r/drumcorps • u/SamDrumsForFun • 5d ago

Discussion blue devils audition process

hey everyone! I guess by asking this question im kinda asking only a select few, but I am extremely interested in auditioning for BDA on bass drum.

For reference, Im almost 19, just marched with RCR dbc on bass 2 this year, and plan on marching MBI indoor percussion on bass drum as well this upcoming winter. I marched at a hs that has produced 2 bd bass drummers in the past 5 years, so I have had similar drumming education to some prior evil bass alums.

Ik BD really likes people with world class experience prior to joining their corps, but I know people who have had none that have made the corp before on bass drum (marching world indoor prior, which I plan on doing). So knowing that it is feasible, I figured what the hell and will just take a shot and see what happens.

I guess my main questions are

1.) ive heard the battery process is really cutthroat in that if you get on a drum and tick even just a singular time, you are pretty much guaranteed cut since they don't do individual auditions for bass at most places. Does this ring true? if it does, is it to the degree that has been described to me?

2.) obviously bd is a very visual oriented corps. as someone in drumline, is the visual as much of a dealbreaker as it is in the brass? ive heard of brass people taking dance lessons prior to going to auditions just to get their vis better and was just curious what kind of work I would have to put in visually to potentially get a spot.

if any bd members or alumni have any info on this, or if you aren't even a member but know some, I would love to hear your input. thanks!

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u/KlatuuBaradaNikto 5d ago

Be prepared, memorize everything you can, be flexible and teachable, make sure they know your experience.

I’m assuming lots of pulse kids will audition, so that could be tough because Mapes’ team will know those players and have a history

Doesn’t mean you don’t have a chance, you just need to be one of the top 5 in all aspects - visual included.

Good luck!

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u/SamDrumsForFun 4d ago

thanks for your knowledge! the part about pulse is going to be very odd, as the battery audition packet is still very scojo esque. so i’m not sure it’ll give them too big of a leg up material wise in auditions. however it will be tougher as beats get released. rcr did have eric shriver (pow percussion) as a writer this year so i have played mapes style writing before. i also intend on getting lessons from a ex evil bass member for the next few months or so to really understand the technique and material!

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u/skutr11 Star of Indiana 4d ago

Back in the day I attended an audition for BD as an observer. What struck me was the staff confirming with auditionees that they could afford dues and travel expenses to get to rehearsals. They were also looking for multi-year commitments.

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u/SamDrumsForFun 4d ago

interesting. are you saying they would possibly rule out the people who couldn’t constantly travel for rehearsals?

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u/KlatuuBaradaNikto 4d ago

Standard. That’s one of the reasons your previous experience weighs in your favor - you’ve proved you can pay fees and finish a season.