The University of Akron "Ohio's Pride" Drum Line

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UAMB Drum Line General Information

All positions on the UAMB drum line are auditioned. Current and entering UA students who wish to be part of the drum line must audition each year. 

All accepted musicians are required to register for class MUSEN: 126-001 (undergraduate) or MUSEN: 626-001 (graduate). Rehearsals (class meetings) are held on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday during the fall semester from 4:10-6 p.m. Attendance at all home games, select away games, and performances is required. 

All accepted musicians are required to attend pre-season camp, held the week before classes each fall from Saturday to Friday. Students living on campus will be able to move into the dorms at the start of pre-season camp and those with meal plans will be activated during pre-season camp. 

UAMB Drum Line Audition Materials

Audition Materials

Special Notes for Performers:

  • We encourage everyone to prepare the 2024 Audition Excerpt – “Akron Groove”
    and familiarize yourself with the UAMB Drumline PREGAME SEQUENCE in preparation for Round 2 auditions. All music can be found at the link above.
  • Each instrument has a “manual” in the google folder with UAMB Drumline performance
    practices.
  • Snare drummers are expected to perform using “Traditional Grip.”
  • Basses and Cymbals are advised to learn all split parts and the unison parts (center of the
    staff).
  • If you are auditioning on Cymbals ONLY, you do not need to prepare Tap Timing.
  • If auditioning on Cymbals, be sure to examine the Handbook in the Cymbal folder for information on cymbal notation and the different styles of crashes.
  • Please submit your video using the ‘best available’ playing surface at your disposal.
    While an actual marching drum or cymbals is greatly preferred, the following will be
    accepted:
    • Snare Drummers may make use of a concert snare or practice pad.
    • Bass Drummers may perform their part on a flat surface, snare drum, or pad with
      snare sticks.
    • Tenor drums should do their best to simulate the 5 playing surfaces using a flat
      surface or pads.
    • Cymbal auditions may ‘clap’ so long as you simulate the different types of
      crashes.

Round 1 results and details for Round 2 will be sent via email on or before May 5th, 2024.
Please note that attendance at Round 2 is mandatory. Should you have any concerns or questions pertaining to the auditions, contact Dr. Pohlman-Bassett, Visiting Assistant Director of Bands at gpohlmanbassett@uakron.edu

UAMB Drum Line Auditions

Round 1: A video submission (detailed below) and completion of our online application form. Both are due on or before FRIDAY, May 3rd, 2024, at 10:00pm

Audition Registration

Round 1 Audition Requirements:

  1. Brief Introduction (speak clearly) – Name, Instrument(s) for which you are
    auditioning, high school attended, or number of years in the UAMB.
  2. Rudiments – (slow- fast – slow) Double stroke roll, Paradiddles with Accents, and Flam Accents.
  3. Tap Timing (Quarter note = 100 – 120)
    • *This exercise is only to be submitted by those auditioning for Snare, Tenor, or Bass Drum.
    • *Performance sequence for Tap Timing is to be as followed:
      • Check Pattern – Pattern 1 – Check Pattern – Pattern 2 – Check Pattern –Pattern 3 and continued until all 15 Patterns have been performed.
  4. The University of Akron Cadence – Beginning to Letter E

Helpful Hints: 

  • Applicants should submit ONE video per instrument for which they are
    auditioning.
  • Auditions should be performed in ONE CONTINOUS TAKE with only brief
    pauses between excerpts.
  • The camera angle should present a clear view of the performer including stick
    grip and playing surface.
  • Audition videos are to be submitted via email to Dr. Gretchen Pohlman-
    Bassett (gpohlmanbassett@uakron.edu) on or before FRIDAY, May 3rd,
  • 2024 videos due at 10:00pm. Submissions are required to take the form of a private
    YouTube link – Do Not send Files.


Round 2: In person on the University of Akron Campus, Saturday, May 11 from
9:00am – 4:00pm in Guzzetta Hall (157 University Ave.)