During the fall semester, the band practices two hours a day 4:30-6:30 Tuesday through Friday. On game days, we meet hours before the start of the game and are involved with band-related activities for the majority of the day. The percussion section also has two sectionals a week: Mondays 7-9 PM and Thursday for a half-hour after practice. Although the time commitment may be demanding, with careful planning it doesn't interfere with academics.

Fill out an interest form or contact one of the recruiting coordinators (listed below) if you are considering trying out. From there, we can help you set up a music audition during the summer. If you are from out of the area, you can send in a video instead of showing up for a live audition. The music audition helps us to verify that you can read music and have at least some musical experience.

The percussion section will be meeting one day before the start of the Fall Training Program this year. If you pass the music audition, the next step is to show up at the band room at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, August 15. You will get the chance to play with current members of the Cal drumline. After a few hours, the instructors will make a tentative decision about who is playing what instrument. The final decision about who made the line will be made after the Fall Training Program the following weekend. The band will take care of lodging during your audition process.

You are strongly encouraged to start learning the cadences on this website and the Cal songs on the band website. We will probably play through the exercises listed on this site and part of the march up sequence during tryouts (military is especially important). You are more likely to make the instrument of your choice if you come to the percussion tryouts on Aug 15 knowing how to play these songs. Also, snares play using traditional grip. If you are auditioning for snare, get comfortable with this grip if you are not already.

This entire process may seem intimidating, but if you practice and keep an open mind then your chances of making the line are good. Even if you do not get to play your first choice instrument, being a member of the Cal drumline is a rewarding experience that none regret.

For more information regarding joining the Band, visit the "Join the Cal Band!" portion of the main web site. For other inquiries regarding the Band in general, visit "About the Cal Band".

If you have questions about the drumline or the audition process, do not hesitate to contact one of the people listed below.