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)