Audition Materials for Fall 2024
These audition materials are currently under revision for the 2025 Audition Process. The updated versions will be posted as soon as they are available. We wanted to keep these posted as a sample of what may be used for the audition process.
We recommend focusing on one instrument for your drumline audition instead of dividing your attention between multiple subsections.
The Audition Process
Step One: Future Member Application
All potential members must complete the 2025 Future Member Application to stay up-to-date with the audition process.
Step Two: Earn Your Callback Audition
In order to attend the Audition Camp in the Fall of 2025, potential members of the Cyclone Marching Band Drumline need to earn a callback spot.
Over the summer, we will have three Drumline Qualifier Camps to help you prepare the audition materials and potentially earn your callback spot. Each camp will focus on different materials, so it is highly recommended that you attend all three camps if possible. These camps are free and will take place from 1-5 pm at Simon Estes Music Hall on the following dates:
- June 28, 2025
- July 12, 2025
- July 26, 2025
Please fill out our Qualifier Camp Interest Form, if you plan on attending so we have an accurate number of what instruments we need.
Students who cannot attend at least one of the Drumline Qualifier Camps or who have not earned their callback spot at the in-person camps may be allowed to submit a video audition. This will be on a case-by-case basis, and all video auditions will be due before August 2nd, 2025.
Step Three: Audition Camp
All students who have earned a callback spot will be invited to attend our in-person Audition Camp at Iowa State which will start on the evening of August 15th, 2025.
Students who audition for the drumline can move into their Fall housing starting August 15, 2025. Students wishing to move in earlier may do so at an additional cost of $50 per day. Please contact the Department of Residence for details. If students do not make the final drumline, they will still be allowed to stay in their residence hall at no additional cost.
The final Cyclone Marching Band drumlines will be set by the evening of August 17, 2025.
The Final Drumline:
Required rehearsals:
Audition Camp: August 15 – 17, 2025
Band Camp: August 17 – 24, 2025
Daily rehearsals: 5:10-6:30 pm. You must sign up for Music 1140A.
Morning rehearsal before all home games and exhibitions
Drumline rehearsals, Thursday evenings, 7:00-10:00 pm
Sectionals (weekly; Tuesday nights)
The Iowa State Drumline is a dedicated group, continuously striving for improvement. While our rehearsal and performance schedule might seem overwhelming, please remember we are also committed to having fun. We look for members with a positive attitude and willing to work hard to deliver an outstanding performance.
Questions?
If you have any question specifically about the drumline at Iowa State, please email us at drum@iastate.edu!