Marching Band of Pride auditions for Fall 2022/Winter 2023 and are now open!

Membership is open to ALL MAJORS!

Auditions for 2022-2023 are currently being conducted by online submission ONLY. See below for more information.

PLEASE NOTE: Auditions for the University Jazz Ensemble are held the day before the start of classes in the Fall and are open to all majors. Auditions for the Symphonic Wind Ensemble are conducted about 6 weeks into the Fall Quarter and are open to all majors. These auditions likely will be conducted via online submission, too, but check this page again in early to mid-August for confirmation and more details.

Click HERE for more general information about the Band of Pride, Louisiana Tech University's marching band. Please also visit music.latech.edu for more information about the School of Music at Louisiana Tech.

"Like" and "Follow" us on the LaTech Band of Pride Facebook page for timely updates on this year's activities.

Audition Information for the Marching Band of Pride (ALL MAJORS)

Those desiring to audition for a spot in the 2021-22 Marching Band of Pride (including Music Majors and Minors) should follow the steps below.

NOTE: Those who have made HIGH SCHOOL ALL-STATE BAND/ORCHESTRA are automatically accepted. However, for part placement, the following instruments still need to submit an audition:

• • • Clarinet

    • Alto Saxophone

    • Trumpet

    • (French) Horn

    • Trombone

All others should send an email stating marching band instrument and All-State status to band@latech.edu in lieu of audition. If you made All-State band in your state, please be sure to mention the state and which years you participated at the beginning of your audition recording or in body of the e-mail in which you submit your recording.

NOTE: The following instruments are provided. All others require personally owned instruments: mellophones, baritones, tubas, and percussion.

NOTE: Additional steps for those interested in majoring or minoring in music are listed below the general audition requirements.

STEP 1. Using your smartphone, computer, or other device, please record yourself performing the following materials:

CLICK HERE for information and advice on recording an audition video.

ALL INSTRUMENTS:

At the beginning of your recording, please introduce yourself by stating:

• • • Your name

    • Hometown (City and State)

    • Your high school (or previous college/university attended, If applicable)

Woodwinds and Brass:

• • • Major Scale of choice (choice of 1 or 2 octaves)

    • Major Scale of choice (must be 2 octaves)

    • Chromatic Scale (choice of range)

    • Slow etude, like All-District/All-State/All-Region audition materials. Approximately 30 seconds in length.

    • Fast etude, like All-District/All-State/All-Region audition materials. Approximately 30 seconds in length.

For woodwind and brass players, video auditions are preferred, but audio is acceptable. Please contact the following studio teachers if you have any questions about these required scales or etudes:

• • • Flute: Prof. Shayla Blake > sblake@latech.edu

    • All Other Woodwinds: Dr. Trevor Davis > tdavis@latech.edu

    • All Brass: Dr. Chris Heidenreich > cph@latech.edu

Percussion: Email a video of a section of a cadence on battery instrument of choice, or a rudimental solo. Practice pads are sufficient at this time.

For percussion players, video submissions are required; audio-only submissions will not be accepted without special permission from Dr. Lyons.

If you have any questions about the cadence/solo requirement, please contact:

• • • Dr. Greg Lyons > glyons@latech.edu

NOTE: We do not have a “pit” or front ensemble. We utilize on-field battery percussion only. Percussionists who are selected for the Drum Line are re-auditioned for instrument placement during band camp. All members who accept a position must be prepared to be assigned to any of the battery instruments (Cymbals, Snare Drum, Tenor Drum, Bass Drum, instruments provided by band)

Color Guard: (video only) Perform a routine to music that demonstrates flag skills (tosses, dance movement, etc.) approximately 1.5 minutes in length. (Optional) Perform a routine to music that demonstrates rifle and/or sabre skills. approximately 1.5 minutes in length.

For color guard auditions, video submissions are required.

If you have any questions about the audition requirements, please contact:

• • • Dr. Chris Heidenreich > cph@latech.edu

Feature Twirler: Please check back for more information.

Step 2: Email completed recordings to: band@latech.edu

Please contact Dr. Heidenreich right away if you have any questions or concerns: cph@latech.edu or (318) 257-4233. Large files should be uploaded to YouTube, Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.; please be sure that your sharing settings allow others to view these files.

Additional Steps for New Music Majors & Minors:

In addition to submitting the audition materials above, please follow these additional steps:

Step 3: Fill out the School of Music Application Form.

Step 4: Contact the principle teacher for your instrument to let them know that you are applying to become a Music Major or Minor:

• • • Flute: Prof. Shayla Blake > sblake@latech.edu

    • All Other Woodwinds: Dr. Trevor Davis > tdavis@latech.edu

    • All Brass: Dr. Chris Heidenreich > cph@latech.edu

    • Percussion: Dr. Greg Lyons > glyons@latech.edu

Even if you have submitted audition materials for the Band of Pride, Music Majors and Minors may also be required to audition with the faculty listed above (contact them for more details).

There are additional Band Department scholarships available for Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion band members who major in Music with a concentration in Music Education, Music Performance, or in Music - Liberal Arts.

General Information

Summer Band Camp: Our band camp begins the week before classes start in the fall. Our fall quarter begins the first Thursday after Labor Day. Keep the last week of August clear for Band Camp. Dr. Heidenreich will send details later in the summer. Labor Day weekend will be part of Band Camp and is REQUIRED (sorry, you need to plan on being on campus that weekend).

Please check this website regularly for updates related to summer Band of Pride activities and possible changes due to COVID-19 restrictions. Updates will also regularly be posted to the Band of Pride Facebook page.

Summer Housing: Through special arrangement with the Housing Office, band members are allowed to check into their housing accommodations early for band camp. Details will be provided in summer notification.

Course Enrollment: You must enroll for credit in MUEN 271-051 - "University Marching Band" (Call No. 11989). Dr. Heidenreich will approve minor class conflicts. Band rehearsals are Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 4:30-6:30pm; however, Friday rehearsals will be cancelled on open/ away weekends. Dr. Heidenreich will also give days off when possible.

Game Days and Travel: Game days are full days and are usually on Saturday. Special game ticket pricing is available for Band Parents for all home games. Details will be provided as they become available. Parents of band members are invited to join the Band Parents’ Facebook page. We usually travel to one out of town game. In the past we have been alternating between Rice and North Texas.

Expenses: Generally, plan on approximately $100 in expenses for the summer. This is usually a one time expense for your college career in the Band of Pride.

Bowl Games: Bowl Games are usually during Christmas Break and are required. Those not attending can expect a reduction in Service Award for the Winter Quarter.

Band Scholarships: The basic Service Award for participating in the Marching Band of Pride is currently being adjusted, please check here later for more information. Additional Awards are given for Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, and the Hoop Troop, the basketball band. Out of State tuition waivers are also available for qualified applicants.