As “the pulse” of the University of Washington Athletic Band program, the Husky Band Drumline is not only a dynamic and diverse performance ensemble in and of itself with national and international exposure, but is an integral part of a band family that shares experiences and relationships that extends far beyond the college years. Each year the HMB Drumline continually strives to not only reach its full potential but to also bring excitement and energy both musically and visually to a wide variety of performances. The Drumline performs everywhere from UW athletic events and bowl games, to alumni and corporate events, as well as weddings and private parties. The members take great pride in supporting each other in all facets of the university experience, and the high retention rate and WIDE variety of demanding majors represented in the ensemble speaks to the positive experiences the members have, and lifelong relationships that are forged.
The Husky Drumline is enormously proud to play on the finest marching percussion instruments out on the market today. The Husky Marching Band and staff is privileged to have built strong relationships with the following corporations: Pearl Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, Vic Firth Sticks and Mallets, and Remo Drumheads.
Drumline Auditions
For 2021-2022, we are looking for:
- 9 – 10 Snares
- 4 – 6 Tenors
- 6 – 7 Bass Drums
- 9 – 10 Cymbals
Due to COVID-19, the health and safety of the students, instructors and staff is our number one priority. We are closely monitoring the changing situation and complying with University, Local and State Public Health guidance. To ensure the health and safety of everyone involved in the audition process, we will be conducting Drumline Auditions for the 2021-2022 school year via Zoom auditions.
Zoom auditions will take place over two weekends, June 5th & 6th and June 12th & 13th. Upon completing your audition registration, you will be assigned a 30 minute audition time slot on one of the days listed above.
The audition materials consist of standard technical exercises that are intended to be short and relatively simple for prospects to understand so that your time is spent focusing on the EXECUTION, not the discovery process. The Audition packets can be found at the following link:
***2021 Husky Drumline Audition Material***
What is found in the packets represents OUR TARGET for a season of development in each section. DON’T STRESS IF YOU CAN’T EXECUTE EVERY EXERCISE OR CAN’T REACH THE MAXIMUM TEMPOS INDICATED. We are a growth-oriented ensemble and understand that not everyone we see will come from a program that plays the same type of material we do.
To have your best chance of success, you should:
- Prepare the material the best that you can, and audition ON THE INSTRUMENT YOU WANT!
- If you show up with a positive attitude and demonstrate understanding of the material through preparation, that will show through even if the execution isn’t as “clean” as you may want. LEAVE THE JUDGING TO US, BE FLEXIBLE, and everyone will end up in the position that will set them, and the ensemble, up for success.
- If you want to audition on a secondary instrument, please make sure to indicate that on your audition registration.
- ASK QUESTIONS.
- There is NEVER a circumstance where asking ANY question in the interest of being better prepared reflects negatively on the prospective member.
We look forward to meeting you virtually in June. Please remember to fill out the Audition Registration Form by Friday, May 28th and lastly, it is recommended that you continue to regularly refer to this website, as well as follow our social media accounts for the latest audition updates.
If you have ANY questions, please email band@uw.edu
