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I would honestly think a Grade 4 level solo should be fine. I know Penn State might have a bunch of sousaphone players waiting to get in, but I imagine that the section leader would rather hear something played extremely well and in tune (that is easy) than something a bit more difficult hacked up.

In other words, when I was section leader of a college marching band (w00t), I would rather hear the Egotistical Elephant played well than the something even in the league of the Gregson poorly. Besides, I knew from hearing 7 major scales and the chromatic scale how well a player could handle marching band music without the need to hear a prepared solo. I honestly think 3-4 minutes is a "long" audition for this type of placement. However, I am sure the level of collegiate sousaphone playing has increased tremendously in the past 15 years.

Matthew Gilchrest wrote:I would honestly think a Grade 4 level solo should be fine. I know Penn State might have a bunch of sousaphone players waiting to get in, but I imagine that the section leader would rather hear something played extremely well and in tune (that is easy) than something a bit more difficult hacked up.

In other words, when I was section leader of a college marching band (w00t), I would rather hear the Egotistical Elephant played well than the something even in the league of the Gregson poorly. Besides, I knew from hearing 7 major scales and the chromatic scale how well a player could handle marching band music without the need to hear a prepared solo. I honestly think 3-4 minutes is a "long" audition for this type of placement. However, I am sure the level of collegiate sousaphone playing has increased tremendously in the past 15 years.

I agree. In my experience, Air and Bouree works great as a Marching Band/Pep Band audition piece.

The Bouree from "Air and Bouree" is my recommendation as well. Don't forget to listen to some good interpretations - and not just by tubists. Listen to Joshua Bell as well as to Bill. Play that puppy cleanly and musically and you'll do fine.