Percussion
Prospective classical percussionists are required to audition in all three of the major areas listed below. The repertoire suggestions in each area are intended to be representative of the expected level of musical and technical achievement; students are free to perform similar works that are not listed. Note that the audition committee is most interested in how a student plays, rather than what he or she plays. Students are well advised to select pieces that showcase technical and musical
abilities.
Please note that students auditioning as jazz percussion majors are not required to perform a classical audition. Please see the Jazz Studies audition tips for information on jazz percussion auditions.
Snare drum
- Perform one concert-style etude, such as those by Delecluse, Cirone, Peters and Whaley.
- Students are encouraged, but not required, to also perform a short rudimental solo, such as those by Wilcoxon, Pratt, Freytag (“Rudimental Cookbook”) and Savage (“Rudimental Workshop”).
- Students may be asked to sight-read.
Keyboard percussion
- Perform a two- and/or four-mallet solo, such as those by Abe, Stout, Peters, Green, Musser, Goldenberg, Smadbeck, McMillan (“Masterpieces for Marimba”), Gottlieb(“Masterworks for Mallets) and Davila (“Impressions on Wood”).
- Sight-reading will be asked — two-mallet, treble clef.
Timpani
Demonstrate an understanding of intonation, articulation and tone production by performing a solo/etude such as those by Beck, Peters, Firth, Carter, Hochrainer and Whaley.
If you have any questions, contact Peter Martin, assistant professor of percussion.
