Auditions to be part of PurrCussion – the Carolina Panthers drumline will begin April 26th.
Consisting of snare drums, tenor drums, bass drums and cymbal players, PurrCussion performs at every home game, including on-field for player introductions, and entertains fans at charitable and corporate events.
Open rehearsals are strongly encouraged and will begin April 23rd.
To register for the 2016 Purrcussion team click HERE
Open Rehearsals – Strongly Encouraged
| Day | Date | Time | Notes |
| Saturday | April 23, 2016 | 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m. | Open Rehearsal – Snare Focus |
| Saturday | April 23, 2016 | 5 p.m.-7:30 p.m. | Open Rehearsal – Tenor Focus |
| Sunday | April 24, 2016 | 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m. | Open Rehearsal – Bass Focus |
| Sunday | April 24, 2016 | 5 p.m.-7:30 p.m. | Open Rehearsal – Cymbal Focus |
Audition Dates – Mandatory
| Day | Date | Time | Notes |
| Tuesday | April 26, 2016 | 7 p.m.-11 p.m. | Preliminaries – Judges Panel |
| Thursday | April 28, 2016 | TBD – p.m. | Appearance Audition |
| Saturday | April 30, 2016 | TBD | Audition Meeting and Interviews |
| Sunday | May 1, 2016 | TBD | Finals Rehearsal and Interviews |
| Tuesday | May 3, 2016 | 7 p.m.-10 p.m. | Finals Rehearsal |
| Tuesday | May 10, 2016 | 6 p.m.-11 p.m. | Finals – Judges Panel |
Location
Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, N.C. Please click here for directions. Enter Bank of America Stadium off of Morehead Street. Once parked, follow signs to the audition entrance.
Format
Open Rehearsals – Candidates are strongly encouraged to attend the open rehearsal date(s) 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. Check-in begins 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) by PurrCussion staff. Candidates will be evaluated during preliminaries on their knowledge and performance of the music taught at the open rehearsal(s).
Preliminaries – Preliminaries are a mandatory audition date. Preliminaries will consist of a performance of piece(s) taught during open rehearsals before a panel of judges with additional exercises to showcase the overall musicianship, presentation and showmanship of each candidate.
Finals – All finals dates are mandatory. Finals will consist of an interview with PurrCussion staff, meeting to review the responsibilities of being a PurrCussion drumline member, appearance audition, two rehearsals and finals audition in front of a panel of judges. During the finals audition, candidates may be asked to perform a solo showcase that reflects their style and personality.
Qualifications
- All candidates must be at least 21 years old by May 10, 2016.
- 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 Sunday afternoons and Tuesday evenings beginning in May 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.
Audition Attire
Contestants should wear attire suitable for performances. Panthers colors are encouraged. Restrooms will be available; however, there will be no formal changing facilities.
What To Bring
Drums and cymbals will be provided, but contestants should bring sticks and a practice pad. Additionally, concession stands will not be open. Contestants should supply their own snacks and beverages.
Special Considerations
Auditions are CLOSED to the public. Only candidates will be allowed inside the stadium. No video cameras are permitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What does it take to become a PurrCussionist?
Answer:
- Musicianship
- Enthusiasm and energy
- Showmanship and personality
- Dedication
- Team Player
Question: Is being a Carolina Panthers drumline member a full-time job?
Answer: No. Being a PurrCussionist 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 as a PurrCussionist?
Answer: No. We are proud to have PurrCussionists living in North and South Carolina.
Question: Are there any age requirements?
Answer: Yes, all candidates must meet the minimum age requirement, which is 21 years old by May 10, 2016. There is no maximum age limit.
Question: Is there a cost to audition?
Answer: There is no cost to participate in open rehearsals April 23-24 or auditions starting on April 26. However, registration is required by April 22.
Question: If I make the drumline, what type of time commitment is required?
Answer: PurrCussion is an 11-month commitment, which includes rehearsals, performing at all Panthers home games and making charity and coporate appearances throughout the year.
If you have additional questions, please call Kate Milstead at 704-358-7420. The Carolina Panthers are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
