UToledo Band Program

Rocket Drumline


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This is the official website for the University of Toledo Rocket Drumline. On this page you will find information concerning auditions, clinics, and performances. Please check back often for new and updated information.

The UToledo Drumline has a rich history of tradition within the Rocket Marching Band and continues to push the boundaries of marching percussion and performance. The group performs at all home football games as well as events on campus and around the Toledo area. You can follow us on social media at Facebook

We would also like to thank our sponsors Vic Firth Drumsticks, Mapex Drums, Remo Drumheads, and Zildjian Cymbals for their continued support and standard of excellence when it comes to providing us with the best equipment in the world.

Thanks for stopping by and happy drumming!!!


FREE DRUMLINE CLINICS


Join our 2024 Free Drumline Clinics!! Clinics take place during the 2024 Spring Semester, Wednesdays, 7-9pm, at the UToledo Center for Performing Arts on Main Campus. Contact Mr. Leithauser at toledodrumline@gmail.com if you are interested in participating! 

The purpose of these free events is to provide high school and college percussionists the opportunity to learn techniques and to develop their skills in a traditional drumline setting. These clinics are an excellent development opportunity for students planning to audition for college drumlines this spring, summer, or fall. Participants will drum alongside members of the UToledo Rocket Marching Band Drumline, and receive instruction from the UT Drumline Instructor, Anthony Leithauser.

Who Should Attend?

These events are for High School and College Students.

Cost

These events are free.  However, we do ask that you contact Mr. Leithauser at toledodrumline@gmail.com with your intent to participate and for further information. 

Location

The UToledo Drumline Clinics are held at the Center for Performing Arts on the UToledo Main Campus (1910 W. Rocket Drive, Toledo, OH, 43606).

Parking

Parking is available in Lot 12, immediately across the street from the Center for Performing Arts. Hourly parking can be paid at the kiosk or via the ParkMobile app. Additional details can be found at https://www.parkutoledo.com/hourly-parking/


2024 AUDITION INFORMATION

Thank you for your interest in the Toledo Rocket Drumline! This group depends on high quality individuals like you joining our ranks. We are excited to have you be a part of the line!

The first audition for the 2024 season will be on the UToledo main campus on Saturday, May 18, 10am-6pm. For those unable to attend our Spring Clinics, preview videos should be submitted prior to the first audition date you attend (scroll past the music assignments for details).  All call-back auditions will be in-person at the University of Toledo campus on Saturdays, June 15, & July 20, 10am-6pm. If there is a conflict with the any of the dates, please communicate this immediately so that we can work out a solution. Audition dates are for new members and veteran members.

How to Audition

Step 1 - Register

If you are planning on auditioning for the drumline, register by filling out the form at the link below. You will receive an email reply within a few days containing all of the audition materials.

 

Step 2 - Practice

Learn and practice the exercises and music required for the auditions. Use a metronome and start slow. Prioritize rhythmic accuracy, staying in time with the metronome, quality of sound, and proper dynamic levels. If you are unsure about something, email questions to the UT Drumline Instructor to make sure you are learning parts correctly.

Audition #1 - On-Campus

Auditions will take place on Saturday, May 18, 10am-6pm, at the Center for the Performing Arts on University of Toledo's Main Campus (1910 W. Rocket Dr.).

Parking for ALL auditions is available in Lot 12, immediately across the street from the Center for Performing Arts. Hourly parking can be paid at the kiosk or via the ParkMobile app. Additional details can be found at https://www.parkutoledo.com/hourly-parking/

Audition #2 - On-Campus

Call-back auditions take place on Saturday, June 15, 10am-6pm, at the Center for the Performing Arts on University of Toledo's Main Campus (1910 W. Rocket Dr.).

Audition #3 - On-Campus

Final call-backs will take place on Saturday, July 20, 10am-6pm, at the Center for the Performing Arts on University of Toledo's Main Campus (1910 W. Rocket Dr.).

Drumline Camp

Individuals who earn a spot in the 2024 UT Rocket Drumline will attend Drumline Camp and RMB Camp, August 12-25.

Audition music assignments are as follows:

Snare Drum
 
Toledo Eights
  • All variations
  • 120 bpm
  • Start with stock variation at forte
  • Crescendo/decrescendo variations go between forte and piano
  • Use forte for accent heights and piano for tap heights
  • Play the 8/16 Rolls variation at forte
  • One measure rest between variations
UTCTRL
  • Use written dynamics
  • 92 bpm
  • Measure 9 accents at fortissimo
Grids
  • All variations
  • 16th notes at 100 bpm
  • Triplets at 120 bpm
  • Each pattern can end with a release note and restart the next check pattern after a few counts or go right into the next check pattern (either way is fine)
  • Play timing grids at forte
  • Play accent grids with piano taps and forte accents
  • Play drag grids at piano
Diddley Squat
  • Use written dynamics
  • 140 bpm
  • Strict stick height interpretation

 

Tenors/Quads
 
Toledo Eights
  • All variations
  • 120 bpm
  • Start with stock variation at forte
  • Crescendo/decrescendo variations go between forte and piano
  • Use forte for accent heights and piano for tap heights
  • Play the 8/16 Rolls variation at forte
  • One measure rest between variations
  • Play each voicing pattern on the stock variation and crescendo/decrescendo variations
  • Use drum 2 for all other variations
UTCTRL
  • Use written dynamics and voicing
  • 92 bpm
  • Measure 9 accents at fortissimo
Grids
  • All variations
  • 16th notes at 100 bpm
  • Triplets at 120 bpm
  • Each pattern can end with a release note and restart the next check pattern after a few counts or go right into the next check pattern (either way is fine)
  • Play timing grids at forte
  • Play accent grids with piano taps and forte accents
  • Play drag grids at piano
  • Play all on drum 2
Diddley Squat
  • Use written dynamics and voicing
  • 140 bpm
  • Strict stick height interpretation

 

Bass Drum
 
Toledo Eights
  • All variations
  • 120 bpm
  • Start with stock variation at forte
  • Crescendo/decrescendo variations go between forte and piano
  • Use forte for accent heights and piano for tap heights
  • Play the 8/16 Rolls variation at forte
  • One measure rest between variations
  • Play through the split part using the bass #2 line with ones/twos/threes/fours on the stock variation
  • Play the unison part for all other variations
UTCTRL
  • Use written dynamics
  • 92 bpm
  • X means rim click
  • Play the split using the bass #2 line
Grids
  • All variations
  • 16th notes at 100 bpm
  • Triplets at 120 bpm
  • Each pattern can end with a release note and restart the next check pattern after a few counts or go right into the next check pattern (either way is fine)
  • Play timing grids at forte
  • Play accent grids with piano taps and forte accents
  • Play drag grids at piano
  • Play all as a unison part
Diddley Squat
  • Use written dynamics
  • 140 bpm
  • Strict stick height interpretation
  • Play bass #2 line

 

Cymbals
 
Toledo Eights
  • 120 bpm
  • Forte dynamic level
  • Play pattern 1 with crashes/crash chokes/punches/flips
  • Play pattern 2 with a note on beat 1 of the first measure and move the note over one eighth note every measure using the high-hat sound
UTCTRL
  • Use written dynamics
  • 92 bpm
  • Play the ALL and cymbal 1 parts
  • X means high-hat
  • Z means sizzle or slide
Diddley Squat
  • Use written dynamics
  • 92 bpm
  • Play all as unison
  • Rest during measure 15
  • Rest during beats 3 and 4 of measure 16

Pre-Audition Video Submission

Step 1 - Record

If you were unable to attend our spring clinics, please record a preview video to submit prior to the first audition date you attend. We prefer to see you playing on an actual instrument, but if none are available to you, a practice pad is acceptable.

The video should clearly show your hands and instrument, of course, but please make sure to also have your face and feet visible. We will be watching for proper marking time while playing. Your metronome should be audible to you and the camera recording the video, and you may read from music while you play. Remember, this is your chance to show off what you can do!

Keep recording everything you play because you can go back and edit later. The best strategy is to record many reps of each item and then select the best reps to submit. Your video does not have to be done in a single take.

If you wish to audition on multiple instruments, please submit a video for each one.

 

Step 2 - Upload

Videos should be uploaded to YouTube with the visibility set to unlisted. YouTube's tools allow you to cut, edit, and splice video clips if needed. A single video link containing all of your best reps is preferred, but multiple videos is fine too.

 

Step 3 - Double Check

Watch your own completed video. Make sure that it satisfies the requirements, that you are clearly visible, that the metronome is audible, that you are marking time, that you have played all of the right parts, and that the recording quality is good.

 

Step 4 - Submit

Use the video submission form to send us your videos. Make sure you have the right YouTube links. If you have a problem, please email the UT Drumline Instructor.

 

Some Tips
  • Use good lighting. Put the camera between you and the light source so that you are illuminated in the frame.
  • Use good sticks. Poor quality or broken sticks will affect your sound quality and hand-to-hand consistency.
  • Don't use your recording device as your metronome. It will be difficult to get the sound to balance properly if you use your phone as your camera and metronome, for example. A separate speaker would be better.
  • You can use your phone, your computer, or YouTube's free tools to cut and paste your video segments together.
  • Don't wait until the last minute to learn, record, and upload your videos.

 

Last Updated: 7/15/24