Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2005 7:34 pm
I'm a member of the 44th Army Band (National Guard) and am authorized to do auditions for our unit (except percussion, thank God). Each reserve component band seems to have their own standards for auditions (yes, it should be standard Army-wide, but it isn't). In our band, we're full of tubas, so if you pass your audition, you might be put on a waiting list until someone leaves (which might happen soon). The 300th AB might have some openings, so prepare your solo (40%), learn your 48 scales and arpeggios (a big 10%), and do your best on sight reading (50%). The auditions I've done, everyone had their piece prepared, they flubbed up some scales (usually going down), and seem to have a problem sight reading 6/8 marches. This will be the worst part of your experience (even more than basic), so relax and do your best. BTW, it's a little different that most auditions. I never had to sight read over 20 pieces on a regular audition before.
