Absolutely!  But, we encourage you to sign-up and pay ahead of time so you can get all the information you’ll need to be the most prepared.  As previously stated, audition events will increase by 25% if paid the day of the camp. You will also have paperwork to fill out at registration if you sign up day of, this will delay your check in process. If you are under 18 & signed up day of you must have a parent or guardian present at registration for paperwork. 

We do expect auditionees to perform at an in-person audition event, but understand that conflicts may be unavoidable at times. Email us at auditions@scvanguard.org and we will do our best to help you chart a path forward.

Virtual auditions are only available for Brass & Color Guard at this time. Percussion virtual auditions may be accepted for extenuating circumstances and requests must be made via email. 

Audition registration fees are non-refundable. If there is another event you would be able to attend, we can transfer your registration or register you for a video audition. Please email auditions@scvanguard.org.

Color Guard & Percussion Auditionees: Your audition information letter is viewable on each event page. This letter informs you of the skills and fundamentals required and expected of you to perform at your audition.

Brass Auditionees: You will be able to view and download your audition materials after purchase of an audition event in your receipt email. Please double check the spelling of your email address at registration! The brass packet includes all music and visual requirements. You will be using this packet throughout the audition camps and pre-season.

Brass, percussion, and color guard positions are open. We are not auditioning drum majors for the 2026 season.

We are not currently auditioning drum majors for the 2026 season.

Our in-person auditions span the US and we are holding our first ever international audition in Tokyo, Japan! You can find all the audition information here. 

Overnight housing is provided only for our 3-day percussion and guard audition camp in North Texas on Friday and Saturday nights. All camps following the first round audition process, beginning with the December 19-21 brass and percussion callback camp, will follow the same model. Like during a drum corps tour, students should bring sleeping gear (air mattress/sleeping pad, sleeping bag, pillow) for sleeping on a gym floor. Cots are NOT permitted.

SCV will not be providing shuttle services for first round audition events. Shuttles will be available starting at the December 19-21 Brass and Percussion callback camp.

If you need assistance getting to an audition, please email auditions@scvanguard.org. 

As our audition events vary greatly, so do the experiences!

With a video audition, you have the opportunity to show off your skills from the comfort of your hometown. Staff feedback is provided at the end of each month. Contract offers are extremely rare at this level and attendance at an in-person callback camp will be recommended should you move forward in the audition process.

At a satellite audition, you will receive an opportunity to receive one-on-one feedback following and individual music and visual audition (brass) or technique and choreography (guard). Contract offers are extremely rare at this level and attendance at an in-person callback camp will be recommended should you move forward in the audition process.

At a one-day audition, you will receive world class education where our staff will teach you how we do what we do! Some one-day auditions may include a one-on-one individual audition portion but will focus greatly on group exercises and evaluation. Contracts may be offered at a one-day audition event.

At a three-day audition camp, you will get the true drum corps experience – sleeping, eating, and learning at our host school. Our staff will have the opportunity to dive deeper into the materials. Prospective members will be notified of their status in the days following the weekend’s conclusion. Contracts may be offered at a three-day audition camp.

All participants offered a contract or callback invitation are required to attend the callback camp (December 19-21 Brass and Percussion in North Texas; April 24-26 Color Guard in San Jose).

Here is a list of what to bring to audition camps.

At the conclusion of your audition, there are three possible outcomes: a contract (Grade 1), a callback (Grade 2), or an opportunity to try again next year if you are eligible (Grade 3). Callback Camp will be in December 19-21 in North Texas for Brass and Percussion and April 24-26 in San Jose, CA for Color Guard. This camp is required for all auditionees offered a callback either at an in-person event or from a virtual audition. Members offered a contract will also attend be required to attend this camp.

2026 tuition costs are $5,550 for the full summer. All auditionees offered membership will need to pay an additional non-refundable membership deposit of $200 within seven (7) days of contract offer. Tuition may be paid all at once or in multiple installments beginning in January 2026.  Multiple scholarship opportunities will be available for all participants. SCV offers early payment discounts, returning member discounts, and sibling discounts. 

Contracted members: There will not be additional rehearsal camp fees for the Spring rehearsal camps following payment of the membership deposit. 

Conditional members continuing the audition process after the December callback camp: A camp fee of $50 will be assessed at each in-person event you attend. If you are offered membership, your membership deposit will be pro-rated based on your previously completed camp fees.

You will be required to complete online assignments and training assigned from January through Pre-Tour (May Move-Ins).

Rehearsal camps are required for all members. If you are unable to attend a rehearsal camp you must notify corps management and caption managers. 

Rehearsal Camps

• January Callback Camp, North Texas Area (Brass, Percussion, Drum Majors)
• February Rehearsal Camp, North Texas Area (Brass, Percussion, Drum Majors)
• March Rehearsal Camp, North Texas Area (Brass, Percussion, Drum Majors)
• April Rehearsal Camp & Guard Callback, San Jose Area (ALL Members) 

In May all members will join SCV full time to rehearse at our Pre-Tour location in Moscow, ID (Percussion will begin in North Texas on May 15th and then join the rest of the corps in Idaho. Members are responsible for their transportation between these locations).  You will be rehearsing, living, and performing with the corps for approximately 3 months, beginning Memorial Day Weekend and ending August 9 at our member banquet following DCI Finals. 

Earning a contract does not guarantee an on-field performance spot. A contract gives you a spot within the corps. Any performer may be assigned to an understudy/alternate position at any time and staff will keep you informed about your standing regularly and provide feedback for improvement. You must keep up with practicing, assignments, maintain a positive attitude, and show a reasonable amount of improvement throughout pre-season and the summer. Refunds are not offered to students who are placed in an understudy/alternate position. All members of the corps carry the same level of responsibility.

To audition for SCV, you must be 15 years of age or older or at least a sophomore in high school. In order to be part of SCV this summer, we ask that you be at least 18 years old by June 1, 2026 and at most 21 years old before June 1, 2026. be eligible to participate in Drum Corps International competition this summer (see: turning age 22 on June 1, 2026 or later). Exceptions can be made for participants under the age of 18. 

Covid-19 tests are not required to attend an audition. We ask that if you are sick, experiencing symptoms such as: fever, cough or vomiting that you stay home. 

If you begin to experience symptoms of an infectious disease or illness, such as COVID-19 or the flu, please notify administrative staff immediately to either begin quarantine or arrange for travel home.