Auditions for the 2024-2025 season will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024, from 8 am-4 pm at Hobart Taylor, our music building. PLEASE READ THIS PAGE IN ITS ENTIRETY!

Please note the following important information to ensure you are fully prepared for the auditions. On the day of the audition, please arrive on campus by 8 am to check in/register and to receive your audition numbers.

The dress code for the day is plain white T-shirts, black or blue basketball shorts, and comfortable tennis shoes. Please also remember to bring the instrument you will be auditioning for.

The schedule for May 18th is as follows:

8 am - Arrival & Check-in,

9 am-12noon - Workshop (playing techniques, warm-ups, music run-through),

12 noon-1 pm – Lunch (On your Own),

NOTE: It is highly recommended that you bring your own lunch/snacks since we cannot guarantee that on-campus food providers will be available since classes will not be in session. We DO have a Subway and a convenience store on-campus located in the shopping plaza on University Drive, immediately before you cross the light at FM 1098. We also have a Checkers restaurant on the other side of Highway 290 on University Drive connected to the gas station.

There are more options at the FM 362 exit (Buc-ees, County Line BBQ) and FM 2920 (Sonic, Popeyes, etc.) off of Hwy 290. Please keep in mind when leaving campus that you must return prior to 1 pm so that you will not miss the beginning of the audition process.

1 pm-3:30 pm- Auditions,

4 pm-4:45 pm – Drumline and Scholarships for the 2024-2025 season announced.

Please complete the form found at THIS LINK prior to arriving for the audition.

If you have any questions or concerns about the audition, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Zachery at 936-261-3314 or 3315. We wish each of you the best of luck in your auditions.

Pertinent Audition Information

As we prepare for auditions for the upcoming season, we remind you of an important detail. Each percussionist will audition on the instrument they intend to play, and all skills demonstrated on that instrument will be the primary basis for your audition score.

For example, if you are a cymbal player, we expect twirls, crashes, showmanship, and basic musical skills such as simple sight reading and the ability to play in time. This same principle applies to section-based drummers as well. Bass drum players will audition primarily on the bass drum, snares on snare drum, multi-tenors on multi-tenor, and tenor drummers on the tenor drum.

It is important for each of you to showcase your skills on your chosen instrument during the audition process. We look forward to seeing your hard work and dedication pay off during auditions.

All Percussionists: 

  • 40 Basic Rudiments
  • 10 Hybrid Rudiments
  • Ability to Sight-read basic rhythms.
  • Solo material for snare drum or mallet percussion
  • Demonstrate the ability to play in 4/4, 2/4, 3⁄4-, and 6/8-time signatures.
  • Demonstrate the ability to march and play in time.

Things Needed for Audition

Attire:

Black Shorts Pants, a Plain White T-shirt (with Sleeves, No Writing), White Socks, And Comfortable Tennis Shoes.

Snare Drummers:

  • Snare Drum Strap/Sling
  • Snare Drumsticks.
  • Snare Drum
  • Leg Rest
  • Leveling Bar

Multi-Tenor/Quintuplets:

  • Sticks
  • Multi-Tenor Drum with Harness

Chest Tenor Drummer:

  • Tenor Strap/Sling
  • Tenor Sticks
  • Tenor Drum

Bass Drummer:

  • Bass Drum Strap/Sling
  • Bass Drumsticks
  • Bass Drum

Cymbal Player:

  • Cymbals (18inches or Larger)
  • Proper pads and Bandanas
  • Gloves

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