Drumline and Front Ensemble AUdition Information

Thank you for your interest in the Racer Band Drumline and Front Ensemble! All members of the drumline and front ensemble will be expected to prepare the audition materials below. All materials will need to be prepared for the first day of camp on Saturday, August 5th (there are no video submissions required this year).
  1. Prepare for the instrument you have the most experience in performing, or what you are interested in performing on.
  2. Metronome markings are indicated; you will be expected to perform up to the given tempos for each exercise.
  3. Get used to marking time (drumline) and using a metronome for each exercise. We want to get an idea of your sense of time as well as your ability to move while you play.
  4. All those auditioning for both the drumline and the front ensemble  must have previous marching band percussion experience. Drumline members must be able to carry their drums and comfortably march at tempos up to 180 bpm.​
Questions? Feel free to reach out!
Andy Gibson, Percussion Caption Head: theandygibson@gmail.com
Dr. Ashley Shoupe, Director of Racer Band: ashoupe@murraystate.edu

drumline Audition material

SNARE DRUM
  • 8 on a hand (8ths): marking time, with metronome - 120 bpm and 180 bpm
  • Set Em Up: with metronome - 140 bpm
  • Paradiddle Thang: with metronome - 150 bpm
  • OPTIONAL: Prepared piece of your choosing that demonstrates both your technical and musical abilities

TENORS/QUADS
  • 8 on a hand (8ths): marking time, with metronome - 120 bpm and 180 bpm
  • Set Em Up: with metronome - 140 bpm
  • Paradiddle Thang: with metronome - 150 bpm
  • OPTIONAL: Prepared piece of your choosing that demonstrates both your technical and musical abilities

BASS DRUM
  • 8 on a hand (8ths): marking time, with metronome - 120 bpm and 180 bpm
  • 4-2-1 Timing: with metronome - 120 bpm
  • OPTIONAL: Prepared piece of your choosing that demonstrates both your technical and musical abilities

Front Ensemble Audition Material

MALLETS
  • 8 on a hand (8ths): with metronome - 120 bpm and 160 bpm
  • Green Scales: with metronome - 100 bpm, 120 bpm, and 140 bpm
    • Choose three of the following scales to play at all three tempos: C major, F major, Bb major, Eb major, Ab major
  • Reading Excerpt
SYNTH/KEYBOARD
  • Reading Excerpt: m. 15 - 39, with metronome - 140 bpm
  • Pick a tune of your choice that demonstrates both your technical and musical abilities.

BASS GUITAR
  • Reading Excerpt: m. 77 - end, with metronome - 170 bpm
  • Pick a tune of your choice that demonstrates both your technical and musical abilities.

GUITAR
  • Reading Excerpt: with metronome - 120 bpm
  • Pick a tune of your choice that demonstrates both your technical and musical abilities.