Percussion
We are happy that you are interested in becoming a part of the Troopers percussion and we would love to see hear from you and see you come to camp!
The Audition Process
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- Timing
- Quality of sound
- Rhythmic accuracy
- Technique
- Strength/chops
- Reading
- Attendance at future camps
- Commitment level/attitude
All battery percussionists should prepare a short solo showcasing your strengths and abilities - no longer than 2 1/2 minutes. Solos can be anything from an excerpt from a marching band show to an original composition. Additionally, please be prepared with your own exercises demonstrating:
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- 8's
- Accent tap
- Double beat
- Triple beat
- Diddle and roll exercises
- Basic flam accent and flam tap exercise
If auditioning for the front ensemble, it is not required to perform on all instruments. If you are not equally strong in all areas of percussion, this will not count as a negative. However, your versatility could serve as a positive. All keyboard percussionists (and timpanists) should be prepared with a short 2 and/or 4 mallet solo or excerpt from a longer piece. You should also be prepared with exercises demonstrating:
- 2 mallet scales and arpeggios (major, minor, and chromatic)
- 4 mallet dexterity and blocked chords (vibes - Burton grip, marimba - Stevens grip)
The exercises that we use cover fundamentals and are somewhat easy to understand. The emphasis will be placed on quality of sound, timing, and rhythmic accuracy. All exercises for battery and mallet players will be given to you at the camp and will not be mailed out.
Everyone should bring their own sticks or mallets for the instrument they are auditioning for. We are certain it will be a successful year and we hope you can be a part of it.
Go register now and best of luck at the audition!
Audition Dates & Locations
| Date | Location | City |
|---|---|---|
| January 17-19th, 2014 | Storey Gym | Cheyenne, WY |
| February 21-23rd, 2014 | TBA | Cheyenne, WY |
| March 21-23rd, 2014 | Storey Gym | Cheyenne, WY |
| April 25-27th, 2014 | TBA | Laramie, WY |
| May 3-4th, 2014 (Guard Only) | Boone County Fairgrounds (Lebanon, IN) | Indianapolis, IN |
| May 20th, 2014 | Boone County Fairgrounds (Lebanon, IN) | Indianapolis, IN |
Our main full-weekend camp is in Cheyenne. If you plan to fly to that camp, you will fly to Denver International Airport and the corps will provide a shuttle to the camp. The one-day satellite auditions are intended to be a convenience for those who cannot make it to the Cheyenne camp. The idea is that you would drive to those camps, not fly. If you plan to fly to a camp, please register for the Cheyenne camp.
Video Auditions:
Video auditions are for extenuating circumstances and will only result in an invitation to the next audition camp. We must see you in an ensemble setting before contracts will be offered. Potential members must get pre-approval from either Chris McWilliams or Lauren Teel to send a video.
All percussionist must be prepared to attend all camps.
Attendance at all camps is critical to our success as a section. Missing any, and or all of a camp is only permitted on a case by case basis and must be approved by the Corps Director and your Caption Head. It is an expectation that you will make every reasonable effort to attend any part of a rehearsal that does not conflict with an approved event.
If you have questions about any of the exercises, methods or techniques as well as any operational, attendance or information questions please contact either Chris McWilliams or Lauren Teel by clicking their contact card below.
