Audition Information

 

"All-American" Marching Band

All instrumental members, both veterans and newcomers, must perform a playing audition in order to be considered for membership in the marching band. The audition consists of playing a few selections from our Marching Band Audition Music Sheet and school songs for one of our staff members. This music (along with some additional forms you will need to complete) will be sent to you as soon as we receive your registration form; so the sooner we receive your form, the more time you will have to prepare. All percussionists audition on Sunday afternoon of the workshop week. All other members will do their playing auditions on Sunday evening (rookies) or Tuesday morning (returning members) of band camp, which occurs the week before classes start in August. You will be taught our basic marching style during this week, with marching evaluations completed by Friday morning. Marching Auxiliaries follow a separate audition procedure and schedule, described separately.

 

Students who need University-owned instruments (percussion, sousaphones, baritones, a few tenor saxophones and mellophones) may sign out these instruments upon arrival on campus. There is no additional fee for the use of these instruments. Please note that we DO NOT supply piccolos - students wishing to play piccolo must provide their own instrument. We do not march with flutes.

 

Marching Band Auxiliaries - Twirlers, Dancers & Flags

Formal auditions for all auxiliary units including the Solo Twirler positions are held in April for the coming season. Any student who wishes to audition for a position in any of the auxiliary groups is required to travel to campus and audition at that time.

 

Students wishing to audition for the Goldusters, the Golden Silks, or the Twirling Line do NOT need to prepare a routine in advance. You will be taught special tryout routines which will consist of a brief demonstration of your ability to: march in the Purdue style, perfect a brief marching routine, and perfect the appropriate dance, flag, or baton routine to the music provided. Dress for the auditions is a white t-shirt and black shorts. You will perform your routines in groups of three or four for a panel of judges consisting of the band staff. Results of the auditions will be announced at the conclusion of the audition process. 

 

Specific information regarding Solo Twirler auditions is available upon request. 

 

Symphony Orchestras

All new string players, will audition the first week of classes in August. Please have prepared three (3) minutes of music (orchestral excerpts, solo literature, or an etude) and 2 major scales played ascending and descending in two octaves. Winds and percussionists should prepare three (3) minutes of prepared music (orchestral excerpts, solo literature, or an etude) and 2 major scales played ascending and descending in two octaves. Upon arriving on campus, you can sign up in Elliott Hall for an audition time using sign-up sheets are located on bulletin boards throughout the lower level of the building.

 

Jazz Band and AMRE Auditions

All Jazz Band/ AMRE Instrumental auditions will take place on Monday and Tuesday, August 20 and 21 in the Slayter Center Rehearsal Hall between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.  Sign-up sheets for auditions will be in the Band Office at Elliott beginning the week before classes begin (During the week of AAMB Band Camp).  Saxophonists and rhythm section players should plan on auditioning on Monday and brass players on Tuesday.  Singers will audition on Wednesday, August 22 at 7:00 p.m. in the Slayter Center Rehearsal Hall.  Upon completion of the auditions, students will be assigned to jazz workshop, one of the two jazz bands or AMRE.

 

Instrumental auditions will consist of prepared selections (the music will be sent to you during the summer after we receive your registration form), sight-reading, two scales of your choice (at least two octaves), and improvisation (two choruses of F or Bb blues accompanied by an Aebersold CD provided by Dr. Trout , or two choruses of a tune of your choice for which you provide the play-a-long recording).

 

Singers should be able to sing a variety of music, but should have prepared both a ballad and an up-tempo, jazz-style song that will best showcase your talent.  Have your music memorized, and bring an accompaniment for the rehearsal pianist to play, or your own accompanist or accompaniment tape (no a cappella singing).  Singers will be asked to sing on a microphone and sound system. Those who have instrumental talents as well as singing abilities are encouraged to also audition as instrumentalists.

 

Wind Ensemble & Concert Bands

All winds and percussionists interested in the Wind Ensemble or Concert Band will audition during the first week of classes. Sign up for your audition slot outside Room 134B in Elliott Hall when you arrive on campus. Please have three (3) minutes of prepared music (band excerpts, solo literature, or an etude) and 2 major scales played ascending and descending in multiple octaves.

 

All wind and percussion players including returning members must audition if they plan to play in a concert band. There is no membership in any concert organization without an audition. Please note that this includes all upperclassmen.

 

Basketball Bands

Auditions for both Gold & Black Sound (women's basketball) and Boiler Brass (men's basketball) are held during the last week of September and first week of October. Audition information will be posted in early-October on the departmental bulletin board. Additional information may be obtained by contacting the main office, Elliott 136. Auditions will consist of two major scales performed one or two octaves ascending and descending, along with several sight-reading excerpts. A list of regular members and alternates will be selected. Members must participate in both a fall and spring ensemble.

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