Membership Policies

Instrumentation: To make the strongest Racer Band possible, all members should perform where they are most proficient (what you did in high school marching band). Racer Band is not the place to try something new! Instrument transfers will be handled on an as-needed basis (email for more information). If we have already talked, plan on what we discussed. QUESTIONS? – email Mr. Fannin.
Music Majors – you must perform on your major instrument. Exceptions require a request to Mr. Fannin and ap- proval by Dr. Unrau (Department Chair), Dr. Blanco (Director of Bands), Mr. Erickson (Unit Chair), and your private teacher. Email Mr. Fannin if you would like to be considered to perform in another area/instrument.
Member Criteria: 98% of all successful high school band members will be able to meet the following Racer Band membership criteria:   
Be an average high school band performer, able to keep up with musical reqs. of our shows Be able to stay in-step & keep up with visual requirements of our shows
Work effectively within a large organization
Be on time and organized **If you cannot fulfill these criteria, speak with Mr. Fannin for alternate placement**

Instrumentation:
Percussion Part Assignments: Please go to RacerBand.com for information regarding the video audition required for all new members prior to attending camp(and vets wanting to switch instruments). If you haven’t already, please submit your videos as soon as possible. You will receive an email by letting you know what instrument(s) you might play in the 2019 Racer Band. At camp, we will continue to evaluate all percussion members. We will continue switching people around over the first weekend until we feel like we have the line set. Bring sticks/mallets for your instrument (we will provide bass drum mallets & keyboard mallets). Our goal is to find a spot for everyone, but there are limited numbers of spots in each section based on equipment and talent level. Email questions to: swooley@murraystate.edu or nschulte@murraystate.edu.
Audition Information

Color Guard: Thank you for your interest in joining Racer Band Color Guard. In the past few years, we have held video auditions due in the summer before camp. This year, we would like to do things a little differently. We will be holding auditions at Racer Band camp, similar to how the drum line and pit audition. We would like to be able to not only watch you spin, but also watch you learn and communicate with your leaders and staff members. This is one of the most important parts of Racer Band. For our guard, there is a lot of work learned in a short amount of time. It’s vital that you are willing to spend extra time outside of camp to remember and go over work. As we do not have anything specific for you to prepare, we do have a list of skills that we use commonly. Please keep in mind, if you are unable to perform the entire list of skills, try out anyway. This list is a starting point. We are here to teach you things that you may not have been taught before. ALL GUARDS ARE TAUGHT DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES. We understand and love the fact that Racer Band brings together so many different skill levels of performers. We do not require that you have been in a guard before, but do require that you have performing/ marching experience. You need to be physically fit enough to be able to perform jazz run/walks (across the floor exercises), Drop spins (left and right), Double time (left and right), Tosses (single, halves, 45s, etc.). During the first few days of pre-camp (guard and percussion camp), we will be teaching technique and learning some of the pre-game tunes performed at football games. We will have a short audition process even though we will be watching everyone work throughout the first few days. If we feel you are not ready to join the guard, we will let you know and try to find a different place for you in Racer Band.

Mellophones/Baritone/Sousaphones: We will provide as many baritones, mellophones, and sousaphones as we can. Our goal is to find a spot for everyone on his or her instrument of choice, but there are limited numbers of spots in each section based on equipment and talent level. If we run short on instruments you may be asked to play something else. We have 27 mellophones, 19 baritones, and 20 sousaphones. **Bring your own mouth- piece**

Trombone Players — MSU does not furnish trombones. You must provide your own instrument. If you have a nice instrument that you don’t want to march with; you might try a pawn shop to get an older trombone to march with. We want all trombone players to play trombone-It’s louder :)

Wind Part Assignments: Trumpet, trombone, mellophone, and clarinet players will be assigned parts. This will be very informal! Don't stress! The music for the auditions will be decided on by the section leaders at a time TBA (you will be contacted and informed) Please try to memorize as much music as possible prior to camp! MP3’s and PDF’s of most music will be on Racerband.com shortly. Download the music and play along! Contact your section leaders to ask what part. (As a general rule, pick a lower part.)