Audition Info

REDS JAZZ AUDITIONS

Reds Jazz audition rehearsals will run during the week of September 22-26, 2025, 7:00 - 7:45 AM. Audition submissions are due by midnight on Saturday, September 27. 

All information and audition materials are available here.

GENERAL BAND AUDITIONS

Welcome to Cedar High School and the Reds Bands! To audition for Symphonic Band (top band), Concert Band (intermediate / middle), or Varsity Percussion Ensemble (this is also the percussion section for Symphonic Band), please submit an audition video. Instructions are below.

Auditions for 2025-26 School Year

• Auditions must be submitted by Friday, March 14, 2025 before midnight.

• Upload your audition as an "Unlisted" video on YouTube and share to Mr. Sorensen's email address: keith.sorensen@ironmail.org

• Please read these instructions completely before starting - it's simpler than it looks. 

• Remember that part of the audition process is following the instructions and meeting the deadline. 

Audition Requirements

• Completed Application (Fill it out here.)

• Video with: (See below for details)

  • Chromatic Scale

  • Major Scales

  • Excerpt

WINDS

1. Introduce yourself! First and last name and the instrument you play, including any secondary (or more) instruments

   1. You will be considered for both Symphonic Band and Concert Band

2. Chromatic Scale with metronome (80 bpm is recommended, but use whichever tempo makes you look best!)

   1. Starting on concert Bb or F (whichever is most comfortable), play 8th notes up and down at least one octave - Two octaves are required for Symphonic Band. 

   2. Make sure your face and hands are both visible in the video

   3. Make sure the metronome AND instrument are both clearly audible in the video

   4. Legato tongue up the scale, and slur down the scale

3. Major Scales and Arpeggios with metronome (80 bpm recommended)

   1. Play the following scales with their arpeggios: A, D, G, C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab 

      1. If you can’t play all of these scales, just do the ones that make you sound good

      2. If you can play more than these scales, please do!

   2. One octave is required, but two (or three) octaves are recommended where you can

   3. Play the scales how you have practiced them  – I just want to hear that you know them and can play them with a metronome

   4. Please edit out any dead space, restarts, etc. – only show what makes you look good!

4. Audition Excerpt with metronome (80 bpm) recommended

   1. Be sure to pay attention to dynamics and articulation, and play correct rhythms with the metronome

PERCUSSION (Click each exercise / excerpt for the link)

1. Introduce yourself! First and last name, instrument you play

2. “Slow/Fast” Exercises #1-4 with metronome (80 bpm is recommended, but use whichever tempo makes you look best!) Example video is here.

   1. Use a snare drum or practice pad

   2. Please make sure the instrument and metronome are both clearly audible in the video

   3. Make sure your face, hands, and playing area (where the sticks/mallets strike the instrument) are clearly visible in the video

3. Mallets Excerpt

   1. Use an actual keyboard instrument and appropriate mallets, even if it’s your bell kit

   2. Alternating sticking whenever possible, use double sticking only when necessary

   3. Roll any notes longer than a quarter note

   4. Please make sure the instrument and metronome are both clearly audible in the video

   5. Make sure your face, hands, and playing area (where the sticks/mallets strike the instrument) are clearly visible in the video

4. Snare Drum Excerpt

   1. Use an actual snare drum if possible; pad is acceptable

   2. Please make sure the instrument and metronome are both clearly audible in the video

   3. Make sure your face, hands, and playing area (where the sticks/mallets strike the instrument) are clearly visible in the video

Tips for a successful audition

What am I (Mr. Sorensen) looking for in the audition?

• TONE - Always use your best, richest tone quality

• PULSE – Make sure your playing aligns with the metronome

• ACCURACY – Correct notes and rhythms

• ARTICULATION – Clear, clean articulation; legato tonguing unless something else is written on the part (staccato, slur, accent, etc.)

• DYNAMICS – Play what is written on the part; if no dynamics are indicated, use your musical instincts – make it musical and engaging!

• MUSICALITY – Even scales can be interesting to listen to when they are played with direction; make it your own!

Tips for making a great video:

• Record in a well lit (but not from behind) room with no background noise

• Make sure the camera can see both your face and your hands/instrument as you play – a side view might work best if you are using a music stand

• Make sure the metronome and your instrument are both clearly audible in the video

• Be sure to watch your video carefully before you submit

• Edit the video (iMovie, ClipChamp, etc.) to take out anything distracting or unnecessary – only include what makes you look great!

Remember, auditions are about what you can do, not what you can't. Play what makes you sound the best!

If you have any questions, please email Mr. Sorensen at keith.sorensen@ironmail.org