Spirit Requirements for Percussion

Percussion Auditions 2024-25

Every prospective member must audition for placement purposes. Information that follows is specific to the Spirit Bands (Marching & Basketball). If you are interested in joining a Concert or Jazz Band, or to learn about other opportunities in the band program, email Ms. Alicja Lipsky, Program Manager, or call 513-556-BAND to tell us about your interests and to introduce yourself. 

Audition Submission Process

All prospective members are required to submit videos in one take for each of their performances of the requirements. In one email, send a shareable link (cloud-based such as YouTube, Dropbox, or Google Drive) to Mr. Christopher Nichter, Band Director. In addition to submitting the requirements as a video, they will also be utilized at camp. Videos will be accepted until June 25. If you are receiving this information after this date or have extenuating circumstances that prohibit sending videos, please email for assistance. We look forward to hearing from you!

Percussion audition packet links:

PART 1

PART 2

Audition Requirements

  • BOTH Battery AND Front Ensemble
    • Single, Double, Triple Exercise
    • Check Patterns 1-4 @ 100 BPM
    • 16th note Moving Accent Exercise @ 120 BPM
    • 8th note Triplet Check @ 120 BPM
    • You may submit a solo if you wish
    • Send all of the above as entry #1.
  • Battery ONLY - march to everything
    • Single, Double, Triple Exercise
    • Moving Accent (Triplet and 16th) Exercise
    • Triplet Roll exercise @ 140, 144, & 156 BPM (Only for Snares and Tenors)
    • Paw
    • High Low
    • Send all of the above as entry #2.
  • Front Ensemble ONLY
    • Scales & Arpeggios @ 120 BPM (All Major Keys)
    • Octave Scales @ 88 BPM (C Major, F Major, Bb Major, Eb Major, Ab Major, & Db Major)
    • Green Scales @ 80, 110, & 150 BPM (C Major, D Major, E Major, & F# Major)
    • Bearcat Jam (4-mallet) @ 106 BPM (C Major)
    • Send all of the above as entry #2.

Summer Camps

Summer Camps for Percussion
Date Title Location Time Housing & Meals
Tuesday, June 18, 2024

Virtual Welcome & Masterclass

Topics:
• Fundamentals
• Tips for memorization of music
• Exercises

Online meeting link will be provided 6:00-8:00 PM n/a
July 10-12, 2024 Percussion Placement for All New and Returning Members Rockwern Band Center on the UC Main Campus and adjacent athletic fields

Wednesday & Thursday

• Block 1: 9:00 AM-12:00 PM

• Block 2: 1:30-5:00 PM

• Block 3: 6:30-8:30 PM

 

Friday

• Block 1: 9:00 AM-12:00 PM

• Block 2: 1:30-5:00 PM

Concludes by 5:30 PM

Housing on your own; meals on your own
Tuesday, August 13, 2024 Percussion Preseason Camp begins Same All day More information will be released in July