(You must be enrolled in high school Grades 9-12 for the 2008-09 school year)
 

We are now accepting applications for 2008.  Selections will be based on written application and on submitted audition DVD/CDs.

Deadline for applications from certain geographic regions and instruments, guard and dancers, has been extended into the summer months (August 31st).  Apply early for the best chance of selection as openings by state and or instrument/position can close at anytime.  Eighty percent of the band's roster is complete; however, we are still accepting applications to fill remaining states and instrumentation.

Applicants that are accepted for the March 30th deadline will be notified no later than May 1st.  Applicants accepted for the May 30th deadline will be notified no later than June 30th, and the June 30th applicants who are accepted will be notified no later than July 15th.  Applicants who are accepted by July 30th, will be notified no later than August 15th.  Applicants who are accepted by August 31st, will be notified no later than September 15th.

 
Woodwind & Brass Instruments:

Woodwind and brass instrument players should submit a prepared solo or etude (minimum of 4 minutes, maximum of 7 minutes). You will be judged on technical proficiency, tone quality, and overall general musicianship. It is recommended that a Grade III-V level etude or solo be used as audition material.  Only cassette recordings or CD-R (NOT CD-RW) recordings can be accepted, and should be in high-fidelity stereo.  If sending a video, audition should be in the form of a VHS Video Tape, video on CD-R or video on DVD.  Audition materials should be submitted with completed application.

Percussion:

Audition should be in the form of a VHS Video Tape, video on CD-R, or video on DVD. Percussionist must audition on both of the following instruments: Snare and Quads/Quints. In addition, if you are interested in a secondary instrument if not selected for primary, applicants must also indicate the instrument on their application. Please include both instruments on audition tape. For this band, the Drum Line will consist of snare, bass drum, quads/quints and cymbals.

Please be sure to identify yourself on the audition tape by telling us your name, grade level and the school that you attend. Auditions must include the following listed below and your hands/sticks and mallets must be in clear visible sight of the camera.

1. An optional video clip (if available) of you marching and playing either in your marching band field show or indoor marching percussion ensemble.

2. All players are to perform on both snare and quads/quints for the audition and the playing requirements are below:

Performance of the following rudiments must be played slow-fast-slow.  Announce each rudiment or technique before playing.

Snare: (traditional grip only): Single Stroke Roll, Double Stroke Roll, Flam Tap, Flam Accent, Single Paradiddle, Paradiddle-diddle, Rudimental snare drum solo (maximum of 2 minutes)

Quads/Quints: (Rudiments played on the #2 drum): Single Stroke Roll, Double Stroke Roll, Single Paradiddle, Paradiddle-diddle and a Rudimental quad solo (maximum of two minutes) that shows your ability to play around the drums.

Bass Drum:  (Rudiments to be played on the bass drum):  Single Stroke Roll, Double Stroke Roll, and a rudimental snare drum solo (performed on a snare drum) that demonstrates your ability to play while marking time.

Cymbals: Basic Crash technique, any other sounds/technique you are familiar with, and any other exercise that shows your ability to play while marking time.

Please note:  Percussionist that do not indicate cymbals on their application as their first or second choice, may be assigned to the cymbal line if your first or second choice is not available after the auditions.  Should you not receive your first or second choice assignment and DO NOT want to be considered for cymbals as a third choice, please write on your application:  Not interested in Cymbals.

Auxiliary: Flags & Dancers

Audition should be in the form of a VHS Video Tape, video on CD-R, or video on DVD.

FLAG video should demonstrate 1) basic spins and slow slams (change of direction and use of both hands) as well as 2) flag work routine such as your marching band or winter guard flag work and 3) foot movement (including glide step marching movement). Equipment portion minimum of 3 and maximum of 5 minutes.

DANCERS video should include 3-5 minutes of solo dance routine to music showing jazz, lyrical, hip hop, and modern dance styles plus glide step marching paying attention to posture and tempo of foot movement.