Auditions for Student Directors and Drum Captains take place in April. Current Student Leadership will be offered a 1 year extension of their position if they meet the eligibility requirements as determined by the Director. In the event that positions are available, the requirements are below, as well as outlined on this document.
Process
- Submit a 1 page statement answering the following question: “Why do you want to be a student director/drum captain?” In the paper, please include examples of new ideas you may have, examples of any previous music and leadership experiences, etc.
- Download the song “Star Spangled Banner” from STAMP. Listen to it and practice conducting with the music, preferably in front of a mirror. Part of the interview/audition process will be to conduct this piece (with the recording playing) to the Director, who will also play a recording of a random pep band song and ask you to start and stop the song. This requirement does not apply to Drum Captains.
- Interview – During your audition, you will be asked some questions. Think of this as a job interview. Think about things you would do to make the band better. Why do you want to be a student leader?
- Band Member Feedback – Band members will be sent an anonymous survey about all candidates. This feedback will help the director get a sense of how the band would interact with that student. This is not a popularity contest, however, it is important that the overall population of the band will embrace a new student director or drum captain.
Requirements
- Be a UMBC Student.
- Be able to help with music library and storage space organization a few days over the summer.
- Be able to make all rehearsals (Wednesday night 7:10-9:40PM and Sunday night 7-9PM during the fall). A rehearsal may be missed under extenuating circumstances.
- Be able to make 90% of pep band performances. A performance may be missed under extenuating circumstances. Additionally, winter game performances may be excused for individuals who live out of state and do not have winter housing.
- Be a student for both Fall and Spring semesters of the season.
- Have at least a 2.25 cumulative GPA or better.
- Have completed at least 24 credits at UMBC and not be on academic or disciplinary probation.
- Been a member of the Band or Drumline for at least 1 season.
- Existing leadership and conducting experience is encouraged, but not required.