Percussion Audition Requirements

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.