“Be Kind”

“make your best sound”

MANDARINS
BRASS 2021
AUDITION PACKET – TRUMPET ‘\\\

BE KIND * MAKE YOUR BEST SOUND * ‘\\\B21

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 WELCOME
Thank you for your interest in the Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps. This audition
packet includes our audition material and audition suggestions. Please read
everything CAREFULLY in this audition packet and prepare all of the required
material to the best of your ability!

GOALS
Our goals for the audition process are two-fold. First, we want to provide you an
educationally rewarding experience. Secondly, you will be evaluated. We will be
evaluating both music and visual skillsets. We will be observing your participation
and performance level. You will receive feedback with regard to your audition.

The feedback you will receive following camp will fall into one of three categories:

1. We will offer you a contract. This means, by fulfilling the obligations of

the contract, you will be a member of the 2021 Mandarins.

2. We will offer you a “call-back." This means we need to see and hear you
again to make our final decision. Most people who eventually get a position
in the corps fall into this category.

3. You will not be invited back to the next camp. Our hope is that you will
apply lessons learned at camp and come back stronger the next year.
Once again, this process should also be an educational experience for
everyone involved.

The best way to find additional information about registration for an audition
camp is by visiting our website at: www.mandarins.org. The website also
contains valuable information regarding the Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps.

Auditions can be stressful. Don’t let your nerves stop you from auditioning. The
brass staff is eager to help you develop as a musician. We want you to make the
drum corps and will do everything we can to help you achieve this goal.

If you have any questions regarding brass auditions, please contact Patrick
Keeley at pkeeley@gjcs.k12.in.us

We look forward to seeing you at one of the audition camps!

BE KIND * MAKE YOUR BEST SOUND * ‘\\\B21

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 BRASS STAFF CONTACT INFO
If you have any concerns or questions about regarding your audition, please contact a tech
below or any of the caption managers.

Patrick Keeley Brass Caption Manager pkeeley@gjcs.k12.in.us

Joseph Hayes Visual Caption Manager hayesjoseph90@gmail.com
Aaron Wells Co Brass Caption Head amwells51@gmail.com
Nicole Davis Co Brass Caption Head nicdavis1995@gmail.com
Will Lovan High Brass Tech Wlovan@gmail.com
Raquel Samayoa High Brass Tech raquelrodriquez@gmail.com
Aaron Christianson High Brass Tech alchrist@mtu.edu
Brandt McKinzey High Brass Tech brandtmckinzey@gmail.com
Will Carroll High Brass Tech W.m.carroll44@gmail.com
Austin Armstrong High Brass Tech adarmstrong@denisonisd.net
Chris Langton Low Brass Technician chrislangtonmusic@gmail.com
Eric Obermeyer Low Brass Technician ericjobermeyer@gmail.com
Eamonn Donnelly Low Brass Technician edonnelly2319@gmail.com
Devon Hobson Low Brass Technician devonjobson77@gmail.com
Nico Peruzzi Low Brass Technician nicoperuzzi@gmail.com
Russell Shartzer Low Brass Technician Russell.shartzer@gmail.com
Bailey Pruitt Low Brass Technician baileypruitt19@gmail.com
Chris Garza Low Brass Technician christopher.garza@allenisd.org
Milt Gee Brass Analytics Milt.Gee@Mandarins.org
Dan Goldman Brass Advisor dgoldman77@gmail.com

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO PREPARE

FOR YOUR AUDITION?
The audition process contains two segments, a visual and music portion. In this packet
some musical excerpts will be accompanied by a corresponding visual responsibility. You
must prepare all requirements listed on this page for your audition.

- Etude (with visual responsibilities)

- Extended Range / Scale (no visual responsibilities)
- Lip Slur (with visual responsibilities / Box Drill)
- Excerpt (no visual responsibilities)

At the end of this packet is an audition worksheet. This must be completed and be
included with your audition video submittal. It must be filled out completely.

BE KIND * MAKE YOUR BEST SOUND * ‘\\\B21

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 Audition Suggestions
Preparation:
• The success of your performance at the audition will be directly related
to the level of preparation of the audition materials.
• If possible, meet with a private lesson teacher on a regular basis prior to
the audition.
• Record yourself with some type of electronic device. Listen critically to
the recording and work to perfect your performance.
• Get lots of rest before the audition, as things will be very busy in your
world.

Audition:
• Keep in mind that you are auditioning at all times. We want to see your
work ethic in the circle as well as how you sound individually in your
audition.
• Make sure you warm-up outside prior to recording your audition.
• Please make sure your horn is working properly, oil your valves, and
complete any paperwork prior to recording the audition.
• Remember to aim your bell away from the recording device.
• Be sure to ask questions if you are confused about anything you are
being asked to play.
• Take a slow deep breath before you play, and good luck!

Tips for Performance Anxiety/Nerves:

• Do not fight your nerves, they are a natural part of the performance
process, and fighting it might make it worse.
• Take several slow, deep breaths to calm yourself.
• It is good to perform for friends and family as this will help you perform
under pressure.
• Visualizing yourself in the audition room may also help calm your mind.
• When nerves are present, mistakes may happen, however, professional
musicians do not react to their mistakes. Do not stop or dwell on your
mistakes.

BE KIND * MAKE YOUR BEST SOUND * ‘\\\B21

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ETUDE - Visual Information
Halt 16 with choreography (Beginning in measure 10)
• MM 10
• Count 1 – Close
• Count 2 – Demi Plie’ in 1st
• Count 3 – Back to standing (up)
• Count 4 – Step out into 2nd position
• MM 11
• Counts 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 – Down to kneel (right knee to floor)
• MM 12
• Counts 1 / 2 – Pull right leg into left, parallel Demi
• Counts 3 / 4 – Open 2nd Demi Plie’
• MM 13
• Counts 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 – pull left leg into place as you raise
Halt 20 with choreography (Beginning in measure 22)
• MM 22
• Hold 4 counts
• MM 23
• Count 1 – left leg Posse
• Count 3 – Step forward with left foot (initiate on 2 &)
• MM 24
• Counts 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 – Down to kneel (right knee to floor)
• MM 25
• Counts 1 / 2 – Upper body lean to left
• Counts 3 / 4 – Upper body back up
• MM 26
• Counts 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 – Push off left foot back to standing – 1st position

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EXTENDED RANGE / SCALE
Play the scale at a comfortable tempo, up to the highest pitch that you can play with a great sound, then hold
that pitch for 2-4 counts. Repeat your top note and go back down the scale, holding out the last note 2-4
counts.

LIP SLUR
Visual Information (box drill)

• MM 1&2 - Forward March for 8 CTS

• MM 3&4 - Slide to the left (forward march) for 8 CTS
• MM 5&6 - Backwards March for 8 CTS
• MM 7&8 - Slide to the right (forward march) for 8 CTS
• MM 9 - Hold 4 CTS - REPEAT
• MM 1&2 - Forward March for 8 CTS
• MM 3&4 - Slide to the right (backwards march) for 8 CTS
• MM 5&6 - Backwards March for 8 CTS
• MM 7&8 - Slide to the left (backwards march) for 8 CTS
• MM 9 - Hold 4 CTS (Should be in original position)

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MUSIC EXCERPT
If you cannot play this up to tempo, play it as fast as you can while being able to
maintain a great sound.
Lead Trumpet (If auditioning for lead, play this one)

Trumpet (Play if not auditioning for lead trumpet)

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 AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
Each prospective member of the 2021 Mandarins Drum & Bugle Corps should prepare
their audition by doing the following items (COMPLETELY & THOROUGHLY):

1. Fill out the Brass Audition Worksheet COMPLETELY.

2. Play on an instrument that you are most comfortable with. Understand that you may be
asked to play on a marching instrument at some point during the audition.

3. Show off your skills.

4. Understand that you are REQUIRED to attend ALL camps and be at ALL days of spring
training as a member of the Mandarins. Please notify the Brass Caption Head of any
conflicts in a timely manner.

RECORDING INFORMATION
1. Video record yourself performing the entire list of audition materials.

2. Upload that video as an unlisted (NOT PRIVATE) youtube video.

3. ALL video auditions will be considered.

4. ALL video auditions will receive a decision on their audition once all auditions are
complete.

5. ALL portions of the audition must be included. Your entire body must be visible at all
times.

6. You can send a separate video for each excerpt or combine them into one video,
however, cuts or edits with a single excerpt is not acceptable.

7. Fill out the brass worksheet as directed in the audition packet and send that in with
your video audition.

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 Brass Audition Worksheet
This form must be filled out and sent with your audition videos.

NAME:
EMAIL:
CELL / PHONE: AGE:
School / Major / Instrument:

Question(s):
Please answer all questions thoroughly and the best of your ability using the back
of the sheet as needed. List all dates and information as requested.

1) Do you have any special skills we should know about? i.e.

Juggling, gymnastic skills, able to play other instruments, etc.

2) Are you still in school? _______

If yes, when is your last day? _______________

3) Have you had any injuries or surgery in the past 2 years on

any part of your body that limited your physical activity in
any way? i.e. Knee problems, back problems, hip problems, etc.

4) List any previous marching experience:

BE KIND * MAKE YOUR BEST SOUND * ‘\\\B21