Frequently Asked Questions

This page will likely answer many of your questions about the Michigan Drumline. However, if you have additional questions regarding the drumline or the audition process, please email drumline instructor Chuck Ricotta.

  1. I'm interested in auditioning for the drumline, but am not sure if it's too late or too early to begin the audition process.

    The process is a little different for everyone. Preparation for the upcoming marching season actually begins in January (usually one week after the previous season's bowl game). Our drumline techniques class, which is a credited class for university students, meets weekly on Monday nights during the Winter semester from 7:30 - 9:30pm at Revelli Hall. While only University students receive college credit for this course, all high school seniors who are interested in auditioning for the drumline are encouraged to attend. In the past, we have even permitted some high school juniors who play at a high level to attend the class, though they are required to play on a drum pad. This class continues through April.

    Then we have our summer camps. Many students are unable to attend drum tech classes due to the fact that they live so far away, however everyone is strongly urged to attend summer camps regardless of living proximity. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the instructor or Revelli Hall during their senior year of high school. If possible, it is recommended that they attend drum tech classes beginning in January. Otherwise, they should obtain a technique/exercise packet from the instructor, and plan to attend summer camps.

  2. What is the drumline's schedule? How often do you rehearse?

    During the marching band season (Fall term), the drumline rehearses from 4:00 - 6:15pm Monday through Friday. The drumline also meets from 9:30 - 11:30pm on Wednesday nights for sectional rehearsal. Saturday home football games are obviously busy days for the drumline. They meet an hour before the rest of the band (usually about 7am), and will often not finish until well after the game ends.

    During the summer months we have our summer camps. This is the only official meeting times during the summer, however many sections choose to have sectionals on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. During the off-season (Winter term), the drumline meets weekly on Monday nights from 7:30 - 9:30pm at Revelli Hall. This is called our Drum Tech class and it is offered for credit for University students.

  3. How do I get music to practice? Can I get ahold of performance music such as the cadence?

    For those students who are planning to audition for the drumline (regardless of your year in school), we do have a technique/exercise packet available. This is available to download from the Members Only section of the website (You will need to contact Chuck Ricotta in order to receive access to this site). It is our policy not to mail out any performance music (stepshow, cadence, Temptation & Hawaiian War Chant, Halftime shows, etc.). Performance music is only available to auditionees attending Drum Tech and/or summer camps.

  4. How does the audition process work? Can I pick which section I audition for?

    When you first arrive, (whether it is at Drum Tech or a summer camp) you will meet with the instructor. You need not have an audition piece prepared, but you should be prepared to demonstrate various techniques such as legato strokes, accent/tap timing, double/triple beat, rolls, and flam rudiments while focusing on quality of sound and rhythmic consistency. Following the initial meeting, you will decide which section you want to audition for based on feedback from the instructor. From then on, your level of improvement from camp to camp is a major factor in your placement in the Michigan Drumline.

  5. What do I bring to audition camps?

    Items to bring:

    • Sticks/Mallets
    • Three ring binder for music
    • Pencil
    • Drum Pad (snares/tenors/basses only)
    • Water bottle
    • Bagged lunch (or money for lunch...restaurants are located nearby)
    • Sun Block
    • Sunglasses
    • Sneakers
    • Ear plugs
    • You need not bring your own instrument.
  6. How do I get to Revelli Hall?

    Directions can be found here.

  7. I'm still in high school, but not graduating. Can I still participate in summer camps or anything else with the drumline?

    Yes. You may attend summer camps, however only incoming freshman to the University of Michigan may play on drums during rehearsal. Others must remain on a drum pad, but will still receive music and playing experience. It's recommended that you contact the instructor if you wish to attend Drum Tech classes during the Winter term. Another wonderful experience that is available to you is participating in the annual Crisler Concert with the Michigan Marching Band in December. Many of our current drumline members did this when they were in high school. Contact Revelli Hall for more information.

  8. I heard that the new Michigan Marching Band CD has several solo drumline tracks on it. Where can I purchase this?

    The new marching band CD entitled "The Victors Valiant" is the first MMB CD to feature several solo tracks of just the Michigan Drumline. It features our 60 second warm-up "Water Breaks," our stepshow feature "Stepshow 2K1," and our 2002 edition of "Cadence Series". This CD is available from the MMB Merchandise Page.

    You can also order it by calling Revelli Hall.

  9. What is a stepshow???

    Glad you asked...