WSU Drumline Audition Information

2025 camp audition packets are available!

On this page you’ll see the CMB Drumline’s warmup packet and pregame packet (as well as a notation key). Please look at these packets and come prepared! More information below.

You must register for band and enroll in MUS 444-02. This way you will receive information over the summer and receive your fall stipend on time!

Audition Information:

Drumline members will be expected in Pullman on Friday, August 14, 2026, by 3:00pm:

• Band camp for drumline will last from 8/14 through 8/21
  • August 14-15, only members of the drumline and color guard are required
  • The rest of band will begin to arrive Sunday, August 10
  • If you are moving into a dorm, you should be able to move in on 8/14
    • If you’re moving into a dorm, please email Christopher Wilson (christopher.wilson1@wsu.edu) and connect him with your residence hall director.
    • Our first event is at 3:00pm on August 14, most incoming students move in earlier that day.  If you move in on the 15th, you will miss out on a large number of rehearsals!
• On Friday, 8/14, members of the drumline get together for an informational meeting, warmup session, then the first round of auditions
  • We will meet in Kimbrough Music Building, room B48. There will be people to help welcome you in the lobby of Kimbrough between 2:30 and 3:00pm.
  • We will have an informal meeting from 3-4pm where we’ll go over everything you’ll need to know for the season.
  • From 4-5pm we’ll start learning the warmup packet.
    • Students will start off on their first-choice instrument, but if you’re a new member on the line be prepared to be moved around the drumline.
  • From 5-6:30pm we’ll break for dinner, then we’ll commence with individual auditions (6:30-9pm).
    • Everyone auditioning for snare, tenors, or bass drum must play for Christopher Wilson (see below)
    • Please prepare the 3 selections from the audition packet on your first-choice instrument.
    • At the same time as auditions, there will be a cymbal sectional led by the cymbal section leaders.
  • Not everyone makes their first-choice instrument, but all instruments in the drumline serve an important function!
  • On Saturday morning we’ll begin to set the line!
  • If you have to miss Friday/Saturday due to DCI, please send a video of you playing your first choice instrument to Christopher Wilson by August 7th:
    • Like everyone else, please play 2 selections from our warmup packet and 1 selection from our pregame packet

More information – please keep reading!

Auditions consist of members playing their instruments of choice for drumline instructor Christopher Wilson on Friday evening, then during an ensemble rehearsal (or sectionals) while the instructor moves members around – between sections and within sections – to provide the best sound for the line and the best fit for the player. This “audition” is simply to see where to best place members along the line. Many members get in on their first-choice instrument, and those who don’t often improve enough to make their first choice the following year. But no matter what, every instrument on the drumline serves an important role and is a BLAST to play!

Things to know before you get to auditions

• A GREAT attitude
• Audition packet, posted above
• All 40 of the PAS Rudiments (especially if interested in snare or tenors)
• A GREAT attitude
• Good technique – if you’re interested in snare drum, start working on traditional grip!
• Memorization skills – each show must be memorized
• A GREAT attitude

All members must be enrolled in MUS 444-2 (section TWO!). Contact Christopher Wilson if you have a class conflict.