AUDITION INFORMATION

The first step to joining the 25th Army Band is the audition. The main interest is in your sight-reading ability and demonstrated musicianship: tone; technique; rhythm; and intonation. Auditions are usually coordinated through a recruiter, but may be set up directly with the band's office. The audition is broken down into three segments: prepared material, scales and sight-reading. Prepared material counts for 40% of the audition score, scales are 10% and sight-reading is 50%. Prepared material usually consists of a selection from a Grade IV or higher solo piece no more than three minutes in length. Rhythm instrument players have additional requirements.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

Woodwind and Brass:

• Prepared Selection: Grade IV or higher (40%)
• Major Scales & Arpeggios: Two octaves where possible, memorized (10%) Minimum tempo for all scales - quarter note = mm.80
• Chromatic Scales: Full range, memorized
• Sight-Reading: Marches, Concert/Jazz band literature (50%)

Percussion:

• Prepared Selection: Two snare drum selections, one rudimental and one concert, Grade IV or higher.
• Rudiments: All rudiments on snare drum, memorized. See attached sheet for minimum tempos.
• Major scales and Arpeggios: All major scales on a mallet instrument, two octaves, memorized. Minimum tempo eighth notes at quarter note = mm.80
• Chromatic Scales: Same as major scales.
• Demonstrate the following drum set idioms: Swing; Rock; Funk; and multiple Latin styles. See attached sheet for examples of each idiom.
• Sight-Reading: Marches, Concert/Jazz band literature
• Score will be broken down as follows: Snare 50%, Drum Set 40%, Mallets 10%

Electric Guitar and Electric Bass:

• Prepared selection from each of the following: Swing; Pop/Rock; Ballad; Latin (40%)
• Major scales and Arpeggios: Two octaves, memorized, starting on the 1 st, 2 nd and 4th fingers (10%)
• Demonstrate the following chords: Maj7 Min7 Dom7 Min7Flat5
• Sight-Reading: Representative literature, bass lines (Bass guitar only) Chord changes, and the ii-V7-I progression (Guitar only) (50%)

Keyboard:

• Prepared selection from each of the following: Swing; Pop/Rock; Ballad; Latin; and Classical (optional) (40%)
• Major Scales and Arpeggios: Three octaves, memorized, both hands (10%)
• Demonstrate the following chords: Maj7 Min7 Dom7 Min7Flat5 and the ii-V7-I progression.
• Sight-Reading: From representative literature and chord changes.

PREPARING FOR THE AUDITION

Prepared Material:

This should be a solo, excerpts or etudes. The ability level should be Grade IV/Class A or higher. Select a piece that shows your ability to play in contrasting styles. There will not normally be an accompanist, so choose something that works well without accompaniment. Many successful auditionees select two challenging and contrasting etudes. The purpose for this section of the audition is to demonstrate what you can do with preparation.

Scales:

Applicants will perform major and chromatic scales only, but all forms of minor scales are recommended as this could help improve your score. Perform these as quickly as possible without sacrificing accuracy. A good minimum standard is to play them in quarter notes, quarter note = mm80. Percussionists will perform rudiments on the snare drum in addition to scales on a mallet instrument.

Sight-Reading:

The sight-reading portion of the audition will consist of marches, orchestral, concert band and jazz band literature, selected from pieces the 25th Army Band is currently rehearsing. You should be prepared to read marches in 6/8 and cut time. Rhythm section players will be asked to perform latin, swing, rock and country/western styles.

Additional Information:

A good rule of thumb in preparing for the audition is to divide practice time in the same way the audition will be scored: 40% on prepared material, 10% on scales and 50% on sight-reading. If possible, discuss the audition in advance with the band commander or auditioner. Percussionists must demonstrate ability on drum set, snare drum, and on mallet instruments. Flutists should bring as piccolo and be prepared to sight read on both flute and piccolo.