2025 PERCUSSION audition information is now available!
DRUMLINE & FRONT ENSEMBLE GENERAL AUdition Information
Thank you for your interest in the 2025 Murray State University Racer Band Marching Percussion Section - we look forward to meeting you as we prepare for another successful chapter in the history of this storied program!
Please ensure that you have filled out the Racer Band Interest Form and keep an eye on your email throughout the summer. Members will receive important details regarding Band Camp and the upcoming fall season via the Racer Band Summer Newsletter.
Auditions will take place during Percussion Camp on August 9-12, followed by Full Band Camp from August 13-17. Current information pertaining to Band Camp can be found here - take time to review all information carefully and don’t hesitate to reach out should you have any questions.
Please ensure that you have filled out the Racer Band Interest Form and keep an eye on your email throughout the summer. Members will receive important details regarding Band Camp and the upcoming fall season via the Racer Band Summer Newsletter.
Auditions will take place during Percussion Camp on August 9-12, followed by Full Band Camp from August 13-17. Current information pertaining to Band Camp can be found here - take time to review all information carefully and don’t hesitate to reach out should you have any questions.
Questions? Feel free to reach out!
Andy Gibson, Percussion Caption Head: [email protected]
Professor Conner Viets, Director of Percussion Studies: [email protected]
Dr. Ashley Shoupe, Director of Racer Band: [email protected]
Andy Gibson, Percussion Caption Head: [email protected]
Professor Conner Viets, Director of Percussion Studies: [email protected]
Dr. Ashley Shoupe, Director of Racer Band: [email protected]
aUDITION oVERVIEW
Any prospective student auditioning for the drumline or the front ensemble must have previous experience performing as part of a marching percussion section. Drumline members must be able to physically carry their instrument in a manner conducive to playing while marching at tempos up to 180 bpm.
Please prepare the provided audition materials for the instrument on which you have the most performance experience and/or the instrument on which you are most interested in performing.
All sections of the Racer Band Marching Percussion Section are of equal importance to the unit’s collective success, the music, and to the Racer Band as a whole - in the event that you do not make your first choice instrument, you will have the opportunity to audition for other instruments should there be spots available.
Please prepare the provided audition materials for the instrument on which you have the most performance experience and/or the instrument on which you are most interested in performing.
All sections of the Racer Band Marching Percussion Section are of equal importance to the unit’s collective success, the music, and to the Racer Band as a whole - in the event that you do not make your first choice instrument, you will have the opportunity to audition for other instruments should there be spots available.
AUDITION PROCEDURES
Audition Procedures
All auditioning members will be evaluated in both the ensemble and individual environments. Individual auditions, consisting of either the audition etude for each instrument (Drumline) or specified exercises (Front Ensemble), will occur on the first day of Percussion Camp.
All auditionees will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
All auditioning members will be evaluated in both the ensemble and individual environments. Individual auditions, consisting of either the audition etude for each instrument (Drumline) or specified exercises (Front Ensemble), will occur on the first day of Percussion Camp.
All auditionees will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
- Attitude/Commitment/Preparation
- Timing
- Sound Quality
- Rhythmic Accuracy
- Musicianship
- Technique
- Reading Ability
AUDITION MATERIALS
The exercises utilized throughout the audition process are relatively straightforward in nature and are designed to establish a solid technical foundation upon which to build throughout the season.
Please prepare and memorize all material in the exercise packet to the best of your ability. Additionally, please learn the audition etude for the instrument(s) you are interested in - this does not need to be memorized. Front Ensemble members should prepare the material specified under the "Front Ensemble" section.
Physical copies of these materials will be provided to each auditioning member in a three-ring binder - it is each member's responsibility to have these materials readily accessible during the course of camp rehearsal.
Please prepare and memorize all material in the exercise packet to the best of your ability. Additionally, please learn the audition etude for the instrument(s) you are interested in - this does not need to be memorized. Front Ensemble members should prepare the material specified under the "Front Ensemble" section.
Physical copies of these materials will be provided to each auditioning member in a three-ring binder - it is each member's responsibility to have these materials readily accessible during the course of camp rehearsal.
dRUMLINE
Snare Drum Exercise Packet Link
Snare Drum Audition Etude Link
Tenors Exercise Packet Link
Tenors Audition Etude Link
Basses Exercise Packet Link
Basses Audition Etude Link
Cymbals Exercise Packet Link (coming soon)
Cymbals Audition Etude Link
Snare Drum Audition Etude Link
Tenors Exercise Packet Link
Tenors Audition Etude Link
Basses Exercise Packet Link
Basses Audition Etude Link
Cymbals Exercise Packet Link (coming soon)
Cymbals Audition Etude Link
FRONT ENSEMBLE
MALLETS (MARIMBA, VIBRAPHONE, XYLOPHONE/GLOCKENSPIEL)
Mallets Exercise Packet Link
SYNTH
BASS GUITAR
GUITAR
Mallets Exercise Packet Link
- Scales & Arpeggios (all 12 major keys) [♩= 100-200]
- Green #2 (all 12 major keys) [♩= 70-160]
- 7/8 (w/Double Verticals) [♩= 92-136]
- OPTIONAL: a prepared solo/etude of your choice demonstrating your technical and musical abilities (excerpt, no longer than 2 minutes)
SYNTH
- Reading Excerpt - The Anti-Hero That I Get (mm. 45-64) [♩= 180]
- A prepared tune of your choice demonstrating your technical and musical abilities (no longer than 2 minutes)
BASS GUITAR
- Reading Excerpt - Chameleon (pick-ups to mm. 36-50) [♩= 180]
- Sheet music and tab are both available
- A prepared tune of your choice demonstrating your technical and musical abilities (no longer than 2 minutes)
GUITAR
- Reading Excerpt - Uptown Funk (m. 30-Fine) [♩= 120]
- A prepared tune of your choice demonstrating your technical and musical abilities (no longer than 2 minutes)
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