Drumline?

Fun, rewarding, exhausting, and so much more! Feel free to explore our website and to reach out to current members to hear about their experiences. Please visit the Marching Band website for more information on the entire marching band program.

Do I have to be a Music Major to be in the marching band?

Absolutely not! Anyone interested in Marching Band can audition to participate in Marching Band (we're only a little biased). 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 to submit an interest form.

Is there a registration deadline for marching band?

Yes, we run a pretty tight ship here! The registration deadline to submit forms and fees is typically sometime during the last week of June and the most up to date information is found at the Auditions page.

If you need forms mailed to you or any other general assistance, please call 612-624-2514.

Are there any camps or rehearsals before drumline auditions or the start of the season?

For students preparing for their drumline audition:
We typically have two pre-audition rehearsals in mid-Spring to help incoming students prepare for auditions. You would have to contact other sections to see if they do something as well. More information on the open drumline rehearesals to prepare for auditions can be found on the auditions page.
For students who have accepted an offer onto the Drumline:
Section Leaders will be in contact with their section members to coordinate memorization over the Summer and planning a sectional before Spat Camp in August.

Are Wednesday night drumline rehearsals mandatory during the football season?

Yes! Do not schedule anything else on Wednesday nights during the Gopher Football season, otherwise we'll miss you and you won't get to livestream with us. No one wants to be that person...

What are auditions like?

In our opinion, they're pretty cool, but you should probably visit our auditions page for this answer.

Where can I park for auditions and how do I get there?

If you don't mind walking about a mile you can park for free on the streets of the Dinkytown neighborhood just West of the stadium. Great way to get your cardio up for an amazing audition!

If you're staying at a hotel there may be Public Transportation Options that are more convenient including the Metro Transit's Green Line Light Rail that stops next to the stadium at Stadium Village Station.

Otherwise there is Campus Parking in lots and via street meters on blocks near the stadium.

When can I sign up for an audition time?

Everyone signs up for an audition time at the beginning of the audition day after arriving at 9:00 a.m. Please visit our auditions page for times and locations.

Is there a place for me to stay the night before auditions if needed?

Please contact a leader or staff member to work out informal housing for the night before auditions.

Do I have to sign up for an audition?

Yes! If you absolutely cannot be at auditions on time, please let us know in advance so you are not excluded from our audition schedule.
Please visit our auditions page for times and locations.

Can I audition on more than one section/instrument?

Yes, it's up to you to decide whether you would like spend a lot of time preparing for one instrument or divide that time among several instruments. Please visit our auditions page for times and locations.

What equipment do I need for auditions?

Definitely bring yourself but, other than using snare sticks or tenor mallets or sticks you are comfortable with, no equipment is needed. If you are driven to buy the same mallets or sticks we use, please ask one of our leaders for our equipment list.

How many people typically audition for Drumline, and how many students are in each section?

About 35-50 people audition for the 27 open spots on the line depending on the year. So about half of the people who audition will perform for the season. Those who are not selected are welcome and highly encouraged to return for Athletic Band auditions or any other ensemble program in the University of Minnesota's School of Music.

Do I have to have the audition music memorized?

No, you do not. However, memorized auditions will be preferred over non-memorized auditions when deciding between two similar performances as we quickly move into summer music memorization after the line is set. Plus, your music will have to be memorized for camp anyway, so why not get a head start on it, right?

I'm unable to attend the audition day on campus but I would still like to audition. What do I do?

Please contact our instructor, Kelley Lima at [email protected] and let him know about your circumstances so he can inform you on how to proceed with your options to audition.

Do I have to be a student at the University of Minnesota to play in the drumline?

Technically, no. All that is required is that you are selected at auditons, agree to the UMN 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 or email [email protected].

What is Spat Camp?

We're so glad you asked! Spat Camp is only the fun-filled, hard-working, and coolest (figuratively) version of band camp you could possibly imagine. It's two weeks spent learning, bonding, oh yeah, and playing music that typically leads up to a variety of events such as Pride & Spirit, New Student Convocation, the State Fair parade, and our first football game!

How much does it cost to join the Marching Band?

Marching band is a two-credit class at the University of Minnesota, so 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?

There are opportunities for scholarships within the members of the band and more information about 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, you do. If traditional grip is new to you and you're hoping to get a grip on it, then please read Traditional Grip.

How do I join the Marching Band?

You can get started by completing the Marching Band Interest Form or reaching out to our recruitment ambassadors and leadership team.

Does the Band memorize their music for the season?

Yes. We are proud to have our music and traditional music memorized for all performances so that we can focus on performing at the top tier.

What music will the band play for the Halftime Show?

A little-known fact is that the band memorizes and performs a different halftime show for every home football game. That's about 7 shows in one season and the themes and songs are generated by a committee of members each season.

What are the traditions and history of the Drumline?

That's a good idea! 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, the members of the University of Minnesota Drumline are typically undergraduate and sometimes graduate students.

Is the Drumline part of the Marching Band?

Yes, we are! We also operate as a registered student organization as a part of the University of Minnesota's Student Unions & Activities as well.

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 full Drumline would perform outside of University activities, but we frequently perform with part of the section at gigs throughout the year.
If you are interested in having members of the drumline perform at your event, please send email Kelley Lima at [email protected] 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, the students will determine the value of their time when requested.
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