After months of preparation, auditions and planning, the 2026/27 D²Drumline Performance Line is locked in – seventeen players representing some of the strongest marching percussion talent in Australia right now. These are the people you’ll see on stadium concourses, corporate stages and community events around Melbourne this year.
Back L-R: Duc Luu – Showstyle Tenor, Anthony Stanislavski – Bass 5, James Buick – Quads, Laura Harris – Bass 4, Alex Keser – Snare, Charlie Malcolm – Bass 3, Charlotte Thompson – Lead Snare Chloe Dempsey – Bass 2, Jarrod Tay – Snare, Kaelen Briffa – Bass 1, Justin Zheng – Quads, Matt Wakefield – Quads
Absent: Matt Ong – Snare, Sasha Wee – Showstyle Tenor
Inside the process
Our audition process is designed to feel like an extension of our education work, not a one‑off test. Players come in having worked through focused prep material, open rehearsals and plenty of feedback on timing, sound and ensemble skills. On the day, we’re looking for more than chops – we’re looking for listeners, team‑mates and people who can sustain a professional standard across a full season.
All that said, they also need to be able to perform under pressure. The final stage of the audition process is a challenge that proves our new members are ready to perform in a stadium.
A line built on education
One of the most exciting things about this year’s ensemble is how many members have come through D² workshops, National Drumline Camp and school programs before earning their spot. It shows how powerful a clear pathway can be when students have access to good teaching, structure and expectations. The standard of candidates this year has been higher than ever, and this is a credit to everyone involved in the journey of these incredible young players.
The Performance Line is where all of that work comes together: experienced members who know what it takes to deliver big shows, standing alongside newer players who’ve grown up inside the D² and wider marching community. The common thread is work ethic and a shared commitment to playing at a genuinely high standard.
Looking ahead
With the 2026/27 line in place, we’re already deep into show design, music and bookings for the year ahead – and it’s shaping up to be an incredible season. If you’re an event organiser or school interested in bringing live marching percussion to your next game, launch or showcase, get in touch via our website and our team will help you find the right setup for your event.
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