JOIN THE BAC BRASS IN 2026
STEP 1: CHOOSE AN AUDITION
One last chance to join the BACBrass! Submit a video or register for January Camp.
VIDEO AUDITIONS
Rolling submissions
No deadline. The sooner you submit, the better!
JANUARY CAMP
January 16th-18th
San Antonio, TX
STEP 2: CALLBACKS
After your first audition, you will either receive a contract, a callback, or critique to try again next year. If you’re selected to move on, brass players will be invited to our January Callback Camp.
JANUARY CALLBACK/PRODUCTION CAMP
January 16-18th
San Antonio, TX
Callbacks and rehearsal for brass, percussion, and conductors
GET AUDITION READY
PURCHASE YOUR PACKET
Our packets provide helpful technique exercises to help you nail your first audition. This packet will come in handy for callbacks when our staff will evaluate you based on a selection of exercises and warmups.
Click to download your packet and get started!
PURCHASE YOUR PACKET
Our packets provide helpful technique exercises to help you nail your first audition. This packet will come in handy for callbacks when our staff will evaluate you based on a selection of exercises and warmups.
Click to download your packet and get started!
JOIN INTEREST GROUPS
Before auditioning you can meet and interact with veteran members and staff, ask questions, and post progress videos by joining your section’s interest group on Facebook! Our staff and veteran members will be available to provide critique, answer questions, and provide advice before your audition!
Click below to join the BAC Brass Interest Group!
PREPARE AN AUDITION PIECE
Show off your skills using repertoire you already know! Please come to auditions (or film a video audition) prepared to show off your skills through a technical solo, etude, or characteristic study of your choosing. This piece should be at least 1-2.5 minutes in length and does not have to be exclusive of the Boston Crusaders. (Yes, you can use your solo from wind ensemble!)
Those attending an in-person audition should be prepared to play exercise #4 from Boston Technique Exercises found in the audition packet. Additional exercises and assignments may be required for callbacks.
PREPARE AN AUDITION PIECE
Show off your skills using repertoire you already know! Please come to auditions (or film a video audition) prepared to show off your skills through a technical solo, etude, or characteristic study of your choosing. This piece should be at least 1-2.5 minutes in length and does not have to be exclusive of the Boston Crusaders. (Yes, you can use your solo from wind ensemble!)
Those attending an in-person audition should be prepared to play exercise #4 from Boston Technique Exercises found in the audition packet. Additional exercises and assignments may be required for callbacks.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What sections have open spots?
We have openings in all sections including trumpet, mellophone, baritone, and tuba. All sections and performers are eligible for soloist positions.
How do I audition?
- Choose your first audition by attending a camp or submit a video audition! Our November San Antonio camp and December Houston camp are first audition camps. No matter how you begin, you can earn a contract at any step in the process!
- Callbacks: If you are selected to move on after your first step, you will either receive a contract or a callback! You will be invited to attend the January Callback Camp that takes place January 16-18th in San Antonio, TX.
- Contract: You can earn a contract at any point in the process! Once you are offered a contract, you will have one week to accept.
How do I prepare for my audition?
Begin by registering for an audition! Take advantage of early bird pricing by registering by November 9th. Then, review your section's audition requirements and begin practicing!
For brass, you will be required to purchase an audition packet (available by clicking here.) For in-person auditions, candidates will be required to play a selection of exercises as outlined in the packet. For video auditions, candidates must prepare a short solo showcasing their best technical abilities.
What are the audition fees?
- Audition packet: $25
- Audition camp: $200 early bird/$250 after November 9th
- Video audition: $100 early bird/$150 after November 9th
- Callback camp: $250
Do I need to bring my own instrument?
If you have access to an instrument, please bring it with you to auditions. We have a limited amount of brass instruments available. If you do not have an instrument, please bring your own mouthpiece.
Will there be housing, meals, or transportation provided?
Housing and meals will be provided at the full weekend camps in San Antonio and Houston. Candidates must arrange their own transportation from the airport.
Can I participate without auditioning?
Yes! We encourage anyone who's interested in marching drum corps at some point to attend a camp, download a packet, and join the Facebook groups. The best way to get a feel for the audition process is to start now, even if you aren't formally auditioning.
What rehearsals do I have to attend?
The 2026 season can be broken up into three main parts: camps, spring training, and tour.
Audition/Camps:
- Audition - Choose one: November Camp, December Camp, or video audition
- Callbacks - January 16th-18th in San Antonio, TX
- April Production Camp - April 24th-26th in Houston, TX
- May Camp - May 21st-25th in Houston, TX
Spring Training/Move-Ins:
June
The 2026 Boston Crusaders’ spring training will take place in the Northeast throughout the month of June. While at spring training, members reside in dorms and eat in the campus dining hall, with an end of day snack provided from the corps’ food truck. Our facilities provide ample rehearsal space including indoor space, multiple outdoor fields, and a turf stadium. We enjoy very comfortable spring temperatures and the members have one night off per week for rest and relaxation.
Tour
Concludes August 8th
After spring training, the Boston Crusaders will embark on a tour that is approximately seven weeks long. The corps will travel the country via coach bus and house in high schools and college campuses. The corps will perform on the 2026 Drum Corps International summer tour and several special performances including parades and concerts. Between rehearsals and shows, members will enjoy free days to explore cities along the way. The season will culminate at the 2026 DCI World Championships in Indianapolis, IN. View a sample of a typical tour schedule here.
Questions? Email us at info@bostoncrusaders.org
NOT READY TO REGISTER?
Fill out our interest form to receive the latest audition updates, tips, and tricks!
