Audition Expectations: Percussion

Undergraduate

Pieces performed for All-Region and All-State auditions are acceptable for undergraduate auditions. The performance of other works is encouraged when possible. Some suggestions are given below. They are provided only as a guide. Other pieces may be used as audition material.

Snare Drum

Etudes from Portraits in Rhythm – Anthony Cirone

Etudes from Intermediate Snare Drum Studies – Mitchell Peters

Etudes from Advanced Snare Drum Studies – Mitchell Peters

A rudimental solo

Keyboard

Etudes from Modern Method for Xylophone – Morris Goldenberg

Violin Concrto in a minor – Bach

Etudes and Preludes – Clair Musser

Yellow After the Rain – Mitchell Peters

Timpani

Solos by John Beck or Vic Firth

Etudes from Modern Method for Timpani – Saul Goodman

Drumset (optional)

Demonstate various styles (swing, latin, rock, etc.)

Graduate

Percussionists auditioning for graduate degrees are expected to demonstrate strong abilities in all areas. Some suggestions for audition repertoire are given below. Other works of similar musical and technical value may be performed.

Snare Drum

Etudes from Portraits in Rhythm by Anthony Cirone

Etudes from Douze Etudes by Jacques Delecluse

Etudes from Advanced Etudes for Snare Drum by Keith Aleo

Orchestral Excerpts (Scheherazade, Lt. Kije, Shostakovich 10)

Keyboard

Mirage – Sueyoshi

Reflections on the Nature of Water – Druckman

Variations on Japanese Children’s Songs – Abe

Caritas – Burritt

See Ya Thursday – Mackey

Rumble Strips – Stout

Orchestral Excerpts (Porgy and Bess, Magic Flute, Pines of Rome)

Timpani

Eight Pieces – Carter

Sonata for Timpani – Beck

Three Pieces for Five Timpani – La Fave

Orchestral Excerpts (Beethoven 9, Romeo and Juliet, Finlandia)