Percussion

The OMB Percussion Section consists of:

    • Snare Line: 7-10 players
    • Tenor Line: 4-6 players
    • Bass Line: 5-6 players
    • Cymbal Line: 7-10 players
    • Mallets (marimba/vibraphone/xylophone/bells): 5-9 players
    • Synthesizers: 1-2 players
    • Timpani (set of 4-5 drums): 1 player
    • Auxiliary Percussion (concert bass, gong, toms, cymbals, etc.): 2-4 players

Auditions for the OMB Percussion Section will be held in three parts:

Part I – Spring Oregon Percussion Audition Workshop

Part II – Summer video assignments

Part III – Placements finalized the first day of Band Camp.

The OMB Percussion Audition Workshop is the first phase of your audition for the Oregon Marching Band Drumline and Front Ensemble. The audition will focus on determining your level of playing, workshopping technique, and learning material in preparation for the fall. Instruction will use a provided technique packet (DOWNLOAD) to hear your ability to prepare material.

The Audition Workshop is open for anyone interested in playing percussion in the Oregon Marching Band for the 2024 Fall Season. If you plan to join this coming fall you must participate in this first stage of the audition process. If you’re unable to attend the workshop in person (i.e. out of town/state, schedule conflicts, etc.), please plan to create and submit a video audition.

This year’s audition workshop will held May 19th at Autzen Stadium from 9 AM – 5 PM (lunch provided). Indicate your participation in the OMB Application.

If you are auditioning for a battery instrument, you should be familiar with the 40 P.A.S. rudiments as well as some more contemporary hybrid rudiments. You should also have experience with the marching techniques associated with the battery, as movement is a big part of the activity.

Front ensemble will require a placement audition. If you are auditioning for mallets or synthesizer, we recommend you be able to read bass and treble clef, play arpeggios, and major/minor scales in keys up to 4 flats and sharps. If you wish to play timpani, you should have a basic knowledge of tuning and playing technique.

A great way to prepare for the percussion auditions is by attending the Alan Keown Drum Camp.

If you have any questions about the Drumline or Front Ensemble, contact Micah Brusse: micahbrusse@gmail.com

For questions about joining OMB in general, please contact the Administrative Coordinator, Anna Frazer at bandadm@uoregon.edu