Welcome to the Mandarins Brass Audition for the 2010 season. We are glad that you’ve chosen to participate in America’s most unique youth activity – drum corps!!! As a member of the brass line, you will be challenged to grow as a musician as well as a young adult. Discipline, dedication, and hard work are especially important to your overall success in the Mandarins – and you’ll have fun, too!
The Audition: The brass audition consists of three parts: performing the provided audition music for the brass staff, performing a short solo selection of your choice (1 – 2 minutes), and an interview with the brass caption head. You are encouraged to be prepared for the audition. Practice the music slowly at first with good tone. Your solo selection should contain elements of a well-rounded player with slurs, dexterity, and dynamics. We are interested in your ability to emote on cue. The brass staff is available to help you prepare at our Mandarins Brass Academy.
Once the brass staff has had a chance to evaluate all the potential members, those that are offered a spot should take care of the registration and tour fees as soon as possible to secure their spot in the line. Bring your birth certificate or driver’s license to the camp so you can sign up at the end of camp. Even if you are over 18 years old, your parent’s signature is required. You can find a copy of the registration at the website to download and fill out ahead of time. Those who are offered a call back are expected to improve on their assigned tasks and return to the January camp for re-evaluation. NOTE: Many individuals who have limited brass-playing skills early in the season do well during the competition season IF THEY WORK HARD! Please do not be intimidated.
We look forward to another exciting season with a larger and more experienced brass line. If you have any questions, email the Caption Head. Keep checking the website for the camp location and dates for future mandatory camps. Welcome to the Mandarins!!!
Brass Downloads
Auditions are complete for the 2010 season. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to email me tlinder@me.com.
Audition Music PDFs:
- Basses
- Snares
- Tenors
Video Submittals:
It is understood that some of you will be submitting an audition video. For the video, please record yourself performing each of the listed exercises for your instrument. Performing on an actual drum is preferred, but if no drum is available, feel free to use a practice pad, or tenor practice pad.
See audition packet for specific information pertaining to each instrument being auditioned for.
You may then either email the video to tlinder@me.com, or post the video on www.youtube.com or video site of your choosing, sending a link to the video/s to the same email address.
Materials and Equipment:
Persons auditioning must bring the following items
that pertain to the instrument being
auditioned for.
- Snare
- Snare stand (No snare stands will be supplied)
- Sticks (No sticks will be supplied)
- Practice Pad
- Tenors
- Mallets (No mallets will be supplied)
- Practice Pad
- Bass Drum
- Mallets will be provided
- Practice Pad
- Mental Approach
- How quickly, efficiently, and accurately does the performer learn music given to them.
- How well does the performer listen, absorb, and apply information given to them.
- Marching
- Endurance
- Can the performer handle world class drum corps drill during a 10-12 minute show.
- Technique
- Technique will be taught by Battery Visual tech. at the first audition camp.
- Marching and playing
- How well does the performer march, or mark time while playing simple to complex rhythms.
- Hand to feet timing.
- Endurance
- Music Preparedness
- How well is the audition music prepared.
- Performance Evaluation Examples
- Sound quality
- Timing / Tempo Control
- Tenor player's ability to move around the drums
- Rudiment and music interpretation
- Can the performer play clean!
- How are the performer's overall chops.
- Endurance
- Attitude
- o How much does the performer want to be part of the Mandarins organization? It is important that all members buy into what they can bring to this drum corps. We like to see persons that take ownership and pride in what they do, thus making the drum line a section within the overall corps that anyone would be honored to be a part of.
- Strength of Character
For the Visual portion of the audition, it is important that the person auditioning bring appropriate footwear. Tennis shoes or a comfortable running shoe are recommended. Do not come to the audition in any open toed shoe, or sandal that you will not be able to march in. Please see the full corps audition information for more details in this matter.
All persons auditioning also need to bring a calendar showing any possible conflicts he or she may have over the course of the season (December to August).
Expectations:
Persons auditioning will be evaluated in the following areas (not listed in order of importance)
Again, we as a staff look forward to meeting you all in December.
Thank You,
Tom Linder
Caption Head: Percussion
Sacramento
Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps
tlinder@me.com
559.978.1169
Front Ensemble: The audition process will be broken down into two parts: Individual and Ensemble.
- Individual: Solos (mallets and timpani), "Excerpt 1" with a metronome (aux and synth).
- Ensemble: Exercises, ensemble piece sent after registration (email Gary Smith after you have registered).
What to bring:
Mallets will be provided at the camp, but if you wish to bring your own, that is fine. Everyone should have a three-ring binder with plastic sheets, several sharpened pencils, and two highlighters.
Auxiliary percussionists should bring their own drumsticks. Everyone should dress in clothes that are comfortable to move around in.
Mallets:
1) Prepare a solo that best demonstrates your best technical and musical
understanding (please bring a copy of the music). If a solo is not available,
you may play an excerpt from a show (also bring music).
2) "4-3-2-1" at 140bpm
3) "Mandarin Scales" at 100bpm (ALL MAJOR KEYS)
4) "Mandarin Singles" at 80bpm
6) "Mandarin Timing" at 80bpm
7) Ensemble piece (contact Gary Smith after you have registered)
8) Scales and arpeggios up to two octaves
This season, the marimba players will be using Stevens Grip and the vibe players will be using Burton Grip. For the audition, play with the grip that is comfortable to you.
Timpani:
1) Prepare a solo that best demonstrates your best technical and musical
understanding (please bring a copy of the music). If a solo is not available,
you may play an excerpt from a show (also bring music).
2) "4-3-2-1" at 140bpm
3) "Mandarin Scales" at 100bpm (ALL MAJOR KEYS)
4) "Mandarin Singles" at 80bpm
5) "Mandarin Timing" at 80bpm
6) Ensemble piece (contact Gary Smith after you have registered)
7) Be prepared to sing and tune a given pitch
Aux. Percussion:
1) Be able to demonstrate basic skills on tambourine, triangle, snare drum,
crash cymbals, BD, tam tam, etc.
2) "Mandarin Singles" at 80bpm
3) "Mandarin Timing" at 80bpm
4) "Excerpt 1" with a metronome at 240bpm (eighth note)
Piano/Synths:
1) Prepare two piano solos of contrasting styles (one slow and musical, one
fast and technical).
2) "4-3-2-1" at 140bpm (mallet part)
3) "Mandarin Scales" at 100bpm (mallet part)
4) "Mandarin Singles" at 80bpm (mallet part)
5) "Mandarin Timing" at 80bpm (mallet part)
6) "Excerpt 1" with a metronome at 240bpm (eighth note)
Download the Front Ensemble Exercises here:
If you have further questions regarding the front ensemble material, please contact Gary Smith, Front Ensemble Coordinator, at bigdrummerboy@csufresno.edu.
Thank you for your interest the Mandarins Color Guard! Your first step will be to complete the Audition Form as soon as possible. Please make plans to attend our Audition Weekend December 12 & 13, 2009.
During the audition process consideration will be based on your skills in the areas of dance, marching, movement, and equipment training. Previous training is these areas is always recommended however, your work ethic and attitude will play a large role in the audition process. Other considerations will be past experience, availability and your commitment to the financial obligations. We will be observing you as an individual and also as part of the ensemble. We will get to know you better through a personal interview. You will need to be dressed in comfortable clothing that will allow you to move freely (dance wear, sweats, or shorts, t-shirts, dance or athletic shoes).
You should bring your own equipment (flag, rifle, sabre).
We want you to enjoy the weekend. The purpose is not to intimidate you or inhibit you; it is designed for us to get to know each other and to evaluate your abilities, attitude, and potential.
It is a good idea to take dance classes over the winter months to prepare for the upcoming season. Although any style is acceptable, a class that will help you develop a stronger technique base is preferred.
Video Tape Auditions: Please contact Gregory
Mar and
discuss your conflict. After you have been approved you may send your audition
video to:
Sacramento Mandarins,
PO Box 22297, Sacramento, CA 95822.
The video should contain: an introduction of yourself that includes your past experience, examples of your movement and dance abilty (technique and choreography), and your flag and weapon skills (technique and choreography). Your video has no time limit, but be certain that you are performing at your highest ability (include spins, tosses, and choreography). Keep in mind that you need to demonstrate an ability to move and spin at the same time.
Additional Audition Dates and Locations:
December 6, University of Hawaii at Manoa (flyer
here)
January 3, Southern California
January 16 & 17, Sacramento, California (Location/Time TBA)
April 23-25,
Final Audition Camp - Sacramento, California (Location/Time TBA)
At a recent conference, I was asked to define the single most life-shaping experience in my past. Without hesitation, I responded, "Mandarins." I told of 10-hour rehearsal days, tour, discipline, self-discovery, individuality and teamwork, talent, strength, accomplishment, confidence, and ambition. The will to strive toward excellence. It shaped my very being and has fueled my success. ~ Courtney White
