2026 UNA Marching Percussion Auditions

Audition Structure

• Preliminary Video Audition

• Live Final Audition (on campus)

Preliminary Video Audition

Eligibility Requirements

• Students must be academically accepted to the University of North Alabama by the video submission deadline.

• Students must be able to attend Drumline Camp.

• All auditioning students should join the UNA Percussion Audition Information Facebook Group.

Video Submission Instructions

• Submit a YouTube link (set to Public or Unlisted — not Private).

• Email the link to twiggins@una.edu no later than 11:59 PM CST on April 5, 2026.

• Full name

• Summer mailing address

• Current school

• Instruments for which you wish to be considered
  

Battery Audition – Video Requirements

• Triple Stroke Variations – 2 reps @ 115 BPM

• Bookends – 2 reps @ 120 bpm

• Nakat - 2 reps @ 140 bpm

• Necessities – 1 full rep @ 140 BPM or the fastest tempo at which you can perform each exercise (Repeat 8 on a hand, 4x)

• gssshhhhh – 1 rep of check and 1 rep with rolls @ 125 BPM

• Feet must move for all exercises

• Audible metronome required

• Face, hands, and feet must be visible

• Marking time is required

• A short solo on your instrument demonstrating your highest level of ability
  (Bass drum applicants should perform a rudimental snare drum solo.)

Front Ensemble – Video Requirements

Keyboards

• Blender – C–F chromatically @ 90 BPM (2 mallets)

• One-octave Circle of 4ths @ 150 BPM (2 mallets)

• London Bridge (double verticals) in C and F @ 96 BPM

• Chromatic Up/Down (inside mallets) – 1 rep @ 112 BPM, 1 rep @ 130 BPM

• A solo on marimba or vibraphone

Rhythm Section – Video Requirements

Bass Guitar & Synthesizer

• Perform a solo

• Perform the three adjacent major scales and a chromatic scale

• Perform a 12-bar blues in the keys of C, F, Bb, and Ab

Drumset

• 12-bar Blues Shuffle (backbeat on 2 & 4)

• 12-bar Jazz/Swing Time

• 8 bars Funk/R&B groove (“Cold Sweat” – James Brown)

• 8 bars 12/8 Afro-Cuban

• 8 bars Samba

• gssshhhh – 2 reps @ 125 BPM

Live Final Audition

• Saturday, May 16: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• Sunday, May 17: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Final Audition Repertoire

Battery (in addition to video material):

• Triple Stroke Variations

• NAKAT

• Smooth Operator

• Notenacht

• Bookends

• Campfire Patties

• Fred

• gssshhhhh

• Flams

Front Ensemble

• Blender – C–F chromatically

• One-octave Circle of 4ths

• London Bridge (double verticals) in C and F

• Chromatic Up/Down (inside mallets)

• My Favorite

• 7/8

Additional Information

• These auditions are required for anyone wishing to be a member of the UNA Marching Percussion Section for the 2026 season.

• There is no audition fee.

What to Bring

• Marching rehearsal attire: t-shirt, shorts, socks, athletic shoes (no sandals or flip-flops)

• Water

• Hearing protection

• If available, bring your own drum and stand

• If not, bring a practice pad and stand

Meals & Housing

• Meals will not be provided. Please bring lunch or make plans accordingly.

• Limited housing may be arranged for Saturday night for students traveling long distances. Contact the appropriate section leader if needed.

What We’re Looking For

• Strong work ethic and positive attitudes

• A willingness to learn and adapt

• A desire to be part of a collaborative, high-level program