Thank you so much for your interest in being a part of the Shenandoah University Marching Band!
Once you are officially accepted as a Shenandoah University student, you may audition for the 2023-24 season of the marching band. Both incoming and current students are encouraged to audition to be a part of the band. Every student that is accepted into the marching band will receive a $2,000 scholarship for each academic school year of participation.
All of the information you need to complete the application and audition process is listed below.
Please contact the Director of Athletic Bands, Shaun Evans, with any questions you may have at Sevans1@su.edu.
Applications for the 2023-24 school year have closed. Please check back soon for next year’s audition information!
Audition Dates
Early Decision Auditions:
Due March 10, 2023
All early decision auditionees will be notified about the results of their audition by March 20, 2023. Individuals interested in a leadership position must submit an early decision audition in order to be considered. Marching band auditions are separate from conservatory auditions.
Regular Auditions:
Due July 1, 2023
Regular auditionees will be notified about the results of their audition by July 1, 2023.
Leadership Application Process:
- Interested individuals must be current members of the marching band and must submit an early decision audition
- Leadership applications are available through the audition form
- Applications must be submitted by March 10, 2023
- Interviews will be scheduled for March 27-30, 2023
- Leadership team will be announced on April 6, 2023
Audition Guidelines
Step 1 | Film Your Video Audition
View the Video Audition Requirements for your preferred Marching Band specialty below.
Your Video Audition Submission Must Include The Following:
- A short introduction of yourself to include:
- your name
- where you are from
- anticipated major
- what drew you to Shenandoah
- something interesting about yourself
- One major scale of your choosing, two octaves. (No tempo requirement)
- Shenandoah’s Fight Song “Fight for Shenandoah”
- Shenandoah’s Alma Mater
Notes
*Video must be recorded in one continuous take.
*When recording your video, please do not point your bell directly at the microphone. This has a tendency to distort the audio.
*If you play mellophone, baritone, or sousaphone and do not have access to your marching instrument, you can audition on your french horn, euphonium, or tuba.
Your Video Audition Submission Must Include The Following:
- A short introduction of yourself to include:
- your name
- where you are from
- anticipated major
- drumline instruments you have experience playing
- what drew you to Shenandoah
- something interesting about yourself
- Play Fight for Shenandoah up until the first repeat with metronome 120-150 for the quarter note
- Play Hornet Victory! with metronome 60-80 for the half note
Notes
*Video must be recorded in one continuous take.
*Metronome must be on in the video recording
*If you do not have access to the instrument you are auditioning for, you may use a drum pad
*Those auditioning for bass drum must read the Bass 2 line for both pieces
Your Video Audition Submission Must Include The Following:
- A short introduction of yourself to include:
- your name, hometown, and anticipated major
- previous color guard and/or dance experience
- what drew you to Shenandoah
- something interesting about yourself
- Dance and/or flag routine (at least one minute and not to exceed two minutes) to music of your choosing. We will be looking for the following elements:
- confidence and performance qualities (posture, facial expressions)
- understanding of skills demonstrated–body and equipment, if applicable
- musicality
- preparedness
- OPTIONAL–A rifle and/or sabre routine (at least one minute and not to exceed two minutes)that includes basic technique (drop spins, stop drills, double time, flourishes, tosses, etc.) and at least 32 counts of choreography. This can be put into a routine with music or just using verbal counts or metronomes. All elements from the flag/dance routine will be used to evaluate.
Notes
*Video must be recorded in one continuous take. If you are adding a video of a separate performance, it can be two file uploads.
*When recording your video, please make sure that the camera is far enough away to capture your movements and/or flag.
Your Video Audition Submission Must Include The Following:
- A short introduction of yourself to include:
- your name, hometown, and anticipated Major
- previous color guard and/or dance experience
- what drew you to Shenandoah
- something interesting about yourself
- The first video will be an individually choreographed (at least one and a half minutes and not to exceed two minutes) routine to any music of your choice. (Choreography must be to music. Choreography can be your own or from a coach) Include the elements below in your video:
- Split
- Toss REVERSE Illusion (May be substituted with double illusion or a spin illusion)
- 2-spin (May be substituted with a larger number of turns)
- Multiple Baton (2,3) (4 baton experience +)
- Toss Walkover (May be substituted with a toss cartwheel)
- Grand jete
- The second, optional, video can be a reel (at least one minute but not to exceed three minutes) of past twirling experience. We encourage you to submit the following footage:
- FIRE BATON
- Competition (Solo, 2 baton, 3 baton, Strut, TEAM, etc.)
- (If using team footage, indicate where you are in the video)
- Field Twirling
- Parades
Notes
*Video must be recorded in one continuous take. If you are adding a video of a separate performance, it can be two file uploads.
*When recording your video, please make sure that the camera is far enough away to capture your movements.
Your Video Audition Submission Must Include The Following:
- A short introduction of yourself to include:
- your name
- where you are from
- anticipated major
- past experience on your instrument
- what drew you to Shenandoah
- something interesting about yourself
- One solo excerpt that best demonstrates your musical ability. (If applying for the Sound Engineer position, please provide a resume detailing your prior experience and training in place of the excerpt)
Notes:
*Video must be recorded in one continuous take.
Step 2 | Submit Your Application Form
Complete the application form to apply for the Marching Band! You will upload your video audition file to the form.
Applications for the 2023-24 school year have closed. Please check back soon for next year’s audition information!