Our 2027 season starts with YOU!

Thank you for your interest in auditioning for IMPACT Percussion. Audition season is the beginning of a journey that will challenge you, push you to grow, and connect you with an incredible community of performers.

This page contains everything you’ll need to know about auditions, the season, and membership expectations. Please review the information carefully, and we look forward to seeing you at auditions.

Auditions for the 2027 season will be held over three days:

  • Sunday, October 4th (Audition 1)
  • Sunday, October 11th (Audition 2)
  • Sunday, October 18th (Audition Callbacks)

Each audition will take place from 10 am – 6 pm in the Portland, OR area. The exact location will be announced soon.

2027 Audition Links

Location & Time
Each audition will take place from 10 am – 6 pm. We will take a lunch break from 1 – 2 pm (lunch will not be provided). Doors will open and check-in will begin at 9 am each Sunday. Please give yourself enough time (at least 15 minutes) to check in and set up for auditions inside the building before the scheduled start time. Auditions will be held in the Portland, OR area. The exact location will be announced soon.

Attendance
It is strongly recommended that prospective members attend both audition days. However, if you have a schedule conflict and cannot attend both days, you may still audition for a spot. Please be sure to communicate any schedule conflicts with our Administration Team as early as possible so we are aware of your situation.

Audition Registration
Everyone planning to audition for IMPACT Percussion must register online so the instructional staff can be fully prepared to give you a world-class audition experience. Prospective members who are unable to register in advance may still register for auditions in-person. Audition registration will begin at 9 am each audition morning.

Audition Fee
The 2027 Audition Fee is $90. This fee covers both audition days, and all members who audition will receive an IMPACT Percussion t-shirt. You can pay the audition fee online, or pay $90 in person the morning of your first audition day. If you choose to pay at the door, we will accept checks made out to “IMPACT Percussion”, or credit/debit cards.

Enter code “EARLYBIRD” to receive $15 OFF your audition registration now through September 6th.

Audition Packets
Audition packets for the 2027 season are here! We are proud to offer these packets at no cost. Please review and practice all exercises in your respective packet.
• Download the 2027 Battery Audition Packet
• Download the 2027 Cymbal Audition Packet
• Download the 2027 Mallet Audition Packet
• Download the 2027 Rhythm Section Audition Packet

Visual Ensemble
The Visual Ensemble will be returning as part of our 2027 program! The Visual Ensemble plays an important role in creating a powerful and engaging production on the floor. Prior dance or movement experience is preferred, but not required. Any marching arts experience is a plus. Performing with the Visual Ensemble is your chance to bring a deeper layer of movement, storytelling, and artistry to our 2027 show. Visual Ensemble auditions will take place on the same days and at the same location as the full ensemble auditions. However, after callbacks are completed and the section is set, the Visual Ensemble will start rehearsing with the ensemble starting the November 20 – 22 camp weekend. Auditionees should use the same links above to register and pay the audition fee. If you have any questions about the Visual Ensemble, contact our Administration Team.

What We’re Looking For
At IMPACT Percussion, we’re not just looking for excellent musicians and passionate performers; we’re looking for outstanding humans. We’re looking for people who constantly think positively and can push their limits, we’re looking for people who can build others up around them and remain humble, we’re looking for people who can take feedback and quickly make adjustments, we’re looking for people who strive for excellence on and off the floor.

Want to know more of what it’s like to be a member of IMPACT Percussion? Download and read the IMPACT Way – a document we developed to break down how we show up for each other every day of the season.

What To Bring To Auditions
In order to have the most successful audition experience, please bring the following items:

  • Printed copy of the audition packet, in a binder with sheet protectors, along with a pencil
  • Your own sticks or mallets, if possible
  • Practice pad
  • Water jug
  • Wear clothes you can comfortably move around in, and wear athletic shoes
  • Lunch or money to purchase lunch during the break. *There will not be a fridge available to store food in during the day during auditions.
  • A great attitude and an open mind!

Video Audition
If you are unable to attend any of the audition days, but are still interested in auditioning for IMPACT Percussion, you may submit a video audition. To do this, please record a video of yourself playing exercises in the packet at various tempos and also perform any other material you feel is a good representation of your skills (a previous show excerpt, something you have written, etc.). Those auditioning for the battery should mark time. Those auditioning for the Visual Ensemble should create a video that showcases their movement skills. Upload that video to YouTube as unlisted, and send that link to our Administration Team. Those submitting a video audition will need to pay the regular audition fee.

Facebook Interest Group
Our 2027 Facebook Interest Group can be a great way for you to connect with staff and other auditionees (new prospective members and vets) to ask questions about the audition process, the season, and to coordinate rides to auditions from your community.

Flying to Portland, OR
If you are planning to fly to Portland to attend auditions, you can fly in to PDX. Please book your flights so you are able to be at the entirety of the audition you are attending. Once you book your flight, please send your itinerary to our Administration Team.

FAQ:

  • I am not sure if I want to audition for the group, can I still attend the auditions to learn?

Yes! Our educational team strives to give everyone auditioning a great educational experience. Whether you make the ensemble or not, our goal is to help you become a better musician and performer.

  • Should I bring my own drum to auditions?

IMPACT Percussion will provide instruments for a full drum line and front ensemble. However, we typically see more people attend auditions than we have instruments for. If you have access to a snare, tenor, or bass drum, you are encouraged to bring it – though it is not necessary.

  • Will any housing be provided during auditions?

IMPACT Percussion does not provide any housing for potential members during auditions.

  • What is the schedule for the 2027 season?

Please visit our Online Calendar to view our full schedule for the 2027 season. Our first rehearsal day after auditions will be held on Sunday, October 25th, from 10 am – 6 pm. Our first rehearsal camp will be held November 13th – 15th.

  • Will IMPACT Percussion travel to Salt Lake City in 2027?

As IMPACT Percussion relocates to the Portland, Oregon area for the 2027 season, our focus will be on establishing a strong and sustainable foundation in our new home. With the exception of our trip to Dayton, Ohio, for the WGI Percussion World Championships, all of our 2027 competitions will take place in the Portland area.

  • Where can I learn more about the trip to Dayton, OH for the WGI Percussion World Championships?

IMPACT Percussion will travel to Dayton, OH for the WGI Percussion World Championships April 13th – 18th. Visit our Dayton Trip Info Page for more details.

  • If I make the ensemble, do I need to attend every rehearsal?

If you earn a spot with IMPACT Percussion, you must plan on attending every rehearsal and performance throughout the season. Some limited exceptions can be made (if you’re auditioning for a drum corps one weekend, for example), but in general, everyone needs to attend every rehearsal for the group to be successful and reach its full potential.

  • What is the member fee for the 2027 season?

The membership fee for the 2027 season for Battery and Front Ensemble members is $2,950 when paid in full by December 13, 2026 (Pay-in-Full Discount). Members may also choose a flexible payment plan of five monthly installments of $640, for a total of $3,200.

For Visual Ensemble members, the membership fee is $2,350 when paid in full by December 13, 2026 (Pay-in-Full Discount). Visual Ensemble members may also choose a flexible payment plan of five monthly installments of $520, for a total of $2,600.

During the onboarding process, all members will be required to provide a credit or debit card to keep on file to help ensure payments are processed easily and on time.

Membership fees help support every aspect of the IMPACT experience, including world-class instructional staff, music and drill, costumes and props, equipment and instruments, rehearsal facilities, competition registration fees, and more.

All 2027 members will receive a show shirt and will get to keep their costumes at the conclusion of the season. Fundraising resources and opportunities will also be available throughout the season.

  • What is the age requirement to participate?

Generally, IMPACT Percussion’s membership consists of young adults between the ages of 17 – 22. Per WGI rules, members cannot be over 22 years of age as of 12:01 am of April 1st of any given year.

  • Any other requirements to participate?

Auditionees who have outstanding balances with other DCI or WGI ensembles will need to take care of those financial obligations before being considered for a spot at IMPACT Percussion.

Audtionees who attend a high school that offers an indoor percussion program are only able to participate in IMPACT Percussion if they participate in their high school program and IMPACT Percussion. *Auditionees may not leave their high school program to participate in IMPACT Percussion.

  • Can I audition for IMPACT Percussion if I am younger than 17?

Yes! We encourage all young musicians to attend auditions. Our entire staff team strives to create an educational atmosphere throughout the audition process where all attendees can improve their skills, deepen their knowledge, and give their best shot at making the group!

More general information can be found on our Join Page.