The front ensemble consists of the mallet and auxiliary instruments normally positioned at the front of the mat that remain stationary during the show. Instruments in the frontline include marimbas, vibes, xylophone, glock, synthesizer (computer), bass guitar, piano, concert bass drum, etc.
PLACEMENT AUDITIONS
The placement process for the front ensemble will be similar to previous years. In an effort to better prepare students for the frontline auditions and hopefully put them a little more at ease we offer help/practice sessions, students will have the opportunity to come in and practice and receive feedback and training from some of our front ensemble staff and veterans. Students are welcome to come and go as needed. These are not mandatory. The auditions will be small group auditions.
Students have the opportunity to audition for a mallet part, electronics part, and/or an auxiliary percussion part. Students will only be placed in the part of the front ensemble that they audition for. Students should understand that there will only be 2-4 auxiliary parts and 3-4 available electronics parts with the majority of the front ensemble as mallet parts.
DATES AND TIMES
Clinics
Monday November 3 - 6:00-9:30 pm
Saturday November 8 - 9:00am-Noon
Optional Practice Session
Thursday November 6 - 7:15-9:00 pm
Placement Auditions
Monday November 10 - 6:00-6:45 pm
MUSIC
Audition materials are all in the handbook (see below) and a paper copy of the handbook will be distributed at clinics. Students should look at the following exercises:
1. OcTWOves (Tempo: Eighth note = 110-150)
Mallets/Electronics: 3 Major Scales (C, G, D)
Aux: Concert Tom, Concert Bass Drum, Ride Cymbal
2. Grid: (Tempo: Eighth note = 55-100)
Mallets/Electronics: 3 Major Scales (C, G, D)
Aux: Regular (learn concert snare and bass drum parts)
3. Etude (Just Breathe): (Tempo: Quarter Note = 150)
Mallets: Choose between beginner/intermediate
Guitar/Bass: Learn beginner mallet part
Piano/Synth: Learn Piano part
Aux: Learn Concert Snare/Tom and Concert Bass Drum