MGM Viking Band Percussion Auditions
Battery Packet
Front Ensemble Packet
Simply follow the guidelines below and the information given by the instructors, and you will make incredible advancements as a musician and performer. Remember, you are auditioning for a spot in this program, and proving to the instructors that you belong here. We don’t expect perfection on day one, but if you show us that you are not willing to put in the work, you WILL NOT be asked to return, regardless of skill level or past involvement with the MGM Band Program. We are coming together to create the best ensemble we can be, in both marching and concert settings, and one person with a bad attitude can ruin that for everyone. You can be taught to play, but we can’t teach drive or ambition.
You will play a variety of instruments and be placed on the one that we think will fit you and the ensemble the best. There are only so many marching spots available so do not be discouraged if you do not receive the spot you wanted. The front ensemble is equally/if not more important to the band as a whole. If you have a “center snare or I will quit” attitude, we kindly ask that you take your talents elsewhere.
Practice Tips:
MGM Percussion Clinic and audition dates.
Clinics:
April 3rd- 2:45-5:00(Required)
April 4th- 2:45-5:00(Required)
Auditions:
April 5th- 2:45- 4:30 (Battery)
April 6th- 2:45- 4:30 (Front Ensemble)
You should be able to play the enclosed exercises while reading the music. An incoming freshman who attends all clinics and performs well will be placed over a senior who “chops” their way through an audition. We will spend some portions of this outside with marching basics as well. Marching will factor into your audition.
Exercises that you will need to know for auditions:
No one will be “cut” from auditions based on score, but they might be based on attitude. Drumline Positions are HIGHLY competitive. If you show up willing to work, we would love to have you.
Please bring:
If you have any questions please reach out to Ms. Thomas at [email protected] or
Mr. Warren at [email protected]
We look forward to seeing you at auditions and having a wonderful 23-24 school year!
Jason Warren Sarah Thomas
MGM Band Director MGM Assistant Band Director
Battery Packet
Front Ensemble Packet
Simply follow the guidelines below and the information given by the instructors, and you will make incredible advancements as a musician and performer. Remember, you are auditioning for a spot in this program, and proving to the instructors that you belong here. We don’t expect perfection on day one, but if you show us that you are not willing to put in the work, you WILL NOT be asked to return, regardless of skill level or past involvement with the MGM Band Program. We are coming together to create the best ensemble we can be, in both marching and concert settings, and one person with a bad attitude can ruin that for everyone. You can be taught to play, but we can’t teach drive or ambition.
You will play a variety of instruments and be placed on the one that we think will fit you and the ensemble the best. There are only so many marching spots available so do not be discouraged if you do not receive the spot you wanted. The front ensemble is equally/if not more important to the band as a whole. If you have a “center snare or I will quit” attitude, we kindly ask that you take your talents elsewhere.
Practice Tips:
- Always practice with a metronome!
- Practice how you perform. Bad practice habits are bad performance habits.
- Start slow, work up to full tempo. If you can’t play it slow, you can’t play it fast.
- Practice small segments. Perfect one beat, one measure, one phrase at a time. Rehearsal is when we put everything together.
- Never practice what you’re good at. Work on what you actually need to work on.
- Know the difference between practice and rehearsal. If you don’t know your music, we can’t tell you how to play it better.
- Count! You will never be above the basics. The best musicians in the world still count and subdivide.
- It’s easier to do the work than to not do the work. You will have a very bad time if you come to a rehearsal unprepared. However, if everyone shows up prepared, we can spend a lot more time having fun.
- Nervousness comes from a lack of preparation. Come into the audition knowing you can play everything perfectly, and you’ll have nothing to be worried about.
- Relax! This probably seems like a lot of information, but everyone at the audition wants you to succeed. Again, you’re not expected to be perfect on day one. A good work ethic and preparation will get you much farther than skill alone.
- Ask questions! Student leaders will be announced after auditions but any returning member is a good source of information
- Mark Time! When you are practicing, always mark time or tap your foot. It helps much more than you think it does.
MGM Percussion Clinic and audition dates.
Clinics:
April 3rd- 2:45-5:00(Required)
April 4th- 2:45-5:00(Required)
Auditions:
April 5th- 2:45- 4:30 (Battery)
April 6th- 2:45- 4:30 (Front Ensemble)
You should be able to play the enclosed exercises while reading the music. An incoming freshman who attends all clinics and performs well will be placed over a senior who “chops” their way through an audition. We will spend some portions of this outside with marching basics as well. Marching will factor into your audition.
Exercises that you will need to know for auditions:
- Eights- Original, Variation 1 and Variation 2
- DuF- Original and Variation 1
- Doubles- Original and Variation1
- Duple Rolls- Original, Variation 1 and Variation 2
- On all exercises with multiple bass drum parts, we will be utilizing the 5 drum option for auditions.
- Battery will also need to know the cadence included.
No one will be “cut” from auditions based on score, but they might be based on attitude. Drumline Positions are HIGHLY competitive. If you show up willing to work, we would love to have you.
Please bring:
- A binder with sheet protectors with your music
- A pencil
- A Highlighter
- Water
- Athletic clothes
- Tennis Shoes are a MUST. No crocs/sandals/boots
- Drum sticks (Preferably marching, but any will do) and a practice pad
If you have any questions please reach out to Ms. Thomas at [email protected] or
Mr. Warren at [email protected]
We look forward to seeing you at auditions and having a wonderful 23-24 school year!
Jason Warren Sarah Thomas
MGM Band Director MGM Assistant Band Director