Audition for the Sound Machine Marching Band

1. Major scales: Play scales and ascending and descending played in two or three octaves when possible. The scale should be in eighth notes, at 144 bpm, if possible. Be prepared to slur or tongue the scales upon request. Perform at least four flat scales and four sharp scales, in two or three octaves if possible. For priority scholarship consideration, advanced players should perform all major scales throughout the practical range on the instrument.
2. Chromatic scale: Perform the listed chromatic scale throughout the practical range of the instrument, slurred in 16th notes with the quarter note equal to 120 bpm. Trombones should play the chromatic scale at 84 bpm. (See ranges below.)
3. Solos/prepared excepts: Perform two solo excerpts that demonstrate lyrical and expressive qualities as well as an appropriate level of technical facility (accompaniment optional). Each excerpt should not exceed two minutes.
4. Sight reading: A sight-reading exercise will be administered during campus auditions.

• Piccolo: D to A-3
• Flute: C to C-3
• Clarinets (All): E to G-3
• Oboe: C to C-1
• Saxophones (All): Bb to F-2
• Bassoon: Bb to G-3
• Trumpet: low F to high C
• French horn: Low F to high A
• Trombone: Low E to Bb
• Baritone (treble or bass clef): Low E to Bb (concert)
• Tuba: Low E to Bb
• Xylophone: F to C-3 1/2

Snare Drum Requirements:

• Perform one solo excerpt that demonstrates lyrical and expressive qualifies as well as an appropriate level of technical facility.
• Perform 26 standard rudiments and 10 hybrid rudiments.

Xylophone Requirements:

Special scholarships may be awarded to percussionists whose auditions include xylophone and/or timpani solos.

Note: All percussionists are required to audition on snare drum. Instrument placement will be determined by the director of bands and/or the percussion instructor.

Please read the instructions carefully and prepare accordingly before you begin your audition tape. Auditions should be limited to 5 to 7 minutes in length.

Recording Instructions:

• If possible, record your audition in an acoustically “dead” room (no noise, no echo).
• Review the format and order of the exercises requested. Do one or two “rehearsal” auditions before you begin recording. Avoid sending audition videos that contain mistakes.
• At the beginning of the video, verbally record your name and address (include city and state).
• Upload your video as an unlisted YouTube video.

When you have completed the audition, view the entire video and follow the instruction sheet to make sure nothing has been omitted. Submit the video link to [email protected].