JI-Row consists of 29 members (14 snares, 5 tenors/quints, 5 basses, and 5 cymbals). Unlike many college drumlines, JI-Row has the same number of members every season.
Yes, every member of the OSUMB (including squad leaders), must tryout every year. No one is guaranteed a position in the band. It is not uncommon for a new candidate to be selected over a veteran candidate.
Being a member of JI-Row consists of perfecting musical technique and marching fundamentals. First, start taking private lessons from a marching percussion specialist. Second, attend as many summer sessions as possible to receive personal instruction on the OSUMB marching style.
Candidates can tryout on as many instruments as they choose. Keep in mind that splitting up your time amongst multiple instruments can sometimes make it more difficult to perfect fundamentals and technique. It is important to note that a candidate cannot make the band on an instrument that he/she does not tryout on.
**Those that are interesred in trying out for The Ohio State University Marching Band, please visit the band website to sign-up for tryouts (tbdbitl.osu.edu/). If you have any questions that are not answered on the JI-Row or OSUMB websites, please feel free to contact a squad leader or the percussion instructor with your inquiry.