Viking Drumline auditions are Friday, May 29 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, though students who played percussion in middle school or who took Beginning Percussion will be the most successful. For the 2026-27 season, we are looking for the following number of "core" members, subject to change:

• 5-7 Snares

• 2-3 Tenors

• 5-7 Basses

• 4-6 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 practice the music using the included scores or by using the included mp3s. Use the links below to register and access the audition materials:

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2026-27 Drumline Audition Registration

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2026-27 Drumline Audition Materials

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Notes on audition material:

For all instruments, you will find a (1) packet with exercises, (2) the score to a cadence, and (3) a rudimental etude. You will be expected to prepare the exercises and cadence for a full-ensemble audition. We will listen to you play your etude during one-on-one auditions. Auditionees on bass and cymbals should be prepared to play all split parts.

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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 selected as core members of drumline will be automatically enrolled in Advanced Percussion Ensemble. Students who are interested in auditioning in the future may take Beginning Percussion Ensemble to learn technique and music literacy. 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:​

  • Daily in-class practice

  • 1 sectional per week

  • 1 full-ensemble 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. We are a growth-oriented ensemble, and we all work to lift each other up! If you are considering auditioning for the following year, you should join the Beginning Percussion class to prepare.

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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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