Revised: September 2024
Q: What is the Drum Major expected to do?
A: The most visible responsibility of the Drum Majors at Pacific Crest is to conduct the group in both competition and other venues, focusing on expressing their role as a prominent performer. Our Drum Majors, however, do much more than just their job on the podium. The Drum Majors also assist in logistical support of the Instructional and Support Staff at virtually all events/rehearsals, and help to communicate the ideals of Pacific Crest to members and the public. We are looking for confident, proactive individuals who will support the objectives of the staff on a rehearsal, performance, and organizational level.
Q: How many drum majors do you select?
A: We will select up to four Drum Majors for this season. We will have at least one spot open for audition.
Q: Who can audition for a drum major spot?
A: Anyone! We accept auditions from both veteran and new prospective members of Pacific Crest.
Q: How do I audition for a Drum Major position?
A: The audition will consist of two stages:
- Video Evaluation: Pacific Crest Drum Major candidates must participate in a pre-screening process, which requires submitting a video. Instructions and deadlines for the video submission will be provided after you register, or can be found here.
- In-Person Audition*: After the video evaluation period, we will invite a smaller group of applicants to complete the Drum Major audition at the in-person audition camp.
*Please note: Not all applicants will be invited to an in-person audition at the audition weekend. Those informed that they will not be invited may still attend the camp to audition for an alternate section, if desired.
Q: What if I am invited to the in-person audition? What should I expect?
A: The audition camp will include specialized teaching sessions for those who are auditioning for a Drum Major spot. It’s important that you attend to see how the staff works and what’s expected of a Pacific Crest Drum Major. Candidates auditioning for the upcoming season will be given an audition decision at the end of the audition camp, which will either be a contracted position, a call back, or a decision to return for a future audition.
The in-person audition process (beyond the sessions mentioned above) will consist of (but not limited to) the following:
- Interviews/discussions with Pacific Crest staff/administration.
- Opportunities to conduct the brass and/or percussion sections during the Audition Weekend
- Pacific Crest Drum Major duties as assigned by the current Drum Majors and staff
Q: What will the staff look for in the audition process?
A: During the auditions the staff will evaluate you in these areas:
- Mastery of conducting skills, including style and musicality.
- Communication and display of effective leadership qualities/strategies.
- Attitude and willingness to learn and receive direction from staff.
- Ability to show a confident demeanor under performance and responsibility pressures.
- Ability to work within the framework that has made Pacific Crest’s student leadership successful.
Q: What kind of conducting patterns should I know before the auditions?
A: There are many styles conductors use in a marching arts setting. At the audition camp we’ll introduce you to our approach to conducting, and you will be evaluated on your application of our technique as well as the skills you are already bringing into the audition weekend.
Q: Who will be my instructor?
A: Drum Majors should expect to receive instruction from many Pacific Crest administrators and instructional staff during the course of the audition and the season.
Q: If I am not selected for one of the Drum Major spots or I am not invited to the in-person audition, can I still audition for another section?
A: Absolutely! Your pre-audition video fee covers video submission for one additional section. You may also audition in-person for another section at the January rehearsal camp. Simply communicate with the respective caption head after the conclusion of the audition camp to coordinate an audition.