Some experiences don’t end when the season does. The friendships, the lessons, and the thrill of performing stay with you and shape who you become.
Phantom Regiment isn’t just a summer on the road, it’s a family and a legacy. Here, you’ll challenge yourself, discover strength you didn’t know you had, and share the field with people who will inspire you for life.
Auditions for the 2026 Phantom Regiment are now open. If you’re ready to grow, to belong, and to be part of something that lasts forever, this is your moment.
We are Phantom Regiment. We are infinite.
In-person auditions for the 2026 Phantom Regiment are now closed.
Brass, guard, and conductor still have video audition options available. Choose your section below for specific details.
Tips on auditioning for drum corps – how it works, what to expect, and how much it costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Anyone between the ages of 14 to 21 may audition for the Phantom Regiment. We prefer members to be at least 18 by July 1, but occasionally we have younger members who exhibit maturity and skill that allows them to perform at the same level.
DCI limits the age of participants to 21 years of age and younger. A participant who is 22 years before June 1 would be unable to participate. If your 22nd birthday falls AFTER June 1st, you are eligible to participate.
All spots are open for each new season, including conductors. Phantom Regiment plans to have 165 performing members on the field, with an additional 10-15 swing performers at the start of the season.
- Audition Materials Packet – $75
- Audition – $100 or $125 (depending on site, section, or audition type)
- TOTAL COST = $175 or $200
If you are invited to a callback camp, or if you are offered a membership agreement, you will be required to pay an additional $250 camp fee for the first weekend-long camp you attend. Any remaining camps you attend will be free of charge.
We are hosting a series of one-day, in-person auditions across the country. No matter where you attend, you will receive feedback from our expert staff of instructors. Please review the available dates for your section.
Each section has different requirements, evaluation techniques, and slightly different audition processes. Please review the specific information for your section on this website and in your audition materials packet. Please dress in comfortable/athletic clothes that will allow you to move freely. Following your audition, you will receive feedback along with either an invitation to a callback camp or specific improvements we would like to see for upcoming seasons.
Auditioning in-person is preferred. If you are unable to attend any of our one-day events, you may audition via video. This is how our video audition process works:
- To audition by video, first you will need to create an account in UltraCamp
- Next, purchase the audition material packet in UltraCamp ($75)
- Then, register for the video audition in UltraCamp ($100)
- Carefully follow all of the instructions in your packet (including any visual components for brass musicians).
- Detailed instructions on how to submit your video to our staff can be found in your audition materials packet.
- Video submissions will receive general feedback along with either an invitation to a callback camp or specific improvements we would like to see for upcoming seasons.
- Video feedback will be processed in the order we receive submissions.
- We will accept video audition submissions and offer callbacks until all sections are full, with the understanding that membership agreements will be offered on a first come, first served basis to prospective members that complete both steps of the audition process at the desired achievement level.
- If you have questions, refer to the Facebook audition group for your section or email the staff at the address provided in your packet.
- Sections may fill up quickly, so we recommend submitting your video early. If you choose to wait, but still want to be considered for a callback camp, please adhere to the deadlines found in your section’s audition information.
It is best if you can bring your own equipment or instrument to your audition. Phantom Regiment will provide the following items at all audition sites:
- One Snare, tenor, or bass drum for individual battery auditions
- One keyboard instrument (usually marimba) or drumset for individual front ensemble auditions
- Brass musicians should bring their own instruments. Tuba players should contact us via the email address in the packet if you are unable to bring your own tuba to auditions.
- Rockford, Dallas, and Indianapolis only – marching euphoniums, mellophones, and tubas; and a full set of marching battery and front ensemble instruments (11 snares, 4 quads, 5 bases) will be provided
- Color guard should expect to bring your own equipment
- Conductors should bring a baton
The best way to prepare for your audition is to download the audition materials packet early, carefully read all of the instructions, and slowly start working through the materials. Additionally, many of your questions can be answered by joining the discussion groups we offer or by contacting staff through the provided email address in the packet.
Start practicing early, and seek input or advice from certified music or guard instructors in your area. If someone from your school has marched drum corps before, they may also be helpful during your learning process. As your audition date approaches, make sure you can perform the material calmly and confidently, without stopping, and be prepared to answer a few simple questions about your marching experience and why you want to join the Phantom Regiment.
On your audition day – please dress in comfortable/athletic clothes that will allow you to move freely. Remember, the entire process is an audition – from the moment you walk in the door until you leave. Most importantly, remember to relax, breathe, and have fun during your audition. We all want the same thing – for you to have a great performance!
Brass performers may audition for more than one instrument, but please choose one instrument to concentrate on for your initial audition that will show your highest level of achievement. If you are auditioning via video, there is a place in your submission form where you can list any other instruments you would like to be considered for. If you are auditioning in person, simply tell the staff member verbally about any other instruments you would like to be considered for and it will be noted on your audition form.
Weekend-long callback and rehearsal camps are scheduled for the following dates:
- December 19-21 (brass, percussion)
- January 16-18 (brass, percussion, conductors)
- February 20-22 (brass, percussion, conductors)
- April 24-26 (all sections)
These camps usually begin at 7:00 Friday night and end at 2:00 Sunday afternoon.
Spring training usually starts in the third week of May and continues until the first show (usually at the end of June or early July). If offered a membership agreement, you will be expected to “move in” with the corps at the beginning of spring training and stay through the duration of the DCI summer tour (which typically ends the second weekend in August).
For any camps in the Rockford area, flights should be booked to Chicago O’Hare or Rockford airports. The corps will be unable to provide transportation from Chicago Midway Airport. Spring training location and travel arrangements will be announced at a later date.
It is your responsibility to inform your parents, teachers, and school administration of any conflicts that Phantom Regiment rehearsals or tour may pose on your school schedule.
All audition events and rehearsal camps occur on weekends throughout the winter and spring. You will be expected to attend all camps that are required of your section. Absences for school concerts or performances only can be excused with prior written approval.
Spring training usually starts before most high schools have dismissed for the summer. We can help you and your parents work with your school’s administration to see if it is possible for you to complete assignments and/or final exams early in order to attend spring training. We do permit members to attend their own high school graduation ceremony if desired. You will be expected to complete the summer tour (which typically ends the second weekend in August). Again, we can work with you and your school’s administration if needed to delay your return to normal high school activities and/or classes.
The costs to operate a world-class drum corps such as the Phantom Regiment are significant. Tuition and fees paid by members only account for a fraction of the costs associated with operating winter camps and the summer tour. We are still working through the details for 2026 tuition and will release this information once it’s available.
- Audition Materials Packet – $75
- Audition – $100 or $125 (depending on site, section, or audition type)
- Callback Camp – $250 (this is a one-time fee for the first weekend-long camp you attend, regardless of date). Room and board at camps is included in this fee.
- Tuition – TBD (2025 tuition was $6,000)
- Members are also required to participate in an annual spring fundraiser that typically has a minimum fundraising goal of $250 per member.
Please also consider your personal travel expenses to/from your audition site, rehearsal camps, and spring training/tour; as well as personal expenses such as mouthpieces, member jackets, tour spending money, laundry money, etc.
Yes! There are many scholarships available throughout the drum corps community that can help offset a portion of your tuition fees. Drum Corps International, and many of its partners, along with Phantom Regiment offer scholarships to anyone with a membership agreement in good standing. Learn more about Phantom Regiment’s scholarship opportunities here: https://regiment.org/programs/drum-corps/scholarships/
Phantom Regiment also provides a platform for members to collect funds from friends and family to help offset their tuition fees. Each year there are multiple members who get large percentages of their tuition covered by generous friends and family. More information on scholarships and fundraising tips will be provided if you are offered a membership agreement.
No former member is guaranteed a spot for the upcoming season, and is expected to earn a spot by continuing to grow to the highest level of achievement.
- All previous members of Phantom Regiment are invited to attend their section’s callback camp via a special link provided by the corps administration.
Contact [email protected] with your name, section, and year(s) marched if you have additional questions.
Packet, audition, and camp fees are not refundable. These fees are used to produce the high-quality materials, instruction, housing, and food we provide. We apologize for any inconvenience.
You can go into your Ultracamp account at any time and click the “Make a Payment” button to check and pay your balance. If your payment was denied, you will see a balance remaining on your account. Here are some reasons payments might be denied by your card company (most problems are due to #1 on this list):
- You typed in the wrong address and zip code. The address and zip code should be the one associated with the card that you are using. If the wrong address and zip are typed in, the transfer will be denied. If you are a college student this probably will not be your college address! Go to Payment Accounts in your Ultracamp account and click on your stored form of payment to check the address that you input. You should also check with your credit card company to see what address they have on file and see if it matches.
- You typed in the wrong card number. Go to Payment Accounts and check – you may have to delete the card and start over to check the card number, expiration dates and CVV.
- You did not have enough funds associated with your card and the card company denied the payment. Check your balance!
- Your card company denied the payment for some other reason. Check your email that is associated with your card to see if any emails have been sent.
- You are from a different country and credit card payments do not work correctly. Please contact [email protected] to find another way to transfer the funds.
Additional Questions?
Please reach out to [email protected] with any additional questions that you might have!
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for positions unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications outlined in a role description. We are most interested in finding the best candidates for membership in our drum corps, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. We would encourage you to apply to audition, even if you don’t believe you meet all of the qualifications described in the application.
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