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Audition Process | Day of Drumming | Preseason Band Camp Audition | What to Bring | FAQs
We are all excited to see what the 2017 edition of the Marching Pirates Drumline has in store and want YOU to be there experience it with us! If you are interested in auditioning for the 2017 ECU Marching Pirates Drumline, please do the following:
- Fill out the contact form found on the ECU Marching Pirates Website.
- Read through the information under Events: “Preseason Band Camp.”
- Familiarize yourself with the 2017 ECU Drumline Audition Packet.
The 2017 ECU Drumline Audition Packet is there to show you our approach to drumming and will help you understand the expectations for the audition process. Therefore, prospective members should immediately download, print, and begin working on this packet.
Audition Process
There are two ways to express interest in The ECU Marching Pirates Drumline. They are the "Day of Drumming," and the of ECU Marching Pirates "Preseason Band Camp" audition. The Preseason Band Camp audition is required, but the Day of Drumming is not (although it is highly encouraged). For further information on the audition and expectations moving into the season, please read the 2017 ECU Drumline Audition Packet.
Day of Drumming
Each year, we hold a Day of Drumming for prospective and returning members. This day gives our staff a chance to provide potential members with feedback on what to work on prior to the Preseason Band Camp so that they can more adequately prepare for their audition. While attendance at the Day of Drumming is not mandatory, it is highly recommended.
The final "Day of Drumming" clinic will be held on Saturday, July 29 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Check-in will be in the A. J. Fletcher Music Building “new lobby” (just outside the recital hall) beginning at 9:00 AM. Drumming will occur either on the ECU Practice Field (on College Hill Drive, across, 10th the street, from the Music Building) or in Fletcher, room B110 (if raining). If you arrive after 10:00 AM, please report directly to the drumming location. Lunch will not be provided.
The "Day of Drumming" clinic is Free of charge, although potential members (new and returning) will typically go out for lunch together, so money for lunch is recommended.
The clinic will consist of explanations of the technique used by the ECU Marching Pirates Drumline, instruction on a few of the exercises, and an overview of both the audition process and materials.
Please bring sticks, a drum pad, ear plugs, water, pencil, and a 3 ring binder with copies of the audition materials (exercises, "fight song," and cadences) that you are preparing for the audition.
Preseason Band Camp- Drumline Auditions
The audition will take place on Friday, August 11th from 2-8:00 pm on the first day of Preseason Band Camp. During this time, the staff will establish the roster, and determine which instrument each person will perform on for the season.
What to Bring
While there are several things that the entire band will need for Preseason Band Camp, there are some things that are specifically required for the Drumline. In addition to the supplies necessary for the full band, please have the following items on the first day of band camp:
- Three-ring binder with all material in protective plastic sleeves
- Additional plastic sleeves for music you will receive at camp
- Pencils
- Practice pad
- Water bottle
- Ear Plugs
- Sticks (snare drums and tenors) and/or mallets (bass drums)
- Metronome (not mandatory, but strongly encouraged)
You will be held accountable for your familiarity, understanding, and execution of each aspect of this packet. As some things may be different from last season, it is imperative that everyone, veterans included, not only learn the music but also read through the guidelines laid out in the 2017 ECU Drumline Audition Packet. Additionally, begin familiarizing yourself with the non-auditioned music for the ECU Drumline (e.g. Pre-Game). Learning this music will greatly assist the line once rehearsals begin, and will reduce the stress of having to learn everything during band camp. So, if you are feeling good about your audition, feel free to get a head start on the other material.
FAQ
What will I be asked to play?
The exercises and excerpts contained within 2017 ECU Drumline Audition Packet, the “Fight Song” and "Peg Leg." All material should be performed from memory.
What will my audition be like?
The audition will be a brief individual audition, in which we will be looking at your understanding of the concepts laid out in the packet, as well as your knowledge of the required exercises and excerpts at a variety of tempos. We will ask you to play the audition with a metronome, followed by sight reading. You may audition for up to two instruments, with your primary instrument audition first, followed by your secondary instrument.
What is the best way to prepare?
The best way to "be prepared" for the audition is to practice daily with specific goals set for each practice session. Establish your goals and use a metronome. Focus on completing each goal, instead of setting a length of time to practice. As long as you continue to set goals and practice consistently (daily), you will be able to track your progress, and will not show up un(der)prepared.
Do I need to memorize all of the exercises for the "Day of Drumming"?
No, there is a lot of material to be learned, so it is not necessary to have everything memorized for the ... although it would only help you!
However, all material must be memorized for the “Preseason Band Camp” audition.
If you have any further questions, you may feel free to contact us at ecudrumline@gmail.com.
I look forward to having a great season with the Marching Pirates. Happy Drumming!
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