Drumline Schedule

Each year, Western Michigan University's Bronco Marching Band season starts with summer band camp and extends through the fall semester, including some post-season bowl games and events. The schedule is available before the fall semester starts but is subject to change. The drumline-specific schedule does include additional events.

Time Commitment

During the marching band season (fall semester), the drumline rehearses with the marching band from 4 to 5:40 p.m., Monday through Friday. These rehearsals are mandatory and are part of the requirement for the academic class. On game days, morning rehearsals last for about three to four hours, in addition to a warm-up prior to the march to the stadium.

In addition to the above mandatory rehearsals, each subsection in the drumline will also have a once-a-week, 1-hour rehearsal, at a time chosen by the section leader of that subsection. 

It is possible to do well in school and participate in the Bronco Marching Band. Rehearsals are scheduled at a time of day when few other classes meet and little class time is lost due to travel. With careful planning, you should have time to participate in the drumline. As with any college activity, you will be responsible for managing your time and keeping up with all of your academic work. In the WMU Drumline, there is a more specific focus on preparation and ability to adapt over time.

2025 Audition and Summer Rehearsal Schedule

• Auditions: Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 17, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. in/and the Dalton Center
• Summer rehearsal schedule—
  • One rehearsal in each month: 
    • Mid June, Late July, Early August. Specific dates will be released on a later date.

2025 Drum Bash

The 2025 Drum Bash will be held from 10am-4:30pm on Sunday, September 28th, 2025 at Hastings High School. All members and alternates of the WMU Drumline are required to attend this event.