Percussion Audition Requirements

Percussion auditions can be done in person or on video tape. The in-person audition is preferred, but if this is not possible, a taped audition is acceptable. Applicants are encouraged to audition in as many areas of percussion as possible: snare drum, timpani, mallet keyboard, multiple percussion, hand percussion, and drum set. Sight reading will be required at the time of the audition.

Suggested Solo Snare Drum Repertoire:

Contemporary Studies by Fred Albright, published by Belwin.

Portraits in Rhythm by Anthony Cirone, published by Belwin.

Solo Snare Drummer by Vic Firth, published by Fischer.

Any published snare drum solo

Mallets:

Applicants should demonstrate major and minor scales two octaves and all major arpeggios one octave. Scales and arpeggios will be selected at the time of the audition.

Suggested Solo Mallet Repertoire:

Modern School for Marimba/Xylophone by Morris Goldenberg, published by Chappell.

Portraits in Melody by Anthony Cirone, published by Belwin.

Masterpieces for Marimba by Thomas McMillan, published by Pro Art.

Any published marimba, xylophone or vibraphone solo.

Timpani:

Applicants should demonstrate the proper tuning techniques by tuning basic intervals from a given pitch of A 440. Applicants should also demonstrate pedal technique by playing an F major scale using the 29” and 26” timpani.

Suggested Solo Timpani Repertoire:

The Solo Timpanist by Vic Firth, published by Fischer.

Modern Method for Timpani by Saul Goodman, published by Belwin Mills.

The Complete Timpani Method by Alfred Friese and Alexander Lepak, published by Henry Adler/Warner Brothers.

Any published timpani solo.

Drum Set:

Applicants should demonstrate a variety of different musical styles including  rock, funk, jazz and Latin. Chart reading and sight reading may be included.

Multiple Percussion:

Any published multiple percussion solo.

Hand Drums:

Applicants should demonstrate basic hand techniques and rhythms on congas, bongos, djembes or hand drum of their choice.

Taped Auditions:

As stated before, a personal audition/interview is preferred, but a 20-30 minute video may be submitted for conditional acceptance. Choose a solo of appropriate level or one etude from each of the following areas: snare drum, mallets, and timpani. For mallets include 3 major and 3 minor scales and arpeggios. On drum set include a variety of style performances (i.e., rock, funk, jazz, Latin etc.) If possible, include a drum set performance with a jazz combo or big band.

 

Tapes should be received by February 22 for scholarship consideration. If you do not wish to be considered for a scholarship, tapes must be in by May 1.

Scholarships:

For scholarship consideration it is recommended that you audition in person. If this is not possible, send a high quality video recording including a copy of the solos performed and the information listed above under “Taped Auditions."