Frequently Asked Questions
College is a brand new world, and you're bound to have a lot of questions.
Hopefully we can answer some of those questions here.
Hopefully we can answer some of those questions here.
Click a question to jump to the answer below!
Tech Weekend
I keep hearing about "Tech Weekend" -- what is it?
Every July, the Purdue Drumline holds Tech Weekend, an event where you get to spend an entire weekend learning all sorts of important information about the Purdue Drumline! Take a look at the explanation in your instrument's audition packet to familiarize yourself with the exact details -- but it includes everything from learning our playing techniques, to mastering our marching style, to having a movie night! It's somewhere between a mini-band camp and a drumline sleep over.
Remember: Tech Weekend is not mandatory! Plenty of people have made the line without attending Tech Weekend, and plenty of people have come to Tech Weekend and then not made the line. That being said, it is a great way to get a taste of how the Purdue Drumline operates, and what life on Purdue’s campus will be like (for incoming freshmen)!
Remember: Tech Weekend is not mandatory! Plenty of people have made the line without attending Tech Weekend, and plenty of people have come to Tech Weekend and then not made the line. That being said, it is a great way to get a taste of how the Purdue Drumline operates, and what life on Purdue’s campus will be like (for incoming freshmen)!
When is Tech Weekend?
Tech Weekend is always during the second weekend in July. You can find more detailed information in your section's audition packet.
Auditioning
I want to try out for the Purdue Drumline. Where do I start?
- Check out the audition packet for the instrument(s) you are interested in! The packets are filled with all the information you need to know, all the music you need to learn, and more.
- Try to make it to Tech Weekend! At Tech Weekend, you'll get to meet Dr. Nave, this season's Student Leaders, and veteran members. Perhaps most importantly, you'll learn a lot about how we run our drumline. Learn more here: What is Tech Weekend?.
- Practice, practice, practice. Be 100% prepared for auditions and Band Camp. You have all summer to learn/memorize music. Get it done!
I want to try out for an instrument I've never marched -- is that ok?
That's totally fine! We don't look at what you've done in the past; we look at what you can do now. We have had many members in the past audition (and succeed) on a new instrument. We've even had first-time percussionists make the line. It's all about what you can do by the time Band Camp rolls around.
If you’re in this position, coming to Tech Weekend and reading up on the playing techniques outlined in your instrument's audition packet and on the Technique Page would be a great start!
If you’re in this position, coming to Tech Weekend and reading up on the playing techniques outlined in your instrument's audition packet and on the Technique Page would be a great start!
What do I need to learn to make the line?
We understand that it can seem like there’s a lot to learn: rudiments, warm-ups, cadences, pregame music, and more. The list is long. Luckily, we’ve spelled everything out for you in the audition packets! If it’s in your section’s audition packet, plan on mastering it before Band Camp.
How hard is it to make the line?
We've had players with all degrees of talent make the line before, from first-time marchers to veteran DCI players. It all depends on how much effort you put into preparing, as well as how much competition there is that year. We pride ourselves on being a crisp, clean, musical group -- so it's definitely no walk in the park to earn a spot. Factors like dedication and attitude are also considered, so come ready to work hard and prove yourself as a strong, mature candidate. With all this in mind, focus on being the best you can be -- not on playing the “numbers” game.
What happens if I don't make the AAMB or the Boiler Beats?
Don't disappear! Stay involved in the Purdue Bands & Orchestras department. We’ll help you join one of our many concert bands during the Fall and/or Spring. You can still hang out with drumline members to drum and learn from them. Just because you're not a member of the line this season, doesn't mean you're not part of the Purdue Drumline family!
Keep practicing! You didn't make it for a reason -- use all of this free time to get better! Use the feedback you got during Band Camp to your advantage. Continuing along that vein, don't give up! You can try out again next year -- and you should. It's actually quite common for people who do not make the line one year to make it the next year.
Keep practicing! You didn't make it for a reason -- use all of this free time to get better! Use the feedback you got during Band Camp to your advantage. Continuing along that vein, don't give up! You can try out again next year -- and you should. It's actually quite common for people who do not make the line one year to make it the next year.
Band Camp
Do I have to try out for the band AND the drumline?
Kind of? The PUDL isn't a separate entity, it's part of the AAMB (All-American Marching Band). Our auditions and Band Camp are held during the AAMB’s auditions and Band Camp. And both of our drumlines perform with/work closely alongside the AAMB. The drumline is part of the band at Purdue. By definition, you are trying out for both.
When/how do I find out if I made the line?
Simply put, there are two main times that we set the entire line. Once at the beginning of Band Camp and once near the end.
First, we set the initial line based on candidates’ Sunday Playing Auditions. This is where everyone starts on Monday morning. Then, we rearrange candidates throughout the week as we judge them on their ability to march and play, as well as their willingness/ability to learn. At the end of Band Camp (Friday morning), the two lines are officially set by Dr. Nave and the Student Leadership team. We will take the top ~35 players to form the AAMB, and will form the Boiler Beats out of the other candidates deemed ready for the PUDL.
First, we set the initial line based on candidates’ Sunday Playing Auditions. This is where everyone starts on Monday morning. Then, we rearrange candidates throughout the week as we judge them on their ability to march and play, as well as their willingness/ability to learn. At the end of Band Camp (Friday morning), the two lines are officially set by Dr. Nave and the Student Leadership team. We will take the top ~35 players to form the AAMB, and will form the Boiler Beats out of the other candidates deemed ready for the PUDL.
It's the middle of Band Camp and I've decided it's not for me -- what should I do?
While a rare and unfortunate occurrence, this does happen from time to time. Before making any official decision, talk to your Student Leaders and Dr. Nave. They can help you decide what your next steps should be. Sometimes, students just need encouragement to make it through the week. But if you truly need to leave Band Camp, we can help you with the logistics of that as well. You aren’t the first person to feel this way during Band Camp, and you certainly won’t be the last.
Boiler Beats
I want to be a part of the Boiler Beats. Can I audition directly for the Boiler Beats?
No. The Boiler Beats is designed to provide a performance/growth opportunity for students who were hoping to make the AAMB. The audition process for the Beats is aligned with that of the AAMB. It should be your goal to perform at the highest level, so although the Boiler Beats is a fun group to be in, it should not be an end-goal for incoming students.
Is it easier to make the line since you have two drumlines?
Not exactly. Our standard for how well members need to march and play has not gone down, even after the inception of the Boiler Beats. Instead, adding the Boiler Beats allowed us to avoid turning away players who proved themselves capable of playing at the collegiate level, but happened to fall outside of the top 35. The Boiler Beats is a supplemental line for those players who have worked really hard, but did not quite make the AAMB line. We do not need any instrumentation in the Boiler Beats, so we will only take those players who have truly earned a spot.
I have a scheduling conflict with the Boiler Beats' rehearsals, but not the AAMB's rehearsals. Does this mean that I can only make the AAMB?
No. We will select the members of the AAMB purely based on the audition process. No outside influence will affect our decisions.
If you do have a conflict with the rehearsal times for the Boiler Beats (or the AAMB, for that matter), it is very possible to work out a solution. We will work with members on an individual basis to find the best possible solution. Refer to the Class Registration section to get more information on this.
If you do have a conflict with the rehearsal times for the Boiler Beats (or the AAMB, for that matter), it is very possible to work out a solution. We will work with members on an individual basis to find the best possible solution. Refer to the Class Registration section to get more information on this.
Is there different music for students who make the Boiler Beats?
Not really. There is one audition for both lines. During the season, the Boiler Beats will play all the same cadences and drum cheers as the AAMB, with the addition of a few Boiler Beats-specific pieces here and there.
Material & Music
What music do I need to learn?
If it’s in the audition packet, plan on learning (and memorizing) it before Band Camp! This includes warm-ups, this year's audition cadence, other cadences, fight songs, and more. They’re all in your instrument's audition packet.
What music do you learn throughout the year?
On top of all of the music in the audition packets, the AAMB also performs halftime shows at every home football game, as well as one or two away games each year. Each show will be different -- that includes the music. Halftime music usually isn’t handed out until we begin preparing for that particular show. A typical halftime show ranges from 3 to 5 tunes, all of which must be memorized.
Conversely, the Boiler Beats don’t memorize show music. They spend more time building strong fundamentals by practicing cadences and warm-ups. Once the season gets rolling, additional music may be handed out for the ensemble to learn and memorize.
Conversely, the Boiler Beats don’t memorize show music. They spend more time building strong fundamentals by practicing cadences and warm-ups. Once the season gets rolling, additional music may be handed out for the ensemble to learn and memorize.
Class Registration
Class registration is way before the audition date. Should I register for Band 110 even though I haven't made the line yet?
Yes! Please register for BAND 110 (the Marching Band class), and even make an effort to avoid other classes that meet between 2:30pm-5:30pm, as this is when the Boiler Beats and the AAMB rehearse. We realize the problems that arise with one-time course offerings, but do your best to avoid all conflicts that you can. Most conflicts can be eliminated with a bit of effort and careful schedule planning. We allow for no more than two hours of conflicts per week (maybe three hours in rare cases). More than three hours of conflict per week is unacceptable for PUDL members.
At the end of Band Camp, you will be able to switch into the correct section of BAND 110 (the AAMB section vs the Beats section), or drop BAND 110, as necessary. Your academic advisor should be well aware of how marching band registration works -- feel free to ask them any questions you may have!
At the end of Band Camp, you will be able to switch into the correct section of BAND 110 (the AAMB section vs the Beats section), or drop BAND 110, as necessary. Your academic advisor should be well aware of how marching band registration works -- feel free to ask them any questions you may have!
What happens if I can't avoid a class conflict?
Make sure that there's no possible way to avoid the conflict. Talk to your to advisor AND personally look for other class times/offerings (it is possible for advisors to overlook something!). Unless you’re about to graduate, you can probably take the class in a later semester. If all else fails, talk to Dr. Nave. She can help you resolve any class conflicts with overrides and/or special arrangements.
I signed up for BAND 110. What happens if I don't make the line?
Just drop the class as soon as you can after Band Camp. You can even replace it with another class within the first few weeks of school if you want to. Either way, be sure to refer to "What happens if I don't make the line?" so that you can stay involved in the PUDL family!
Concert Percussion
Are there concert bands for percussion at Purdue?
Yes! Every semester, Purdue Bands & Orchestras provides a wide variety of ensembles students can perform in, including concert bands, jazz bands, orchestras, pep bands, Percussion Ensemble, and much more! We have a full page dedicated to our concert ensembles here, and you can find even more information on these ensembles on the Purdue Bands & Orchestras website.
You can participate in any of these ensembles regardless of your membership in the Drumline or the Marching Band.
You can participate in any of these ensembles regardless of your membership in the Drumline or the Marching Band.
Other
I have a question that's not answered here -- who do I ask?
If your instrument’s audition packet, the supplemental pages on this website, and this FAQ page don't answer your question, feel free to reach out to Dr. Nave or any of our Student Leaders via the Contact page!
I want to see the Drumline perform. Is there a way I can do that?
We perform at every home game during the football season. We also perform periodically throughout the year at various other sporting/campus events.
If you want to come to a practice, the AAMB Drumline has public rehearsals alongside the rest of the band every day at Hull Field, from 3:30pm - 5:30pm.
If you want to come to a practice, the AAMB Drumline has public rehearsals alongside the rest of the band every day at Hull Field, from 3:30pm - 5:30pm.
College seems scary. I want to be on the PUDL, but I'm not sure I can handle the additional workload.
College is a lot of work, and joining the PUDL will definitely add more to your plate. However, you can do it if you truly want to! Many of our members are successful STEM students on top of being drummers (many are even in the School of Engineering). In fact, the AAMB has a higher average GPA than the rest of the student body!
Additionally, starting college with such a tight-knit friend group means that you will have ~80 people ready and willing to help you with any academic or musical problem(s) you encounter throughout the semester. Most students don’t have access to a resource like that at all during their college career - much less at the beginning of their freshman year!
Additionally, starting college with such a tight-knit friend group means that you will have ~80 people ready and willing to help you with any academic or musical problem(s) you encounter throughout the semester. Most students don’t have access to a resource like that at all during their college career - much less at the beginning of their freshman year!
I found something wrong with your website and/or audition packets. How can I help?
We’re always in the process of tweaking our website and audition packets to make them more helpful to our incoming members. If you find any issues/mistakes, or find anything to be confusing/unclear, please contact the Drumline Overall Section Leader via the Contact page so that the appropriate changes can be made. We appreciate any and all feedback!
