2020 Purrcussion Auditions

Carolina Panthers drumline—PurrCussion—is an exciting, high-energy ensemble, providing entertainment for fans at every home game and around the community. Made up of snare, tenor, bass, and cymbal players, PurrCussion performs pre-game around the stadium grounds, on-field for player introductions, and in-bowl throughout the game as well as at charitable and corporate events, parades, and more. Don't miss your chance to be part of the energy that helps create the exhilarating atmosphere for fans at Bank of America Stadium and across the Carolinas!

Open Rehearsals (Strongly Encouraged) – SATURDAY, MARCH 14*TH*

Focus | Time

Snare focus | 8:00am – 10:00am **DOORS OPEN AT 7:45AM**

Tenor focus | 11:00am – 1:00pm **DOORS OPEN AT 10:45AM**

Bass focus | 2:00pm – 4:00pm **DOORS OPEN AT 1:45PM**

Cymbal focus | 5:00pm – 7:00pm **DOORS OPEN AT 4:45PM**

Audition Dates (ALL dates mandatory)

Date | Time | Event

Sat, March 21st | 10:00am – 3:00pm | Preliminary Competition – Judges Panel & Rehearsal

Tues, March 24th | 8:00am – until | In-Person Interviews

Tues, March 24th | 6:00pm – 9:00pm | Finals Rehearsal

Sun, March 29th | 3:00pm – 5:00pm | Appearance Audition

Tues, March 31st | 6:00pm – 8:00pm | Finals Competition – Judges Panel

Location

All above dates will be held at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. with the exception of the Appearance Audition which will be at Romare Bearden Park across the street. Please enter Bank of America Stadium off of Morehead Street into Lot 4. Once parked, follow signs to audition entrance.

Format

Open Rehearsals – Candidates are strongly encouraged to attend the open rehearsal date for any instrument(s) for which they are interested in auditioning. Participants are welcome and encouraged to attend more than one rehearsal and audition for more than one instrument. Doors open 15 minutes prior to the start of the open rehearsal. Open rehearsals will begin with a technical warm-up, and then candidates will be taught piece(s) of music by PurrCussion staff. Candidates will be evaluated during Preliminary competition on their knowledge and performance of the music taught at the open rehearsal(s).

Preliminary Competition & Rehearsal – Preliminaries are a mandatory audition date. Preliminaries will consist of a performance of pieces taught during open rehearsals before a panel of judges with additional exercises to showcase the overall musicianship, presentation and showmanship of each candidate. Judges will then deliberate to determine who will be moving on to Finals Competition. Those chosen to move on will stay for a rehearsal to learn new material.

Finals Competition – All Finals dates are mandatory. Finals will consist of an in-person interview with PurrCussion staff, an appearance audition out in the community, a rehearsal to practice music and review the responsibilities of being a PurrCussion drumline member, and a Finals audition in front of a panel of judges.

*Please note: all audition dates are CLOSED to the public. Only candidates auditioning will be allowed inside the stadium. No video cameras are permitted.*

Requirements

All candidates must be at least 21 years old by March 31st, 2020.

All candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent.

All candidates must pass a pre-employment and periodic drug screen as well as satisfactorily complete a criminal and civil background check, including driving history.

Those selected must be available to practice Tuesday and Sunday evenings beginning in April and appear at all Panthers home games as well as community events and appearances throughout the year.

Please note this is a part-time position that drumline members hold in addition to their regular work or college schedules.

The Carolina Panthers are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Audition Attire

Candidates should wear attire suitable and comfortable for performances—Panthers colors are highly encouraged!

What To BringA government-issued ID is required for Open Rehearsals and Auditions. Drums, stands, and cymbals will be provided, but candidates should bring sticks and a practice pad. Additionally, concession stands will not be open during these times, so candidates should supply their own snacks and beverages.

FAQ's

Question: What does it take to become a member of PurrCussion?

Answer: Musicianship, enthusiasm and energy, showmanship and personality, professionalism, commitment, and a positive, team-player attitude

Question: Is being a PurrCussion member a full-time job?

Answer: No. Being a PurrCussion member is a part-time commitment. Most members hold other full-time jobs or attend college.

Question: Do I have to relocate to the Charlotte area if selected to join PurrCussion?

Answer: No! We are proud to have PurrCussionists living across North and South Carolina.

Question: Is there an age requirement?

Answer: Yes. All candidates must meet the minimum age requirement, which is 21 years old, by March 31st, 2020. There is no maximum age limit.

Question: Is there a cost to audition?

Answer: Yes. There is a non-refundable registration fee of $15. There will be a promotion that will run until February 21st where the fee is dropped to $10. After that date, the fee will be $15. Day of walk-ups will be $20 cash only.

Question: If I only want to come to Open Rehearsals and not Auditions, do I still have to pay a registration fee?

Answer: Yes. The one-time fee applies to anyone coming to Open Rehearsals and/or Auditions.

Question: If I make the drumline, what type of commitment is required?

Answer: The PurrCussion drumline is about an 11 month commitment starting in April, which includes mandatory rehearsals on select Sunday and Tuesday evenings and performances at all Panthers home games as well as charitable and corporate appearances throughout the year.

If you have any additional questions, please call Kelly Ballance at 704-358-7420.

Registration

Completion of the registration form is required to audition for PurrCussion. There is a non-refundable $15 registration fee to audition. The deadline to register is Friday, March 20th by 5:00 p.m. Day of walk-up registration is $20, and at this time, we can only accept cash as a form of payment. There will be a promotion that will run until February 21st where the fee is dropped to $10. After that date, the fee will be $15.