Viking Drumline auditions are Monday, June 9 from 6 - 8 pm in the RBHS Multipurpose Room!

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All current and incoming Rainier Beach High School students are welcome to audition, regardless of experience or skill level, as auditions are simply for placement. For the 2025-26 season, we are looking for the following number of "core" members:

• 5 Snares

• 2 Tenors

• 5 Basses

• 4 Cymbals

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​Every student who shows up to auditions will automatically be accepted into the drumline, but there are a limited number of "core" spots available. Students who don't become core members will still be able to participate as "alternate" members and play auxiliary percussion instruments. Don't be discouraged if you aren't selected as a core member! You are still considered a member of our drumline family and you will have the opportunity to re-audition the following year with more experience.

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Please come to auditions with the audition materials prepared for the instrument(s) that you are interested in. You can learn the music either with the included scores or by using the included mp3s. Use the links below to register and access the audition materials:

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2025-26 Drumline Audition Registration

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2025-26 Drumline Audition Materials

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What are we looking for? In order of most important to least important:

1. Be teachable!

2. A positive and willing attitude

3. A commitment to growth and improvement

4. Obvious preparation of the materials

5. Good technique, skill, and execution

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Students who are members of drumline will be automatically enrolled in Percussion Ensemble to learn how to read music, learn how to play concert percussion, rehearse in their sections, and further develop their skills. This class is a great entry point for students who wish to take IB Music their Junior and Senior years!

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Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the time commitment like for drumline?

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Students are expected to attend all rehearsals and performances throughout the year. A majority of the season occurs during the fall as we play for the football games, but drumline has commitments throughout the year. Here is a list of expected performances and rehearsals:

• Drumline camp: 5 days in mid-August

• Football games: 1 per week in the Fall

  • ​Includes postseason playoffs​​

• Basketball games: ~5-7 in the Winter

  • Includes postseason tournament​

• Department concerts: 3 per year

• Regular rehearsals:

  • 1 full ensemble per week​

  • 1 sectional per week

  • Additional rehearsals as needed

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I've never played a drumline instrument before, can I still audition?

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Of course! Drumline is open to all student regardless of experience, although you might start out as an alternate member on auxiliary instruments. Once in the Percussion Ensemble class, you will begin to learn basic percussion technique, how to read sheet music, and everything you need to know to be a successful member. We are a growth-oriented ensemble, and we all work to lift each other up!

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How much does it cost to participate?

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Nothing! Most of our funding for equipment and supplies comes from donations and fundraising. As a member of the drumline, you will be expected to help out with fundraising projects over the summer and throughout the school year so that we can afford to pay our instructors, travel, and purchase suppled such as sticks, drum heads, and jackets.

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What if I can't fit Percussion Ensemble in my schedule?

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Although most of our practice happens during class, dedicated and trustworthy students who cannot fit Percussion Ensemble into their schedule can continue to participate by 1) auditioning successfully, 2) attending all after-school rehearsals and sectionals, and 3) committing to learning new material on their own time. This happens most often to students who are Juniors and Seniors in the IB Diploma Program. Talk to Mr. Franks for more info.