An interest meeting is held every October to discuss the upcoming season and the auditions process. Auditions are held in November of every year. Auditions are open to anyone between the ages of 8th and 12th grade to students from central VA. Members may audition for battery, front ensemble or the visual ensemble. Placement and instrumentation will be determined based on the amount of people who auditions and what is best for the overall group. There are no guarantees that members will end up in the spot they auditioned for.

Battery:

Snare (2 to 4) - reserved for current high school percussionists only

Tenors (1 to 2) - reserved for current high school percussionists only

Bass Drum (4 to 6) - reserved for high school musicians only

Cymbals (2 to 4)

If a student who is not a high school percussionist or a high school musician can demonstrate proficient knowledge and skills on an instrument listed above, they my audition for that instrument and be considered for any open spots.

Front Ensemble:

Marimba (2 to 3)

Vibraphone (2)

Xylophone (1)

Bells (1)

Synthesizer/Keyboard (1 to 2)

Guitar (could be none or 1 depending on the season)

Bass Guitar (could be none or 1 depending on the season)

Drumset (could be none or 1 depending on the season)

Accessories (1 to 2) - Concert Bass Drum, Gong, Tambourine, Triangle, Suspended Cymbal, and etc.

Visual Ensemble:

One or more members who contribute to the show visually, but do not play an instrument. Members are responsible for helping move props, but are primarily asked to dance and act. No formal training is needed as members will be taught.

Please fill out the interest form to help ACIP Staff prepare for auditions and for the upcoming season.

ACIP Interest From

The Audition Process

The audition is split into two days. If you are auditioning for Battery and/or Front Ensemble MUST be present both days.

• Day 1: Battery Auditions

  • • Auditions will be similar to a workshop, however, one by one members will be pulled into a separate room and asked to play/demonstrate the required materials own their own.

    • Front Ensemble Members will need to be present.

    • Visual Ensemble members this process may vary year to year. Please see the audition packet for more details. 

    • If the instructors would like to hear/see you on a different instrument or section, they will communicate this as soon as possible. You will not be judged on your knowledge or preparedness of the new instrument or section. The goal is to hear/see which grouping fits the ensemble best based on the individual audition and sets the group up for the most success.

      • • Example: Six people audition for snare, but there are only three spots available. Based on day one, the instructors would like to hear/see the best combination of three from the top four scores. The other two people will be relocated to new instruments/sections and so will one of the other four people remaining.

• Day 2: Front Ensemble Auditions

  • • Auditions will be similar to a workshop, however, one by one members will be pulled into a separate room and asked to play/demonstrate the required materials own their own.

    • Battery Members will need to be present.

    • Visual Ensemble members this process may vary year to year. Please see the audition packet for more details. 

What Should I Bring To Auditions?

1. Sticks/Mallets

2. Music

3. Drum Pad (Please do not drum on the floor or the walls of the school.)

4. Athletic Clothing and Tennis Shoes (Visual Ensemble see Audition Packet)

5. An Open Mind

Important Forms and Links