The Maverick Stampede Drumline is the "heartbeat" of the band and consists of CMU's finest percussionists. This 18-26 member line typically consists of 6-8 snares, 3-4 sextet toms (tenors), 5-6 tonal bass drums and 4-8 cymbals, and is under the direction of Mr. Isaac Lavadie and Dr. Jonathan Hinkle. The Stampede Drumline performs on professional grade custom instruments by Pearl and Zildjian. Students of all levels of previous experience are encouraged to participate, but will be required to meet basic fundamental competencies, depending on desired instrument, via an audition. Openings after this time, if any, will be filled on a first come-first served basis.
For a sample of what our drumline sounds like, check-out these informal videos.
Please direct drumline specific inquires to Mr. Lavadie
- [email protected]
- Cell: (970) 623-3223
CMU is looking for players who want to be a part of the drumline as an ensemble and not just play a certain instrument. This means understanding and respecting that the Stampede Drumline is made up of 4 sections - snares, quads, basses, and cymbals - and each section is of equal importance to the Maverick Stampede, to the music, and to our success as a unit. At CMU, there is no hierarchy. Everybody is valued, and everybody contributes. We will accept multiple video submissions for those that are auditioning for multiple sections.
Students interested in auditioning for the upcoming season should complete the following by 5 pm on July 1 (deadline). Videos will be reviewed by staff and a preliminary line will be arranged at this time. Students wanting to re-audition for a new position may choose to do so on the 1st day of preseason band camp (see schedule here) when the line will be more firmly set.
Prior to, when working on audition music, and even after submitting, students should review the following Drumline Tutorial Videos, which include all of our warm-up exercises/routines and cadences (played by the Fall 2020 Drumline).
To submit your audition:
- Using a smartphone or personal computer, record yourself performing (on a drum pad is fine) your preferred part to the "Run-on Cadence" (links below) including the use of a metronome (124BPM) in the background (loud enough to be hear by audience).
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In your video, you should be performing alone and not with others, but otherwise, this can be very informal.
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You should start your video with a short introduction; name, high school, intended major, upcoming year at CMU (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior), previous years experience on auditioning instrument.
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High definition resolution is not necessary.
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When finished making your drumline audition video, fill-out this Google form where you can post this video; either the file directly (<1GB) or preferable via copy and pasting a YouTube link of your video. If you have problems, please contact Mr. Lavadie ([email protected]). Please do not send video files themselves, rather links only. If emailed, include your full name and "Stampede Drumline Audition" in the Subject..
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All auditionees will be notified via an email response on or around the middle of July.
Prior to Preseason Camp:
- Students should be working-on and preparing to enter preseason camp with as much of their parts to the Stampede Sequence (Maroon Platoon, Run-On, Murc, Go Mavs - music above and below) and Warm-up Packet learned (and even memorized) as possible. Use these Tutorial Videos to help you get a feel for each. Students must be able to mark time to the quarter note and half note for all exercises in warm-ups.
Pre-Season Camp (required, see schedule here):
- Monday - Friday (noon - 8:30pm), 1 week prior to Fall class start date
Regular Season Rehearsals (required):
Tuesday's & Thursday's (5:30-8:30pm)
- Starting 1st week of Fall Semester
- Ending late October/early November.
Drumline Sectionals (required):
- 1st 6 Wednesday's of Fall Semester (5:30-8pm)