Drum set audition Material

  1. Required Etude  There are hard copies in the upper band room.                                                                                                     
  2. Playing Time  Play 16 measures in each of the following styles: swing, rock, and samba (latin).  The patterns are written below.  If you have questions on the notation - ASK!  Links to video lessons on each pattern are included.
  3. Sight-reading You will be asked to sight-read a short excerpt from a big band chart.
  4. OPTIONAL Improvisation  Play 8 measures of time in a style of your choice.  Solo for 8 measures.  Play 8 more measures of time.

Something you need to know about these auditions...

The purpose of the audition is to give you the opportunity to show the directors the skills you have and the musical developments you still need to make.  This will allow us to place you with other musicians in a group in which you'll be appropriately challenged.

If some of the audition material is beyond your ability, take the audition anyway.  We're not
expecting you to be perfect.  We're expecting you to do your best in in the audition and in your preparation for the audition. 

"Playing TIME" Patterns

Swing

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Play the "Add hi-hat pedal" (second line) for the audition

You may add snare kicks and light bass drum to the pattern.









Instructional Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKxiNmLsYkc

Rock

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Feel free to embellish to fully demostrate your ability.



Instructional Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LY_nYWq5qik

Samba

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Instructional Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2d6vvRPhL4