Join Marching Band

Prospective Members

Not a U of M student?

Time Commitment

Spat Camp

Registration and Freshman Orientation

Auditions

Woodwinds and Brass

1. Early decision: audition videos due March 1, 2022.
   • By March 18, all auditionees will receive placement on either the band roster or the waitlist. If placed on the roster, you must notify the band of your acceptance by May 1. If placed on the waitlist, your audition will be reevaluated with the second round of auditions in early July and you will be notified of admittance by July 8, 2022. 

   • Some scholarships will be awarded based on the early decision auditions. These scholarship offers will be made by March 18, 2022.

2. Regular auditions: audition videos due June 30, 2022.
   • We plan to release our roster by Friday, July 8, 2022.
   • Some scholarships may be awarded at this time, however students are highly encouraged to complete the early round audition for the greatest scholarship potential. 

The audition consists of:

1. Chromatic scale ascending and descending that showcases your playable range
2. Your favorite major scale, 2 octaves ascending and descending
3. A part (1st, 2nd, or 3rd – you select) from "The Minnesota Rouser"
4. A part (1st, 2nd, or 3rd – you select) from "Minnesota March" (Note: Mellophone players audition on "Go Gopher Victory" instead of “Minnesota March”)
5. A personal statement answering the following questions: “Why do you want to be a member of the Pride of Minnesota? How have your past experiences prepared you to be part of the band?” The personal statement can be written (max one page) or video-recorded (max two minutes).
6. Optional: you may also include another selection that helps display your talents (i.e. a prepared piece from solo and ensemble contests)

Submitting the Video

1. Create a YouTube account (if you have gmail, you automatically have one)
2. Click the Upload button in the top right corner
3. It will take you to the Upload page.
   • A little box will appear with the word Public. Click on the little triangle and click Unlisted (this way only people with the link will be able to see your video).
4. Either drag the video, or select the file of your video to upload.
5. Make sure to title your video “Your name, Instrument Audition”
6. Copy and paste the link to your YouTube video (it will give you the link once your video is uploaded) to this form.

Audition Music

Drumline 

Auditions are tentatively scheduled for Saturday April 23, 2022 at Huntington Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus. Everyone who wants to audition must be present at 9:00 AM for a very brief informational meeting and to sign up for an audition time later in the day.

If you are unable to join us on April 23 but are interested in being on the drumline, please contact Kelley Lima at limax003@umn.edu as soon as possible to make alternative audition plans.

There will be two optional "Audition Rehearsals" at Huntington Bank Stadium on Saturday April 16 from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM and Friday April 22  from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Additional information and audition music can be found at http://drumline.umn.edu/auditions

Should the Gopher Football Spring Game take place on April 23 our audition date will change; this should be finalized in the coming weeks.

Color Guard

Auditions are in two parts.

The first part is a video submission which is due with your Spat Camp application information. Videos are due no later than June 30. Please visit the audition page to view the audition requirements and additional ways to prepare for the audition process. https://ummbcolorguard.wordpress.com/audition-info/

The second part of the audition is an in-person Color Guard Camp tentatively scheduled for August 4-7, 2022, which includes learning the audition materials as well as routines for the season. If you are unable to join us for those dates, please contact us at ummbcolorguard@gmail.com as soon as possible to make alternative audition plans. Students who submit their video submission will be invited to participate in additional (optional) rehearsals prior to the Color Guard Camp.

For incoming students, some scholarships are available that require videos to be submitted by March 1st for early decision

• Those scholarship offers would be made by March 18th. 
• The overall deadline for video submission for placement in the group is still June 30th.

If there are any questions, please email ummbcolorguard@gmail.com

University of Minnesota 2022 Twirler Auditions

Thank you for your interest in the University of Minnesota Twirler position! We traditionally have three Advanced level twirlers and have one open position for 2022. We hold two rounds of auditions:

ROUND 1: APPLICATION AND VIDEO AUDITIONS:

All prospective candidates must submit their application materials through this form by Sunday, February 20, 2022. The following details are required:

• Your contact information
• Twirling résumé, showcasing experience and accomplishments
• Confirmation that you meet the requirement of competing at an Advanced level
• A personal statement answering the following questions: “Why do you want to be a member of the Pride of Minnesota? How have your past experiences prepared you to be part of the band?” The personal statement can be written (max one page) or video-recorded (max two minutes)
• Audition video, sent as a YouTube link or through Google Drive. Please be sure to check your sharing settings so anyone with the link can view the video. 

Following the submission of your video, we will contact you for a brief phone/video interview. You will be notified by February 28 whether or not you advance to the second round of auditions.

ROUND 2: IN-PERSON* AUDITIONS:

Auditions will take place on Saturday, March 5th, 2022 on the University of Minnesota Campus. Exact location TBD.

• Bring your audition music in the form of a track on an iPod, iPad, iPhone, or an Android phone that can be plugged into a larger speaker system via an auxiliary jack // bluetooth.**
• Prepare a 3-5 minute routine that incorporates 1, 2, and 3 baton
• Learn and perform a 2-baton fight song routine of the staff’s choice; video instruction will be provided to you.
• Be ready to perform an improvised routine to a U of M fight song of the staff's choice. You will have the length of a gymnasium to perform it and should use at least 30 yards to show field movement and strutting capabilities.
• Be ready to answer interview questions in front of the twirling committee
• Wear appropriate clothing. You are performing for the University of Minnesota Marching Band directors and the twirling committee. SHOW US YOUR BEST SELF including SHOWMANSHIP!

*Should Covid-19 restrictions prohibit in-person auditions, we will schedule the second round of auditions over Zoom. Candidates will need to find a large space to work in (such as a park, street, or gymnasium) and a device to connect to Zoom. If this does not work for a candidate, we will work out an alternative option. We will update the website late January regarding whether or not we intend to hold in-person or virtual auditions.

**A back­up option of your music on a different media device is always recommended in case there are technical difficulties**

SELECTION IS BASED ON THE FOLLOWING:

The level of twirling difficulty and technique is the most important factor in the audition. The University of Minnesota Twirler position is aimed to highlight a well-developed technique with a twirler who can adapt their skills to a variety of musical styles and fit in with the Pride of Minnesota atmosphere as part of the band in attitude and membership.

Dynamic routines will highlight strengths and incorporate a variety of turns and catches, toss illusions, highlight performance abilities, multiple baton work, and your maximum potential of difficulty.

*Fire Batons will NOT be allowed at the audition, however, they can be used in performances at the University of Minnesota on certain occasions*

Please Note: No one will be allowed to audition without having applied to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.