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The Virignia State Unviersity Music Department is elated in your interest of joining the drumline and being a part of "The Marching Trojan Explosion". The drumline has earned its recognition as a top competitor in Historically Black Colleges & Universities, as well as the CIAA, and we hope to continue this success with your presence in the ensemble.
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Please keep in mind that even with all of the requirements listed on this page, the most important quality we look for in prospective members is the showmanship of hard work and dedication for your craft.
2006 SPRING BAND CAMP
2006 Spring Band Camp will be an oppourtunity for kids & teenagers of ALL ages to experience what it is like to be in the Marching Trojan Explosion! Further information & specific dates will be posted as soon as possible.
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The following should apply to all incoming students (some not in necessary order nor required):
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I have applied and been accepted to Virginia State University
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I have paid all mandatory fees required from the University (application fee, orientation fee, etc.)
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I have met all of the University deadlines and completed all forms
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I have submitted my FAFSA and entered Virginia State's code (003764)
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I have given the Music Dept. my name, address, and phone number
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I have submitted my audition or am scheduled for a personal appointment
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I have signed up and filled all papers for the upcoming Summer Band Camp
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I have housing on-campus or at an off-campus residence
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Before you audition for the drumline, you must have either already been accepted to Virginia State University or are pending acceptance because you have already sent a complete application & fee to the University. Please visit our section on Admissions to find out the proper procedures you should take upon admittance into VSU.
Audition Criteria (for the Drumline)
To schedule an audition, you may call the Music Department at (804) 524-5311 or visit us on campus (we are located in Davis Hall). You can ask for Dr. Mark Phillips (Director of Bands) or a coordinator of our Percussion Staff: Mr. Elisha Powell (Marching Percussion) or Mr. David Chambliss (Melodic Percussion). Audition criteria may be subject to change, so please ask about any additional requirements for percussionists before submitting a final audition. Music majors should visit the VSU Music Department for a complete listing of their itinerary.
Auditions will consist of the following criteria:
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Play the following rudiments (must be played open to closed):
_____Long Roll (Closed)
_____Double Stroke Roll
_____Five Stroke Roll
_____Seven Stroke Roll
_____Nine Stroke Roll
_____Paradiddle
_____Double Paradiddles
_____Flams
_____Flam Accents
_____Flam Drags
_____Flamacue
_____Drags
_____Single Drag Taps
_____Lesson 25 (Ratataps)
_____Single Ratamacue
_____Triple Ratamacue
These rudiments are based on those listed in the 40 Basic Rudiments, as outlined by the Percussive Arts Society. Although you will be playing each rudiment closed, the speed of your rudiment will not be valued as much as your technique and cleanliness.
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Mallet players are expected to play all scales which include two octaves.
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You must perform one piece from the following list: (a) Standard etude on your chosen instrument (i.e. snare drum, multiple percussion, mallets, and timpani), (b) Composition chosen from the Band and Orchestra Directors Manual of your home state or a piece with comparable music content, or (c) A piece of band or orchestral literature that best demonstrates your technique, musicianship, and interpretation.
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Percussionists who audition can use any pair of standard marching sticks for playing rudiments and those trying out for snare must play in traditional grip. For musical pieces using xylophone, marimbas, timpani, and etc., the mallet brand and type is your choice as it is appropriate for your piece.
If you can not schedule a personal appointment to audition, videotaped auditions are acceptable. If you choose this option, your videotape must be a standard VHS that is clearly audible and of good visual quality (no cassette, disk, or CD recordings allowed). The camera should be titled in such a way that your face, torso, drumsticks, and the top of your drumhead can all be seen, simultaneously, throughout the video. When mailing your videotape, perform the exact order of the criteria listed above and enclose a print copy of all sheet music used for any solos or etudes. When complete, send your audition packet (in the appropriate envelope) to the exact address below:
Davis Hall *BAND AUDITION*
Virginia State University
One Hayden Street
P.O. Box 9007
Petersburg, VA 23806
Depending on the number of spots available and incoming freshman, tryouts will most likely be held on a competitive basis, and your character shown during your interview will weigh just as much as your playing ability. All auditions, interviews, and conferences will be held in a professional manner; therefore, it is expected that you conduct yourself in one as well (i.e. shirt and tie for males, usage of manners, etc.).
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us.
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