Middle School Audition Guidelines:
WIND PLAYERS:
Major Scales:
1. Major Scales MUST be played at quarter note equals 60, the required tempo. Student will be
given the tempo in the audition room. Any deviation from this tempo, either faster or slower,
will result in a deduction in the score.
2. Student may choose to take a breath at the top of the major scale without penalty. However
the breath MUST be done in tempo.
3. Major Scales MUST be played with a legato tongue articulation up and down. Any deviation
from this articulation will result in a deduction in score.
4. Students MUST play all major scales to the required range and rhythm. Any reduction in the
range will result in a proportionate reduction in the total points given. For example if a
student plays only one octave of a two-octave scale, they will have a 50% reduction in total
points possible. (See your scale sheets for requirements)
5. If a student plays the incorrect scale they will receive NO points.
Chromatic Scale:
1. The chromatic scale MUST be played with the articulation, slur up (trombones – legato tongue)
and staccato tongue down. Any deviation from this articulation will result in a deduction in
score.
2. Student may choose to take a breath at the top of the chromatic scale without penalty.
However the breath MUST be done in tempo.
3. Students MUST play the chromatic scale at the required tempo or faster, if they choose.
Students will be given the minimum tempo in the audition room. There will be a deduction in
score if played slower than required.
4. Students MUST play the chromatic scale to the required range and rhythm. Any reduction in
the range or deviation in rhythm will result in a proportionate reduction in the total points
given. For example if a student doesn’t play 25% of the scale they will have a 25% reduction in
total points possible. Download the chromatic range requirements on the website.
Prepared Etude:
1. Students MUST perform the prepared selection at the tempo indicated on the etude. Students
have some liberty, however the tempo MUST be within the established range of the given
tempo. For example, allegro should be between 120 and 144. Student will NOT be given a
tempo in the audition room.
2. Etudes should be performed with correct articulations and dynamics as indicated on the
music.
3. Students MUST keep a steady pulse throughout the etude.
Sight Reading:
1. Student will be given 30 seconds to study the sight-reading.
2. Students are NOT allowed to play, buzz their mouthpiece, or blow air through their horns
during the study period. Students auditioning on mallets can touch the xylophone, but are
NOT to make a sound with either their finger or mallet. If a student plays during the study
period it will result in the student being disqualified. The student will receive comments only,
with no score assigned.
3. Students should perform the sight-reading at the tempo indicated on the music. NO tempo will
be given in the audition room.
PERCUSSIONISTS:
Rudiments:
1. Students will be asked to play the long roll (Rudiment #1 from the PAS Standard 26
Rudiments).
2. You will then be asked to play two rudiments. Students will play the Rudiments open-closed.
Students must maintain a steady gradual accelerando during each rudiment. Any jumps or
stagnation in tempo will result in a deduction in score.
3. If a student plays the incorrect rudiment they will receive NO points
Major Scales:
1. Mallet players MUST play the major scales at quarter note equals 60. Students will be given
the tempo in the audition room.
2. Students MUST play all major scales to the district required range and rhythm (download study
sheet online). Any reduction in the range will result in a proportionate reduction in the total
points given. For example if a student plays only one octave of a two-octave scale, they will
have a 50% reduction in total points possible.
3. If a student plays the incorrect scale they will receive NO points.
Chromatic Scale:
1. Students MUST play the chromatic scale at the required tempo or faster, if they choose.
Students will be given the minimum tempo in the audition room. There will be a deduction in
score if played slower than required.
2. Students MUST play the chromatic scale to the required range and rhythm at a minimum
tempo of quarter note equals 60. (download study sheet online) Any reduction in the range will
result in a proportionate reduction in the total points given. For example if a student doesn’t
play 25% of the scale they will have a 25% reduction in total points possible. Download the
chromatic range requirements on the website.
Prepared Etude:
1. The following items will be provided: A xylophone (F to C); a set of Three timpani; a snare
drum and trap table (or you may use your own snare drum). You MUST provide your own
sticks and mallets.
2. Students MUST perform the etude at the tempo indicated on the etude. Students have some
liberty, however the tempo MUST be within the established range of the given tempo. For
example, allegro should be between 120 and 144. Student will NOT be given a tempo in the
audition room.
3. Students auditioning on Timpani MUST tune the timpani to the required pitches. You will have
45 seconds to tune the timpani to the appropriate pitches. After the time limit, you will be
asked to play the pitches on each drum from lowest to highest. The following pitch sources
may be used for tuning all drums: a pitch pipe, tuning fork, or mallet instrument.
Sight Reading: (All Middle School & High School Percussion)
1. Students will given 30 seconds to study the sight reading. During this time students are NOT
allowed to play, talk, tap, or make any noise at all. You may touch the xylophone with your
finger or mallet, however you are NOT allowed to make a sound. If students play during the
study period it will result in the student being disqualified. The student will receive comments
only with no score assigned.
2. Students will sight read on the instrument they are auditioning on.