Crossmen Percussion Audition Tips/Info

since 11/13/98

Keyboard Exercises:

(reprinted with permission from Jim Ancona)

Exercises #1 & #2  - Eight on a hand and double beat for keyboard  (the last two bars were added to the version in "Championship Concepts for Marching Percussion" by Thom Hannum)

Krauss Scales (aka #3)-  we omitted the last two bars and eventually added a bar of sixteenths on the tonic, preceding the exercise.  (All keys and eventually, all modes)

6-3-2-1  Chromatic octave exercise

Four Mallet Technique- a couple excerpts from Stevens' M.O.M.

Exercise #8 - Double Vertical Exercise

                Here's a letter that I wrote to a friend of mine who was interested in trying out for the pit this November.  Some names and details were changed to protect the innocent.

Dear Friend,

                    I'll try and tell you everything that I wanted to know going into the first camp. I'll start from the beginning.   Even before you go there, send in an application. You can get one on-line @ www.yea.org or by calling the Crossmen office (the # is on the site). There are two main benefits to this. Firstly, it gets the ball rolling. I didn't know what to do about it last October and then one day while I was procrastinating about doing work at school, I decided to fill out the online application. Fill it out online, over the phone AND through e-mail because they're kind of slow about getting back to people. Secondly, it saves time at the first camp. I was really glad that I didn't have to spend my Saturday morning filling out a huge application. (BTW, you can get there Friday night, which is what I did, but there won't be rehearsal until @ 12:00 Saturday afternoon because of the banquet on Friday night.)

                     Also, mail Jim Ancona, (jancona@udel.edu) pit caption head, to let him know that you exist. I e-mailed him with a couple technique questions a few weeks before the audition camp just for this purpose.   As for preparing for the first camp, all percussion auditionees must buy a copy of Thom Hannum's "Championship Methods for Marching Percussion" STUDENT WORKBOOK (not the twenty-something dollar one).  You can get it through Steve Weiss for @ $5.00.   Study the three keys and the grip and stroke guidelines.  (You'll know what I mean when you get it)  Also, work on Exercises 1,2,3 and 8 (They'll probably teach everyone Steven's at the 1st camp). The exercises are easy on purpose so you can really work on the technique. I can also send you copies of the exercises that we actually play in warm-ups. We do 6-3-2-1, Skillet Beans, and Krauss Scales (majors until move-in, then we do modes) among a few others.   Don't worry about knowing all that other stuff at the first camp, though. Just get the basic stuff down well and you'll be fine.

                       As for when you're there, first off, know that even though you might have more individual experience than some of the other players, you're a rookie again. There's always a person who's marched somewhere else and/or goes to a descent school that can play fairly well, but has a head way too big for their shoulders.   Don't be one of those people! Most people will hate you! You'll get shit once in a while at the later camps and at move-in, assuming you decide to stick it out. Just let it slide. If not being a rookie is a priority, don't bother trying out.  

                   Also, when Jim or Jack (Mansager, caption head in 95-6, and co-instructor) are teaching, pay attention. I know that you'd do so anyway, but I just want to cover that base.  If they make a comment about your technique, do your best to fix it.   If they don't say anything else after that, that means you're probably doing it right.   Because of the numbers at the first camps, they rarely talk to people just to say they're doing something right.   They just expect it.  The thing with drum corps versus other kinds of ensembles is you are replaceable. If you don't work, you'll be gone. They generally don't tell people that they have a spot until January or February for this reason. 

                   There will be an assignment given at the end of camp. It will include metronome markings for exercises and some sort of four mallet solo that you should learn. For example, we did a couple etudes from the Friedman vibes book last year.

                 Work on the stuff between camps, everyday if possible, and you'll do absolutely fine. There's no reason you couldn't make it if you really want to. As for $$$, the whole thing costs from $1000 to $1500, depending on how much fund raising you do. It also helps to get personal sponsorships. Get working on those asap!

                You'll be nervous at first when you get there, but keep in mind that it takes a lot of balls to leave what's comfortable and go somewhere where you don't know anyone and where your abilities won't be as exceptional.  You'll make some good friends. I can honestly say now that it was the best experience of my life.

                  I hope I answered any questions you might have. Let me know if you need anything else. Good luck,

Pete