McKendree University - Music at McKendree Audition Requirements

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Music at McKendree Audition Requirements

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, 20^th/21^st 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Marching Bearcat Band Required Audition Music

OUR MCKENDREE LINKS

Piccolo Trumpet 1 Snare Drum