AUDITION
Q: Can I audition on more than instrument for the drum line?
A:Yes, you can audition on more than one instrument but remember not to spread yourself too thin but to keep your options open.
Q: How big is the drum line?
A: We have the ability to march 10 snares, 5 tenors, 6 bass drums and 10 cymbals. The numbers we take will depend on the auditions.
Q: Do I need to register for the clinics or audtiions?
A: No, you do not need to register. At the clinics we will get your contact info so that we can send you important information about the drum line, marching band and auditions.
Q: Does it cost anything to go to the clinics or auditions?
A: No, it does not cost you anything to attend these events. The clinics are used as a service to you and to introduce you to our system of performance fundamentals and rehearse the cadences and exercises that will be used for the 2009 HMB drumline auditions on August 17.
Q: How many spots are open on the line?
A: All spots are fair game for anyone auditioning. Vets are guaranteed a spot on the line but they have to earn it by auditioning just like everyone else.
Q: Does the snare line march traditional or matched grip?
A: The snare line uses traditional grip in the left hand. We will talk about left hand traditional grip at the clinics. If you are not familiar with traditional grip you have the option for auditioning another instrument then working it up for auditions the following year.
Q: I want to audition on bass drum. What part do I learn?
A: You should learn parts for the drum you want to march and be able to read the one drum up and one drum down. For example, if you want to play bass 3, learn all the bass 3 parts and be able to read both bass 2 and bass 4 parts.
Q: Do I have to bring my own drum to the clinics or auditions?
A: You do not have to bring your own drums but it may help to facilitate your playing during the clinics and auditions. We have a limited number of drums so we may have to rotate depending on the number or people who show up.
Q: What are the clinics like?
A: The format of the clinics will start with an informal meeting followed by some stretching and exercising. Please come prepared in comfortable clothes and shoes. We will then play together to break down the technique and show how the Iowa Hawkeye Drumline runs. We break for lunch from 12-1:30. We usually carpool together to grab some food and good times. After lunch we break off into sectionals before we come together as a full drum line again.
Q: Do I have to memorize all the music on the website?
A: No, you are not required to memorize all the music but it will look great at your audition when you show your dedication, commitment and confidence. There is, however, a memorization piece that will be posted about two weeks before auditions. This is used to simulate real life marching band season conditions when we have to learn shows in a crunch.
