Auditions for the 2008 SMB

The Spartan Marching Band is open to all university students by audition only. You must be accepted to Michigan State University in order to audition. You do not need to be a music major however, to qualify for membership in 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 the Spartan Marching Band and audition policy.

Brass and Woodwinds

Openings for Alto and Tenor Saxophone, Trumpet, Mellophone, Baritone, Trombone, and Tuba. Flute, clarinet, oboe, and bassoon players may elect to audition for the SMB on alto or tenor saxophone.

The audition should consist of one prepared selection involving contrasting styles (3 to 5 minutes in length). A piece that you might perform at Solo and Ensemble 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.

Call (517) 355-7654 to secure an audition. All auditions are at the MSU Music Building, room 120. Direct any questions to the SMB Director, Professor John Madden.

All horn players must attend one of these sessions:

  • Saturday, June 7, 2008
  • Saturday, June 14, 2008

Out of state instrumentalists may submit an audio CD in place of a live audition. Please mail the CD by June 10, 2008 to:

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

Percussion

Openings for Snare Drum, Multi-Tenor, Bass Drum, and Cymbals. Email Professor Jon Weber to receive audition material, or call Mr. Weber at (517) 432-0051 with any questions you might have. The audition dates are as follows. You must attend both days to be eligible.

  • Saturday, April 26, 2008 from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.
  • Saturday, May 10, 2008 from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Please visit the MSU drumline website for more details.

Color Guard

Attend a Clinic/Audition day on Saturday, June 14. 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Fundamentals will be stressed including, but not limited to:

  1. equipment skills
  2. basics
  3. drop spins
  4. double fast drop spins
  5. tosses.
Bring a standard (5 1/2 foot - 6 foot) pole, nylon flag (2 1/2' x 3 1/2' in size). Equipment approximate to this is acceptable. (equipment will be available if you choose). Wear work-out type clothing that allows free movement.

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

Big Ten Flags

Attend a Clinic/Audition day on Saturday, June 14, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Big Ten Flag questions should be directed to Professor Madden.

Music Majors:

Your School of Music audition will satisfy for automatic membership in the Spartan Marching Band (except for percussionists). 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 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 may participate in the SMB on alto or tenor saxophone. An audition is required however.

Directions and Audition Appointments

To confirm audition participation and directions to campus, contact Sharon Tyree, Administrative Assistant in the MSU Band Office at (517) 355-7654. 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!

  • Door to door directions from mapquest. Enter your address in the start section, then press "get directions" at the bottom of the page.
  • Campus Map (the MB is at B-11).
  • More info on the Music Building