You may audition on more than one instrument if you choose. Each instrument will require a separate audition and audition time. Warm-up rooms will be available and can be used at your convenience throughout the day. Report to the designated audition room 5 minutes before your scheduled audition time. Blue Band sousaphones, baritones, and mellophones will be available for those who do not own personal instruments. You may use personal instruments for auditions. The actual audition performance will take 7–8 minutes. Plan on about 30–45 minutes for the entire music audition process including warm-up and performance. If you need more warm-up time or anticipate having lots of questions, plan accordingly.
Woodwind and brass players should choose a standard solo or etude for their instrument. Percussionists should choose a rudimental-style snare drum solo. High school music teachers and/or private instrument instructors may have suggestions for an appropriate selection. Choose repertoire that will demonstrate your musicianship and performing ability at its best! All winds: We recommend you prepare at least 3–4 minutes of the selection(s) chosen. It is advisable to demonstrate both tone quality and technical development. You may choose to perform excerpts from the selection(s) you have prepared. Percussionists: We recommend you demonstrate both quality of sound and technical development. All percussionists will initially audition as snare drummers. You may use either traditional or matched grip. Use marching weight sticks. The actual audition will be performed on drum pad.
All musicians will be provided with a short musical example and given time to study it. You will be asked to perform the example to the best of your ability. We are not interested in perfection, but we are interested in identifying capable readers.
Your audition score will be based on your prepared selection, sound quality, and sight reading. We are very much interested in good musicianship and good sound. Sight reading is an important part of the audition process because the Blue Band prepares a new halftime show for every home game.
All Blue Band candidates will be required to attend marching sessions at which the Blue Band style is taught. These sessions are used to assess marching ability and desire. Detailed information is provided in the auditions schedule you receive at the time of your music audition. You may want to consider some aerobic conditioning prior to coming to campus; the Blue Band marching style is a rigorous physical activity.