Snare Drum, Quints, Bass Drum, Cymbals
The size of the drumline is determined by the number of wind players in the band. Drumline instruments are designed to project easily in huge stadiums, so it's important to align the number of percussionists in drumline to ensure the ensemble will sound its best.
Typically, the drumline breakdown is as follows although maybe less or more depending on the number of wind players and what they play enrolled in the ensemble.
Snare Drum - 3
Quints - 3
Bass Drum - 5
Cymbals - 3
For students currently in high school:
The drumline audition process consists of the performance of a excerpt, a NYSSMA aligned solo, rudiments and sight reading.
The excerpts will be updated, although please take a look at the audition excerpts from the 2024 audition information sheet.
The next season audition excerpts will be shared in the spring and the audition takes place in late May / early June.
For 8th graders planning to participate in 9th grade:
Participation and instrument placement will be determined based on student musical and collaborative progress throughout their 8th grade year. Drumline performance requires strong instrumental performance skills and participation in the NYSSMA solo festival is highly encouraged.