Cavalier Marching Band Auditions

Woodwinds, Brass & Electric Bass

TO SUBMIT YOUR RECORDED AUDITION:

• Download the Audition packet that corresponds with your instrument (individually linked below)
• Prepare your music.  For assistance, you can play along with THIS MP3.
• Record a video of yourself playing Virginia Swing, Cavalier Fanfare, Cavalier Song, and March On Cavaliers with this Drumline ONLY MP3. 
• NOTE: We'd like you to mark time when the CMB performs drill moves during these songs. For both winds and drumline auditionees:
  • VA Swing: no mark time.
  • Cavalier Fanfare: no mark time.
  • Cavalier Song: Mark time mm. 3–36. Halt your feet mm. 37–end.
  • March on Cavaliers: Mark time mm. 1–32. Halt your feet mm. 33–end.
• Next, without drumline, perform your scales with a metronome within the listed tempo range.
• Next, without drumline, perform the Good Old Song.
• Finally, record a 1-3 minute selection of your choosing that represents your abilities as a player. 

Once these recordings are completed, please compile them into one file, upload to your preferred web-based platform (Google Drive, YouTube, Vimeo, etc.), and share an accessible link with the directors using this form-CMB AUDITION GOOGLE FORM.

Deadline to submit a recording is July 31.

ALTERNATIVELY, IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PERFORM A LIVE AUDITION

If you prefer an in-person audition in Charlottesville this summer, email bands@virginia.edu with the subject line “Live Audition,” and the Band Directors will respond to schedule your live audition.

AUDITION PACKETS BY INSTRUMENT

• Piccolo
• Clarinet
• Alto Saxophone
• Tenor Saxophone
• Trumpet
• Horn
• Trombone
• Baritone Bass Clef
• Baritone Treble Clef
• Tuba
• Bass Guitar

Drumline

Please follow the attached Google Drive Link for all information, music, and practice tracks regarding Drumline Auditions.

DRUMLINE AUDITION FOLDER

Once these recordings are completed, upload to your preferred web-based platform (Google Drive, YouTube, Vimeo, etc.), and share an accessible link with the directors using this form CMB AUDITION GOOGLE FORM.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Assistant Band Director, Brandon West at xuv3bt@virginia.edu

CMB Drumline instrumentation is snare, tenor drum, bass drum, and cymbals.

Color Guard

If you are interested in auditioning for the CMB Color Guard as a first-time member, please prepare a video recording of you performing the following sequence and submit the recording for review by July 31. 

• 16 counts of drop spins starting from flat with a drop-stop on counts 17 + 18, on both right and left sides.
• Full cones/figure 8 exercise
• 10 counts of 5 pull/pole hits
• 3 sets of pop tosses - adjust to the revolution that you’re able to do.
• 3 sets of 4-count money hand tosses (or as you’re able to)
• 3 sets of 4-count wind-ups (or as you’re able to)
• 3 sets of 45’s - 3 singles and optional 3 1.5s (or as you’re able to) 
• 3 sets of horizontal tosses 
• In addition, please end your video with a performance of Cavalier Fanfare. A Cavalier Fanfare instructional video is available here. An audio recording of Cavalier Fanfare is available here.

Feel free to include music in the background, if you wish. If you have experience with rifle or sabre, you may include additional footage of your skill set on either equipment, up to 45 seconds of each CG weapon.

Once your video is complete, please submit a link to your video recording using this Recorded Audition Form. 

Twirler

updated 9/16/2026

Feature Twirler Audition Information

To apply for a Feature Twirler position with the University of Virginia Cavalier Marching Band, please submit a biography (PDF) highlighting your twirling background, prior instruction and coaching, significant competitions and performances, awards and titles held, as well as what draws you to the opportunity to perform as a Feature Twirler with the Cavalier Marching Band.

Prepare a video demonstrating your abilities with 1, 2, and 3 batons, including skill sets that are unique to you. Videos may be in full costume or practice wear with twirling shoes. You are welcome to include footage from previous performances, competitions, parades, football games, and/or footage specifically filmed for your UVA twirler audition. Please combine all footage into one video, which may be between 5-15 minutes in length. Email your bio & video to BANDS@VIRGINIA.EDU.

Required Skills

Some of the essential twirling skills expected of a Virginia Feature Twirler include:

• Toss illusion
• Three-spin
• Flat 2 spin
• A variety of rolls
• Field/Travel tricks 
• 1, 2, and 3 baton
• Fire batons

Preferred Experience

The following experience is not required but is encouraged and may be beneficial for prospective Feature Twirlers:

• High school marching band performances 
• Local, State, National Competitions
• Team twirling experience
• Gymnastics or tumbling experience (ex: cartwheel, aerial, walkover)
• Parades, athletic events, and other public performances

Performance Qualities

• Showmanship
• Creativity
• Flexibility 
• Variety of catches/Difficulty
• Audience engagement
• Stamina and Improvisation

Audition Process & Timeline

First Round: Application & Video Interview

Applicants will submit their audition materials, including a biography and audition video, by the posted application deadline. Email all materials to bands@virginia.edu.

After submissions have been reviewed, a follow-up video interview will be held with both Twirling Coaches and the Director of Bands. 

Second Round: In-Person Audition (invitation only)

Applicants will go through the Live Audition process in front of coaches, band director, and a small panel of associated UVA Alum. Additionally, there will be a post-audition interview.

Finalists may be asked to participate in additional performances or audition opportunities as part of the selection process.

Selection & Notification:

Following the completion of auditions, the selected Feature Twirler(s) will be notified by the coaching staff and band director.

Audition Dates for 2027

February 1. First Round videos are due.  

February 15–28. Zoom interviews with both twirling coaches and the director of bands.

Saturday, March 27. In-person, final audition (invite only).

*Detailed audition schedules, including specific call times, locations, and activities for each audition day, will be provided directly to selected applicants.