Music at McKendree Audition Requirements
Please select the appropriate link for specific audition requirements
Music Majors and Minors
Marching Bearcat Band and Jazz Ensemble
(not a music major or minor)
Color Guard and Heritage Winter Guard
Music Majors and Minors
Performance requirements:
All students auditioning to be music major, and/or to receive a music major/minor scholarship, should be prepared to perform two contrasting works. These works should either be from two different historical periods (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, 20th/21st century) or should be in two contrasting styles. Vocalists who plan to major in music are encouraged to sing one song in a foreign language. Also, all vocalists and pianists who are planning to major in music are expected to perform from memory. ALL students should bring 3 copies of the pieces that are to be performed. *Students who audition on their main instrument and wish to be considered for a Marching Bearcat Band or Jazz Scholarship are NOT required to do a separate audition, unless they wish to play a different instrument.
Additional requirements:
All instrumentalists, pianists and organists will be asked to play major scales. All vocalists will be asked to sight read a brief musical example of moderate difficulty. The audition will be followed by a personal interview with the music faculty. Finally, all students will take a theory assessment exam to determine placement within the theory sequence. In addition to the above requirements, a letter of recomendation from a current music teacher (in the area of which you are auditioning) is required. This letter should be sent at least 2 weeks prior to your audition to:
Music Recomendation
McKendree University
Attn: Lester McQuaid
701 College Road
Lebanon, IL 62254
Accompanists:
All instrumentalists and vocalists are encouraged to provide their own accompanist, but if you are not able to do so, please contact the music department 3 weeks prior to your audition and we will make arrangements to provide an accompanist for you.
Marching Bearcat Band and Jazz Auditions
We try to keep auditions for the Marching Bearcat Band and Jazz Ensemble as stress-free as possible. Obviously, you want to be well-prepared so that you make the best impression possible.
Marching Bearcat Band Auditions require that you play the following:
1. Our McKendree (the University Fight song) - found at the links below.
(Please click HERE for the mentioned links above)
2. Prepared etude - also found at the links below.
(Please click HERE for the mentioned links above)
3. Prepared piece of ENSEMBLE LITERATURE which you have been playing in your high school / college band. This should be something which you feel very comfortable playing in an audition.
4. Also, you will have a short interview with the band staff.
In addition to the above requirements, a letter of recomendation from a current music teacher (in the area of which you are auditioning) is required. This letter should be sent at least 2 weeks prior to your audition to:
Music Recomendation
McKendree University
Attn: Lester McQuaid
701 College Road
Lebanon, IL 62254
Jazz Ensemble Auditions require that you play the following:
1. Jazz etude - found at the links below.
(Please click HERE for the mentioned links above)
2. Prepared piece of ENSEMBLE LITERATURE which you have been playing in your high school / college band.
3. Soloists only - Solo to Bb or F Blues and changes to a jazz standard which you select. Please bring the accompanying CD to your audition. ‘Ensemble’ players, students who don’t typically solo, are exempt from this requirement.
4. Also, you will have a short interview with the jazz staff.
In addition to the above requirements, a letter of recomendation from a current music teacher (in the area of which you are auditioning) is required. This letter should be sent at least 2 weeks prior to your audition to:
Music Recomendation
McKendree University
Attn: Lester McQuaid
701 College Road
Lebanon, IL 62254
NOTE: Auditions for music major or minor scholarships are different from the Marching Bearcat Band and/or Jazz Ensemble auditions. However, auditions as music major or minor will satisfy the audition requirements for the MBB or Jazz Ensemble if you intend to play on the auditioned instrument. If you wish to play a different instrument in the Marching Band or Jazz Ensemble, you are required to do another audition.
Auditions off campus: At this time we will not be conducting any off campus auditions. However, if you are unable to make to campus for an audition because of distance or another reason, a video audition may be arranged. Please contact Lester McQuaid at lamcquaid@mckendree.edu or 618.537.6554 for more information.
Color Guard and Winter Guard Auditions
Guard auditions consist of auditioning on one routine from a current or recently performed show which is at least 90 seconds in length. You will also need to demonstrate some of the fundamentals that are used in Color Guard and Winter Guard. In instances that distance prevents an on-campus audition and interview students may send a video tape as long as the individual who is auditioning is clearly shown with a member of the guard on either side so we have an idea of what the routine looks like from an ensemble standpoint. Students will also meet with the band staff for a short interview.
In addition to the above requirements, a letter of recomendation from your current band director is required. This letter should be sent at least 2 weeks prior to your audition to:
Music Recomendation
McKendree University
Attn: Lester McQuaid
701 College Road
Lebanon, IL 62254
Marching Bearcat Band Required Audition Music
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OUR MCKENDREE (FIGHT SONG) LINKS
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Piccolo
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Trumpet 1
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Snare Drum
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Flute
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Trumpet 2
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Tenor Drums
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Clarinet 1
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Tenor Saxophone
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Bass Drum
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Clarinet 2
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Trombone
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Cymbals
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Alto Saxophone
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Baritone / Euphonium
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Full Score
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Mellophone (Horn in F)
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Tuba
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Our McKendree (mp3 file)
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