AUDITIONS & CAMPS
Thanks for your interest in joining the 2026 BLUE STARS DRUM & BUGLE CORPS!
Begin an incredible journey of performance excellence and share your unique talents and abilities as a performer in the 2026 BLUE STARS! For more than 60 years, we have built a legacy of delivering a memorable and engaging drum corps experience — rooted in performance excellence and dedicated to the growth and development of every member.
We know that auditioning for a drum corps can be an intimidating experience —
DO NOT LET THAT STOP YOU FROM TAKING THE FIRST STEP!
Choose to attend either an In-Person Camp or submit a Video Audition, then register, purchase your audition, and prepare the audition materials.
By auditioning, you’ll not only showcase your talents, you’ll also learn from our world-class instructional staff, connect with our leadership team, meet new people, and take meaningful steps toward becoming a performing member in the BLUE STARS DRUM & BUGLE CORPS.
STEP 1 : Fill out the Membership Interest Form.
New and returning auditionees should complete the form and update anything that has changed. If you can't remember if you have filled out the form, please fill it out again.
STEP 2 : Purchase your 2026 Audition Materials.
Register for an In-Person or Video Audition experience.
STEP 3 : Prepare the audition materials and complete the pre-audition items included in your packet.
STEP 4 : Attend an In-Person audition camp or submit your Video Audition. *
STEP 5 : Receive Feedback.
After your audition, you may receive a Membership Agreement to join the 2026 BLUE STARS, or you could receive a Callback for Round Two.
* Round One Drum Set Auditions are VIDEO ONLY
Please plan to attend one of the Callback Camps if you receive a callback offer at the conclusion of Round One, are a member of the corps, or if you want to gain additional experience at a Blue Stars camp.
** FIRST TIME AUDITIONEES ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND A JANUARY CALLBACK CAMP **
As the roster of the drum corps is finalized following Rounds One & Two of auditions, there will be additional winter camps, as well as rehearsal and assignment commitments prior to moving in for the season in late-May.
** ALL CAMP DATES, TIMES, AND LOCATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE ANYTIME.
Late-May | 2026 SPRING TRAINING MOVE-INS | Forest City, IA
Waldorf University | Full Corps Arrival Date
MORE ABOUT AUDITIONS
Don't be afraid to audition
Every year dozens of qualified individuals don't audition because they worry they are not good enough, don’t have what it takes, and fear that they might be “cut.” We go to great lengths to make your audition experience rewarding, educational and worthwhile. We encourage everyone to attend a camp.
If you are not offered a Callback or Performance Position following Round One, we encourage you to continue to pursue your dream of experiencing drum corps. If you wish to “prove us wrong,” we encourage individuals who want another attempt at auditioning to attend additional camps. Or, we can recommend other drum corps to assist in finding alternative performance opportunities.
How Does the Audition Work?
Round One of auditions for the 2026 season will be held at 1-Day In-Person Camps or via Video Audition. After purchasing your audition packet, you will receive a link to download the audition packet for your instrument and instructions on how the audition process works for the chosen instrument/section.
Following Round One of auditions, there will be Callback camps in Indiana and Texas in January and at least two additional winter camps prior to Spring Training move-ins.
Do I need to bring my instrument to the audition?
YES! Brass/Color Guard/Battery there will be some Blue Stars instruments & equipment available, but we can’t guarantee equipment for all attendees. Please bring your own horn/drum/flag/rifle if you have it.
Front Ensemble will have Blue Stars keyboards available.
Will food be provided? How are special diets handled?
Meals during camp weekends are included with your registration. Our Culinary Crew can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free needs. You are able to communicate dietary needs when completing the Member Interest Form and upon registering for camp.
What should I pack for my audition camp?
Are shuttles provided if I fly in to camp?
The Blue Stars provide shuttle transportation to and from MULTI-DAY camps in INDIANAPOLIS ONLY. You can communicate your flight information via the Camp RSVP Forms (released soon).
** We DO NOT provide shuttles for 1-day camps. **
When booking flights to Indianapolis for camps, please arrange to fly into the Indianapolis International Airport (IND) and to arrive by 5:00 PM on Fridays and depart after 5:00 PM on Sundays.
If driving, there is plenty of parking space at all sites.
Once More, DON’T BE AFRAID TO AUDITION
We regularly hear from people who say "I'm not good enough for drum corps," or "I'm afraid to audition." If you are at the point where you are reading this - you need to come to camp. You have very little to lose and everything to gain.
Everyone auditioning for the Blue Stars will have a great experience. You will meet some great people, you will learn great musical and guard skills, you will know more about the Blue Stars, and you will feel fabulous because you did something in pursuit of your dream. Do not stay home! Find out what this is all about. Come to camp.
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to email director@bluestars.org.