Spartan Marching Band

Frequently Asked Questions

More questions about the audition process? Be sure to visit the SMB audition FAQ page.

The Spartan Marching Band is open to all university students by audition only. You must be regularly admitted to Michigan State University in order to audition; students enrolled at MSU through the Lifelong Education program are not eligible for participation. You do not need to be a music major to qualify for the Spartan Marching Band.

You may e-mail the Director of the Spartan Marching Band, Professor John Madden at madden@msu.edu with any questions related to Spartan Marching Band auditions.

All auditions (regardless of section) must be confirmed through the MSU band office at (517) 355-7654. The SMB has scheduled several audition days for 2010. They are:

Instrumentalists

The instrumental audition should consist of one prepared selection involving contrasting styles (3 to 5 minutes in length). A piece that you might perform at a “Solo and Ensemble Festival” would be appropriate. You do not need an accompanist. Please also prepare your major scales up to 4 sharps and 4 flats. There will be brief sight-reading.

"Out of state" instrumentalists (or those who can not attend the audition day) may submit a DVD (video and sound) of your solo material and scales. Mail DVD by June 11th, 2010 to:

Professor John T. Madden
Director, Spartan Marching Band
118 School of Music
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824-1043

Drumline

Openings for Snare Drum, Multi-Tenor, Bass Drum, and Cymbals. Email Professor Jon Weber to receive audition material, or call Dr. Weber at (517) 432-0051 with any questions you might have.

Auditions are Saturday, May 1, and Saturday, May 15, at 9:00 AM
You must attend both days to be eligible.

Color Guard

Questions about Color Guard auditions should be directed to Mr. Orlando Suttles, Spartan Color Guard Instructor.

Big Ten Flags

Big Ten Flag questions should be directed to SMB Director, Professor John Madden.

Feature Twirler

One feature twirler position is open. Candidates must be accepted to MSU. Candidates should submit a resume of twirling accomplishments, recent performance and competition video, and other supporting portfolio materials by February 15, 2010. Screening of materials will conclude by March 1st, and select candidates will be invited to campus for a May 15th audition. Invitations will be extended in early March.

Professor John T. Madden
Director, Spartan Marching Band
118 School of Music
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824-1043

Feature Twirler questions should be directed to SMB Director, Professor John Madden.

Brass and Saxophone Music Majors

If you plan to be a music-major, your College of Music audition will satisfy for automatic membership in the Spartan Marching Band (except for percussionists). Feel free to call (517) 355-7654 to ask any questions related to this subject. Music majors will receive a letter from the Band Office in early May. If you would like to participate in the SMB as a music major, simply fill out the form in the early May mailing and return it to the MSU Band office. You will then be included in our July mailing for all new SMB members.

Flute, clarinet, oboe, and bassoon music majors must audition for the SMB on June 12, 2010, on your SMB instrument of choice. These instruments are not in the SMB instrumentation.

Directions and Audition Appointments

All auditions (regardless of section) must be confirmed through the MSU band office. Contact Sharon Tyree, SMB Administrative Assistant at (517) 355-7654 to secure an audition. Or, email her at tyree@msu.edu.

Note: Be sure to leave plenty of time for parking, as finding a spot can sometimes be difficult!

Auditions for the 2010 SMB