2026-2027 MGM Viking Band Percussion Auditions
CLICK HERE FOR AUDITION 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. ALL SPOTS ARE OPEN! Returning members are not guaranteed
the same instruments they have played before!
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 Audition dates.
Auditions this year will consist of 3 days after school until 5PM. Thursday April 30th, Friday May
1st and Monday May 4th.. Thursday April 30th and Friday May 1st will be for battery percussion
(Marching Drums) and Monday May 4th will be for Front Ensemble (Mallet Instruments)
During auditions, we will be working as a group and will switch around on different instruments
working on the attached exercises, so please be prepared to be flexible on the music you may
not know as well.
Instruments to audition on:
● Snare (3 Spots)
● Bass (4 Spots)
● Tenors (2 Spots)
● Front Ensemble- Marimba, Vibraphone, Xylophone, Auxiliary etc.
Please select your top two options for auditions and those will be the instruments you will
audition on. Due to limited spots on certain instruments, you may not receive your #1 option.
Please prepare all exercises in the packet. Due to time constraints, all exercises may not be
played during your audition.
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. Results will be sent to directors on the day following the conclusion of auditions and
posted to mgmband.com as well as the MGM Viking Band Facebook page!
Please bring:
● A binder with sheet protectors with your music
● Drum sticks (Preferably marching, but any will do) and a practice pad
If you have any questions please reach out to Mrs. Pruit at [email protected] or
Mr. Warren at [email protected]
We look forward to seeing you at auditions and having a wonderful 26-27 school year!
CLICK HERE FOR AUDITION 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. ALL SPOTS ARE OPEN! Returning members are not guaranteed
the same instruments they have played before!
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 Audition dates.
Auditions this year will consist of 3 days after school until 5PM. Thursday April 30th, Friday May
1st and Monday May 4th.. Thursday April 30th and Friday May 1st will be for battery percussion
(Marching Drums) and Monday May 4th will be for Front Ensemble (Mallet Instruments)
During auditions, we will be working as a group and will switch around on different instruments
working on the attached exercises, so please be prepared to be flexible on the music you may
not know as well.
Instruments to audition on:
● Snare (3 Spots)
● Bass (4 Spots)
● Tenors (2 Spots)
● Front Ensemble- Marimba, Vibraphone, Xylophone, Auxiliary etc.
Please select your top two options for auditions and those will be the instruments you will
audition on. Due to limited spots on certain instruments, you may not receive your #1 option.
Please prepare all exercises in the packet. Due to time constraints, all exercises may not be
played during your audition.
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. Results will be sent to directors on the day following the conclusion of auditions and
posted to mgmband.com as well as the MGM Viking Band Facebook page!
Please bring:
● A binder with sheet protectors with your music
● Drum sticks (Preferably marching, but any will do) and a practice pad
If you have any questions please reach out to Mrs. Pruit at [email protected] or
Mr. Warren at [email protected]
We look forward to seeing you at auditions and having a wonderful 26-27 school year!
