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All State Audition Information

Audition Date: Saturday, October 26, 2024

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Brass and Woodwind Audition Requirements

  1. Solo - One minute of a solo of choice unaccompanied. Auditioning students are not required to perform the solo from memory.

  2. Etudes - Click the button above to access the required etudes. Etude excerpts for the first round of auditions will be posted online (www.ihsma.org) at 5:00 a.m. and at each audition site at 8:00 a.m. on the morning of auditions.

  3. Major Scales - Three MAJOR scales: one (1) major scale of choice and two (2) major scales determined through a random drawing process.  If the scale of choice is drawn, a second or third choice is to be performed.  

    • The major scales are to be memorized and performed in the appropriate full range of the instrument two or more octaves where possible, ascending and descending.

    • The major scales must be performed in 16th notes at a metronome speed of quarter note = 88. A metronome will be used to establish tempo.

    • Major scales must be performed all tongued ascending and all slurred descending OR all slurred ascending and all tongued descending.  NOTE: No other articulation variation will be acceptable!

  4. ​Chromatic Scale - Perform a chromatic scale over the complete range of the instrument, ascending and descending. The chromatic scale must be performed in 16th notes at a MINIMUM tempo of quarter note = 88. No specific articulation pattern is required.
     

Percussion Requirements

  1. Solo or etude of choice on the percussion instrument (snare drum, timpani, or keyboard percussion) which represents the performance medium of greatest skill, talent, and confidence. THE SOLO/ETUDE IS NOT TO EXCEED ONE MINUTE, THIRTY SECONDS (1:30) IN LENGTH.

  2. Basic Technique

    • Snare Drum:

      • Play a multiple bounce (orchestral) roll at the performer’s maximum controlled speed from soft to loud to soft.

      • Play a double stroke (rudimental) roll from slow to fast to slow at a constant volume.

      • Demonstrate proper grip and stroke.

      • Demonstrate correct tone to include tuning of batter and snare heads, proper snare strainer tension,
        proper playing area, and choice of sticks.

    • Keyboard Percussion:

      • Perform three (3) MAJOR scales – two (2) major scales determined through a random drawing process and one (1) major scale of choice. If a scale of choice is drawn, a second or third choice is to be performed. NEW: The major scales are to be memorized and performed in two (2) octaves, ascending and descending. The major scales must be performed in 16th notes at a metronome speed of quarter note = 88. Using a metronome to establish tempo is encouraged.

      • Play a chromatic scale the full range of the instrument, ascending and descending, in 4 – 16th notes at a minimum tempo of quarter note = 88.

      • Demonstrate proper grip and stroke.

      • Demonstrate correct tone to include proper playing area and choice of mallets.

    • Timpani: [Tuning gauges are not to be used.]

      • Perform a glissando roll ascending and descending through the full range of the drum chosen by the auditor.

      • Tune to a required pitch chosen by the auditor.

      • Demonstrate proper grip and stroke.

      • Demonstrate correct tone to include proper playing area and choice of mallets.

    • Crash Cymbals:

      • Perform crashes at various volume levels.

      • Demonstrate proper angle/position grip.

    • Tambourine:

    • Perform shake and thumb rolls.

    • Demonstrate correct tone to include proper angle, grip, and stroke.

  3. Etudes - Click the button above to access the percussion etudes, which include an etude each for snare, mallets, timpani, crash cymbals, and tambourine​

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