Drumline

Thank You for Your Interest in the KU Drumline!

Our drumline is an integral part of the Marching Jayhawks. Beginning with the entry cadence of our traditional Pregame show, to our entertaining halftime shows, and good vibes in the stands, our drumline provides the pulse for it all!

There are several clinics for current and prospective drumline members this spring and summer. These free camps provide an excellent opportunity for potential students to meet current members, sharpen their skills, and become acquainted with the techniques used in the KU Drumline.

Spring 2024 Open Drumline Clinics

130 Murphy Hall

These sessions are an opportunity to play in a relaxed atmosphere and meet our instructors and returning members. They are open to returning drumline members, as well as students at KU and high school students. Parking is available ($) in the Allen Fieldhouse parking garage across the street from Murphy Hall.

• Wednesday, March 20:  8:00 - 9:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 17:  8:00 - 9:30 p.m. 
• Saturday, April 27: 1:00-3:30 p.m. 
• Saturday, May 4: 1:00-3:30 p.m.

Summer 2024 Drumline Audition Clinics

130 Murphy Hall

• Friday, June 7:  1:00-9:00 p.m. 
• Saturday, June 8:  9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 
• Saturday, July 13:  9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 

2024 Drumline Auditions

Auditions are required for all students who wish to be considered for the 2024 KU Drumline (including returning members). Auditions will be submitted via video. The deadline to submit your audition video is Monday, July 15 at 11:59 p.m. Central Time. Audition results will be sent later that week. Video Audition Requirements are listed below.

Participation at the summer clinics is strongly encouraged, as this enables our instructors to work with prospective members in person and best assess skills, comprehension, and retention. Prospective members, we understand that many of you will come from schools where you may have been among the top performers in your section. Our auditions are competitive, and there is the possibility that we will not be able to accept all students into the 2024 Drumline.

Drumline Camp

Those students who make the drumline will report and begin Drumline Camp on Tuesday, August 13. Students who live in KU housing will be able to move-in that day. Drumline camp runs morning, afternoon, and evenings beginning with the first meeting that evening.  Note that final instrument placement (snare, bass, tenors, or cymbals) will be assigned early in the Drumline Camp.

It is very important that new and returning members read any emails from Alex Vallar and Professor Toulouse. A Summer Information Packet will be sent via email to all prospective Marching Jayhawks in June that will provide information on band camp, the season, move-in, etc. If you have questions or issues, please contact Alex Vallar or Professor Toulouse.

Video Submission Requirements (follow these simple steps):  

1. Prepare the music on your own
2. Perform all 10 exercises and 1912, Begem, and SCV Double Beat (one time each within the provided tempo range)
3. Have a metronome on while recording your video
4. Use a drum pad or drum (sitting or standing)
5. Create a private YouTube (or similar) video and send to alexander.vallar@gmail.com
6. Submit video by Monday, July 15 at 11:59 p.m. Central Standard Time

Video Audition Requirements

1. "Legatos" (100BPM, 120BPM, 150BPM, & 170BPM)
2. "16th & Triplet Timing" (100BPM, 120BPM, & 130BPM)
3. "16th Accent & Triplet Accent" (100BPM, 130BPM, & 140BPM)
4. "Shups" (140BPM, 160BPM, & 180BPM)
5. "Double Beat" (140BPM, 160BPM, & 180BPM)
6. "Gallup" (100BPM, 120BPM, 150BPM, & 170BPM)
7. "Fiesta" (100BPM,140BPM, & 160BPM)
8. "Paras" (120BPM & 130BPM)
9. "Stick Control" (100BPM & 120BPM)
10. "Country John" (100 BPM, & 110BPM)
11. "1912" (104 BPM)
12. "Begem" (110BPM)
13. "SCV Double Beat" (140 BPM)