| Q: What do I need to prepare? |
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A: A 2 to 4 minute piece exhibiting contrasting styles. These styles should show off what you do best. You have a few minutes to “WOW” the adjudicator. Preparing jazz or classical styles is fine. Solo and Ensemble pieces work very well. Remember that this is an audition, not a recital, so you will not play through ALL of the prepared selections. The adjudicator will probably cut you off, or ask you to skip around a bit. Selections do NOT need to be accompanied.
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| Q: When will I play? |
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A: We will meet in room 120 of the Music Building at 9:00 am for a brief meeting. At approximately 10:00 am, individuals will begin to play for adjudicators. Immediately following the playing part of the audition, there will be a marching audition/clinic to access your marching aptitude and skill. Dress appropriately. The day could last as late as 3:00 PM.
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| Q: When do I find out if I made the band? |
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A: A mailing goes out on July 1st (approx).
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| Q: Will I be interviewed? |
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A: The adjudicator will talk with you and ask questions. Just be yourself. Be up, positive, confident, etc.
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| Q: What do I wear? |
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A: Be ready to participate in a marching audition/clinic. Proper footwear is required. No sandels, etc.
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| Q: When would SMB start in the fall/summer? |
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A: Spartan Band Preseason Drills (band camp) begin here on the MSU campus on Sunday, August 21. If you earn a spot in the band, you will receive permission to move in to YOUR dorm room early (just like a football player). You will live in your room for the duration of Preseason.
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| Q: How much practice/rehearsal is there? |
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A: The SMB’s preseason begins on Aug 21 and finishes the day before classes begin (Aug 31). Our regular rehearsals are from 4:30 to 6:00 PM, Mon – Fri. An additional rehearsal is held on Monday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Gameday rehearsals usually begin at 7:30 am.
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| Q: Are there sectionals? |
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A: Yes, on an average of twice per week (Wed and Fri) from 4:00 PM to 4:25 PM
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| Q: Is the SMB a class? |
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A: Yes, members of the SMB must sign up for MUS 114 and pay for one credit. This is not optional.
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| Q: What do I need to pay for? |
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A: The class credit, your band jacket ($125), white gloves and band shoes ($ 35-40), your season-long uniform dry cleaning (approx $ 60-75), various SMB gear/t-shirts/etc ($ 20), and maintenance of your personal instrument.
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| Q: Will I be given an instrument to use? |
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A: Yes, if you play mello, baritone or tuba. Silver trombones and saxes are issued for game-day use only. Trombones and saxes must have their own practice instrument. Trumpets must provide their own instrument. Trumpets (used in performance) MUST be silver. No cornets may be used in practice of performance. Personal practice trombones may NOT have F-attachments.
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| Q: If I live out of state, I’m supposed to send a DVD, right? |
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A: Yes, assuming that you do not want to travel to the audition day. If that is the case, send an DVD with video and sound of yourself. Perform your selection as well as the following scales; C, F, B flat, E flat, A flat, G, D, A and E major. Be sure to include your contact information so we can get back to you. The DVD MUST arrive at MSU on or before June 11, 2010.
Send DVD to:
Professor John Madden
Director, Spartan Marching Band
118 College of Music - MSU
East Lansing, MI 48824-1043
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For more information, contact the SMB Band Secretary, Ms. Sharon Tyree (517) 355-7654.