Battery Auditions Standards and Rudiments
The material and requirements are the same for all players auditioning for any battery position of
snare drum, multi-tenor, and bass drum. The basic expectation is not to judge how well you have
perfected the rudiments and solos, but to measure the amount of effort you put into preparing for
the audition. The success and growth of the organization does not lie solely in the virtuosity of a
few students, but in the discipline, perseverance, and the amount of effort you are willing to put
forth.
Attention should be concentrated on basic and fundamental skills in the areas of technique and
musicianship. Technique standards will be judged on your display of understanding of the
appropriate grip for the instrument, and the proper approach (posture and bearing) to the
instrument. Musicianship standards will be judged on how well you know the material being
performed and how comfortable you are in a performance situation (stage presence). The
audition should be thought of as a performance.
Perfection is not as important as the level of effort displayed. Musicianship standards include
music concepts such as dynamics, phrasing, and timing.
The audition will be performed either on a marching snare drum or a set of marching multi-tenor
drums at the choice of the performer. Players wanting to play one of the bass drum parts should
attempt either the snare drum or tenor solo.
The audition will consist of performing the following:
1. A series of rudiments. (listed below)
2. Three Camps.
3. A supplied solo
4. An optional solo of the student’s choice of not longer than 2 minutes but not shorter than 30
seconds.
Three Camps
The Three Camps will be performed twice through at a tempo of at least 130 bpm. One time
should be played piano and other time played mezzo forte or forte. Rhythmic interpretation may
be left up to the performer as long as it is consistent throughout. Special care should be taken to
demonstrate proper accent to tap relationship.
Basic rudiments.
Concert roll. Played soft to loud to soft for at least 30 to 45 seconds.
Rudimental roll. Played slow to fast to slow for at least 30 to 45 seconds.
The remainder of the rudiments may be played as practiced or comfortable. Remember you are
judged on how well you understand the mechanics of the rudiment, not just how fast you can play
it.
Flams. Played alternating.
Paradiddles.
Flam Accent
Hybrid Rudiments
Learning resources for hybrid rudiments may be found the Vic Firth website:
http://www.vicfirth.com/education/hybrid_rudiments.html
Book Report
These are variations.
Shirley Murphy
This is how to practice the Shirley Murphy
Cheese
Snare Drum Solo
Play up the hold before letter A.
Tenor solo.
Play to the downbeat of the 2/4 bar.