2026 PERCUSSION audition information is now available!

DRUMLINE & FRONT ENSEMBLE GENERAL AUdition Information

Thank you for your interest in the 2026 Murray State University Racer Band Marching Percussion Section. We look forward to meeting you as we prepare for another exciting season in the history of this storied program!

You will find information pertaining to the audition process below - please take time to read all information carefully and thoroughly.

If this will be your first year in Racer Band, please ensure that you have filled out the Racer Band Interest Form and keep an eye on your email throughout the summer. Members will receive important details regarding Band Camp and the upcoming fall season via the Racer Band Summer Newsletter. 

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding any part of the audition process, please do not hesitate to reach out. All inquiries should be directed to [email protected].

Thank you again for your interest in the group and we look forward to working with you soon!

Sincerely,
Dr. Conner Viets, Assistant Professor of Percussion & Director of Racer Band Percussion
Thomas Frost, Co-Director of Racer Band Percussion

aUDITION oVERVIEW

The audition process for all prospective members will consist of two phases:

• A pre-screening video (due July 1)
• In-person audition during Band Camp (August 8–16)

Please prepare the audition material specified below for the instrument on which you have the most performance experience and/or the instrument on which you are most interested in performing. In the event that you do not make your first choice instrument, you will have the opportunity to audition for other instruments.

Pre-screening video (Due July 1st)

Prescreening videos are due July 1 and should be sent to [email protected]. Please upload ONE SINGLE unlisted YouTube video or playlist containing all videos (no shorts). For more details regarding specific parameters for the pre-screening video, see “Pre-screening Video Guidelines.”

Feedback will be provided for all submitted videos, outlining each student’s standing in the audition process as well as targeted areas of focus prior to Band Camp. Exercise packets and instrument-specific etudes for Band Camp will be distributed to members when they receive their feedback. 

For your pre-screening video, you will provide your own exercises based on specific skill sets listed below. Please do not feel the need to learn anything new for this round of auditions - this is an opportunity to demonstrate what you already do best. Snares and tenors should have eight different exercises, bass drums and cymbals should have five, front ensemble should have four. 

DRUMLINE
Mark time to all exercises

• Eights*
• Accent Tap*
• Double Beat* 
• 16th-Note Timing* w/natural sticking throughout
• Triplet Timing* w/natural sticking throughout
• Duple Rolls (snares & tenors only)
• Triplet Rolls (snares & tenors only)
• Flam Accents, Flam Taps (snares & tenors only)

*indicates exercises bass drums and cymbals should provide

FRONT ENSEMBLE
Two Mallets

• Scales and Arpeggios (all 12 major keys)
• Green Scales (all 12 major keys)

Four Mallets

• Double Verticals
• Single Alternating Strokes

OPTIONAL: an excerpt (no longer than 2 minutes) of a prepared solo/etude of your choice demonstrating your technical and musical abilities

Any member interested in Bass Guitar, Guitar, or Synth should contact [email protected] for specific instructions. 

Prescreening Video Guidelines

• Begin your video by stating your name and the instrument on which you are auditioning
• You and your instrument should be in full view of the frame at all times - adjust your camera angle accordingly
• Utilize LANDSCAPE VIEW (horizontal) - please ensure your hands and feet are visible! (no sitting)
• Record your video in a well-lit space with minimal background noise
• Your performance can be on a pad or real drum (real drum preferred)
• If possible, make sure there is an audible metronome ON during your performance so we can hear and evaluate your timing
• Be sure to review your recording and consider the quality of your work before submitting!

In-Person Auditions

The in-person audition phase will evaluate members in both ensemble and individual settings. Individual auditions, consisting of either the audition etude for each instrument (Drumline) or specified exercises (Front Ensemble), will occur on the first day of Percussion Camp.

For both the prescreening and in-person rounds, all auditionees will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

• Attitude/Commitment/Preparation
• Timing
• Sound Quality
• Rhythmic Accuracy
• Musicianship
• Technique
• Reading Ability