Frequently Asked Questions

Drums Along the Brazos FAQs for spectators and directors

FAQs about this year's Virtual event

Questions and answers from the contest directors are coming soon!

We are working hard to make this year’s event operate much like an in-person event! We’ve compiled a list of questions you might have.

What is the Drums Along the Brazos Drumline Contest?

The Drums Along the Brazos Drumline Contest is a percussion contest hosted by the College Station High School Band Program in College Station, Texas.

Since its founding in 2013, the contest has featured many high school and middle school drumlines from across Central Texas.

In a normal year, Drums Along the Brazos is held at College Station High School, and it’s open to the community. It provides a great opportunity for everyone to hear talented percussionists from local and regional schools. Drumline performances are high energy and exciting. Join us!

What are the rules/guidelines for competing virtually?

You’ll find all the info you need in this document — Virtual Rules & Guidelines 2020

What will a virtual awards ceremony look like?

You’ll find the answer in this document — Virtual Rules & Guidelines 2020

Where can I find the contest schedule?

Our virtual contest will run a little differently, but we will still stick to a schedule that determines the order performance videos are heard by the judges. The schedule will not be made available until after the initial deadline has passed. At that time, if you have entered the contest we will send you an email containing the current schedule, director’s information, rules and guidelines, and performance script. It will also be posted on our Contest Website. 

Will there be a shirt and can I buy shirts from past contests too?

Merchandise is coming soon — and you’ll find the store here

 

How do I enter the drawing for raffles this year?

Coming soon!

 

When is the early registration deadline?

Early Registration ends Wednesday, October 28. Register early for savings! The fee is $175 per Drumline if you register early, and $200 per drumline if you register between October 29 and November 12. The final deadline for entering the contest in November 12.

Register and pay online using this link.

Or, print out an entry form and mail your fee to:
College Station High School Band
Attn: Jon Seale
4002 Victoria Ave.
College Station, TX 77845

Checks made out to: CSHS Cougar Band Boosters
Please Indicate Drums Along the Brazos or Drumline Contest in the Memo Line.

Do you allow Middle School drumlines?

Absolutely! This contest is open to both High School and Middle School drumlines.

I registered online, but I did not receive a confirmation email. What happened?

Our email has either gone to your spam folder, or perhaps there was an error on our part. Please email
jseale@csisd.org to let us know of any problems.

How did my group get put into this classification?

Our divisions are based upon the UIL Designation of your school size (1A through 6A) and your classification is chosen by you as the Director, either Novice or Advanced.

* We also have a Division specifically for Middle School Drumlines.

We've never done a drumline contest before. What do we play?

There is really no limit as to what you can play other than the time limit. Typically a drumline will just play the same music as the Marching Band UIL show, possibly with some modifications. Some groups ask a few key wind players to come perform with them so that the “slower” selections make more sense to the audience, but that is not required. If wind players do perform with the group, the winds portion of the performance is not critiqued by the judges and will not alter the drumline score. Some groups learn additional music that might better suit a drumline contest with percussion only. Just be sure to stay within your time limits.

Any other questions?

Feel free to email the contest directors, Jon Seale (jseale@csisd.org) and Zane Taylor (ztaylor@csisd.org)  for any other questions that were not included here. 

 

How do I get started?

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Complete an Entry Form

Submit our simple online form and use the PayPal link to submit your registration fees.

Or print a form and mail it with your check (payable to College Station Cougar Band Boosters) to: CSHS Band, Attn: Jon Seale, 4002 Victoria Avenue, College Station, TX  77845.

Check back for the Schedule

Once the deadline has passed, we will post a schedule here. This will be the schedule that the judges follow as they review all virtual submissions. If you have questions about the schedule, contact Jon Seale at jseale@csisd.org.

Check out our contest merchandise

This year’s shirt, plus shirts from prior contests and other contest merchandise will be available in our online store! Visit the store today!

Contact Contest Director

Contact Jon Seale, Assistant Director and Percussion Director of the College Station High School band program, with any contest-related questions. Use the contact form below or email jseale@csisd.org.

Drums Along the Brazos Contest Questions

(979) 731-6750

CSHS, 4002 Victoria Avenue, College Station, TX 77845

jseale@csisd.org