Percussion Audition Requirements

Percussion concert

Audition Materials

General Information

  • In general, A and B level solos from the MSHSAA Prescribed Graded Music List (PML) are appropriate, as are any solos or etudes of comparable difficulty.
  • You should prepare audition material on keyboards (2 or 4 mallet), snare drum (concert or rudimental), and timpani. Multiple percussion, drum set, world percussion, and orchestral excerpts are optional, but should not be used as a substitute for snare, keyboards, or timpani.
  • If you are also auditioning for a spot in the Pride battery, your audition should include a rudimental snare solo or a quad/tenor solo.
  • Auditions are scheduled at 15-minute intervals.
  • Complete pieces, or a complete movement from a multi-movement work, are preferable.

More Details

Snare Drum
  • Demonstrate the ability to perform the following rudiments, at various dynamic levels
    • rolls- single stroke, double stroke, buzz
    • paradiddles- single, double, paradiddle-diddle
    • flams- alternating, flam taps, flam accents
    • drags
  • Perform a solo or etude that best demonstrates your abilities. Select an A or B level solo from the MSHSAA Prescribed Graded Music List (PML), or a solo of comparable difficulty.
Notes
  • Advanced rudimental solos do not need to be part of your audition UNLESS you are also auditioning for a marching band grant.
  • Marching band auditions are for those students interested in receiving a marching band grant. Auditions for specific spots will take place during the summer camps. For more information, contact the University Bands office.
Keyboards
  • Perform all 12 major scales and arpeggios, two octave range, using the rhythmic pattern of your choice.
  • Perform a solo or etude that best demonstrates your abilities. Select an A or B level solo from the MSHSAA Prescribed Graded Music List (PML), or a solo of comparable difficulty.
Timpani
  • Demonstrate the ability to tune four drums to a set of given pitches, using a pitch pipe, tuning fork, or phone app.
  • Play a long roll (several seconds) moving from pp to ff to pp.
  • Perform a solo or etude that best demonstrates your abilities. Select an A or B level solo from the MSHSAA Prescribed Graded Music List (PML), or a solo of comparable difficulty.
Drum Set

A drum set audition is not necessary unless you are auditioning for the jazz studies program. For further information, contact a jazz studies faculty member.

Audition Instruments

We provide marimbas, vibes, timpani, and a concert snare drum. You must bring your own sticks and mallets, and a copy of your audition material.

Note

All incoming undergraduate students wanting to audition for a music major must also take the theory entrance exam.

Percussion contact

Person item component: ScottCameron
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