Out of all the videos I have watched on auditioning for a Corps, Yours has been by far the most informative, helpful, and rounded (all inclusive). Broad statements with precise critiques. Thank you so much for making this.
There are some amazing truths spoken in this segment, and not just for auditions. Some of the information can be applied to all aspects of life. I’ll bet this gentleman has inspired and pushed thousands of young men and women well past what they ever thought they could achieve!
Scott Dean I actually have a related question that I thought of that you certainly could help with if you wouldn’t mind. I’m a military musician (20 years in jan). My instrument is trumpet, but I typically end up operating all the sound reinforcement gear for a majority of our performances, which means I don’t get to play much. I’ll admit my chops are nowhere near what they were a while back. In January I’m going back to the Armed Forces School of Music for a two week course in order to get promoted. Part of the process is another audition, which of course I must pass. I leave on Jan 5th which gives me apx 6 weeks. If you were me, and could dedicate at least 2hrs of independent practice time per day towards this goal, how would you structure your practice time (i.e. 15 min long tone warm ups, 10 min slurs, 30 min prepared piece, etc)? Also, what things would you focus on if you only had 10-15 min worth of time (such as on break at work, or driving in the car)? Thank you in advance!
This is really well stated. Solid information for auditioning for a corps, any type of audition, or performance. As always, very inspirational, encouraging, and real. Thanks Scott!
Thanks for the video. I planned on auditioning for bd or bluecoat in the 2021 season. I recently marched open class where they’re a little more relax when it comes to auditioning. I found this really helpful, thanks.
Thank you so much for this video Mr. Dean. I actually took the time to take notes on the most important parts from this video (which was basically everything lol), but some of the most important points that really grasped my attention was 1. being over prepared and memorizing your music. This is definitely a tip every auditionee should consider, because it can only help you look confident and increase your chances of getting contracted this season. Another point that really stuck out to me was to take pride in your craft. When I auditioned for the crossmen in 2015, I noticed many of the friends I made there were anxious because they didn't want to mess up, although they practiced a ton before the audition. It is very important to look like you are the boss at what you do. Now, that of course doesn't mean to look cocky and act like you know everything, but certainly never be afraid to show what you got. (the best!). I am a 19 year old auditioning for the Cavaliers this November 18th, and I couldn't be more exited to show them what I have to show them! Again, thank you so, so much for this video; I will definitely use every tip you have given. God bless!
Alvaradomusic I couldn't be more pleased with your comment. This is exactly why I made this video. Many people hear advice, but they don't listen...and don't apply what they learned. I am pleased to hear that this video has helped you. Please let me know how the audition goes.
Hey man!! I was BD UFLS back in 1983. I'm still hitting GG and AA's; but your CCs were off the chart strong like Bill Chase!! Laser beams dude!! You rock!!
Hey, not sure if anyone will respond to this because this video is 5 years old, but I'm gonna ask anyway. I'm currently a junior in high school (11th grade) and I've been doing percussion since 8th grade. For the longest time, I was the kid that was only in band because my parents wanted me to be in it. So, I didn't practice and I wasn't very interested in percussion as a whole. I didn't do marching band in 9th grade, but I did do it in 10th and I'm doing my second year in 11th grade. Anyway, over the last 3-4 months, I've had a complete mindset change. I saw a clip from the 2014 Bluecoats show "Tilt" (the closer of course) and something about that video made me decide that I wanted to do DCI and do what they were doing. The issue is, I'm not a very good percussionist. Sure, I've been practicing consistently for 2-3 hours every day, working on rudiments, chops etc. I've also been staying after school on days I don't have marching band rehearsal to practice mallets. But I am just not very good. I feel like I'm doing too little too late and I'm honestly sometimes embarrassed to tell people I want to march DCA/DCI. Basically, I just don't know if its even possible for me to get to the DCA and eventually DCI level of playing.
I don't believe it is too little too late. We need to get you in touch with a percussionist that has marched drum corps and can give you lessons and direction. There are many of corps of all different performances levels...if you don't make one corps, you'll probably make another somewhere else.
Do you have any idea what a synth audition would look like? I’m a senior in high school who just discovered dci back in April and I really want to audition for a Corps. The problem is, my school doesn’t have a marching band for me to play euphonium in. My main instrument is piano, so I feel that my best bet would be to audition for synth in the front ensemble. I know this video is two years old but any feedback would be greatly appreciated!
Any advice for someone in canada wanting to do dci? (The last drum corps that was even slightly close that i think was in dci was the alleigence elite and they folded before i even started kindergarten)
Thank you so much for this video. I am truly inspired! I have one question. I am a trombone player, and I am learning how to use valves before I go to audition. If the Corps I am auditioning for allows trombone auditions, should I play the trombone for my audition, or should I audition on a bari/euph? Thanks again.
If they say that you can audition on trombone and you are more comfortable with trombone, then I would do that. But I think you should also start working on baritone asap.
I wanted to audition for Phantom Regiment for the 2023 season as a euphonium. I've been focusing on getting fit and prepared to audition. I am the only person out of my marching band and everyone that I know that knows what DCI is and I've been asking a lot of questions online and watching videos about getting prepared. Around what time of the year do corps release audition packets so I can start getting the music down as soon as possible?
I have a strong double F# but whenever I go up to a double G, I can feel that I am struggling to produce the same volume and tone even though it is only 1/2 step higher. Is there any advice you have to add the extra half step to my “usable” range?
Anthony Casella good question. Yes there is. Make sure you own the F#. Can you play it any way you want. Pop it, slur it, soft, loud. Even try double tonguing high notes like that. (I know, I can't do that either. But I have tried.) Do lots of lip trills and regular trills way below and work your way up. You will cross the threshold without any problem eventually. You have to stay consistent.
Hi Scott, could you possibly send me the DVD of Dynasty of Brass. Wayne doesn't ship to Australia. I'm a 53 year old female Trpt player, I want to play higher than a 3rd valve double A? Full payment of course. I need the techniques to excel high register playing.
This video deserves a lot more views, especially when it's by an iconic lead trumpet player from an 18-time world champion corp.
Corps*
Now 19 Championships
@@gersongomez1876 20 in 22 💙😈
Out of all the videos I have watched on auditioning for a Corps, Yours has been by far the most informative, helpful, and rounded (all inclusive). Broad statements with precise critiques. Thank you so much for making this.
Chris Holthus it was my pleasure. Thank you for the kind words.
There are some amazing truths spoken in this segment, and not just for auditions. Some of the information can be applied to all aspects of life. I’ll bet this gentleman has inspired and pushed thousands of young men and women well past what they ever thought they could achieve!
Thank you for the kind words. I appreciate it a lot.
Scott Dean I actually have a related question that I thought of that you certainly could help with if you wouldn’t mind.
I’m a military musician (20 years in jan). My instrument is trumpet, but I typically end up operating all the sound reinforcement gear for a majority of our performances, which means I don’t get to play much. I’ll admit my chops are nowhere near what they were a while back. In January I’m going back to the Armed Forces School of Music for a two week course in order to get promoted. Part of the process is another audition, which of course I must pass. I leave on Jan 5th which gives me apx 6 weeks.
If you were me, and could dedicate at least 2hrs of independent practice time per day towards this goal, how would you structure your practice time (i.e. 15 min long tone warm ups, 10 min slurs, 30 min prepared piece, etc)? Also, what things would you focus on if you only had 10-15 min worth of time (such as on break at work, or driving in the car)?
Thank you in advance!
Great video Mr. Dean
This is really well stated. Solid information for auditioning for a corps, any type of audition, or performance. As always, very inspirational, encouraging, and real. Thanks Scott!
Jeff LaRose thanks Jeff.
Thanks for the video. I planned on auditioning for bd or bluecoat in the 2021 season. I recently marched open class where they’re a little more relax when it comes to auditioning. I found this really helpful, thanks.
I'm glad I could help
Thank you so much this inspires me to work so much harder to march bluecoats
Isauce TF I'm glad you found it helpful.
Thank you so much for this video Mr. Dean. I actually took the time to take notes on the most important parts from this video (which was basically everything lol), but some of the most important points that really grasped my attention was 1. being over prepared and memorizing your music. This is definitely a tip every auditionee should consider, because it can only help you look confident and increase your chances of getting contracted this season. Another point that really stuck out to me was to take pride in your craft. When I auditioned for the crossmen in 2015, I noticed many of the friends I made there were anxious because they didn't want to mess up, although they practiced a ton before the audition. It is very important to look like you are the boss at what you do. Now, that of course doesn't mean to look cocky and act like you know everything, but certainly never be afraid to show what you got. (the best!). I am a 19 year old auditioning for the Cavaliers this November 18th, and I couldn't be more exited to show them what I have to show them! Again, thank you so, so much for this video; I will definitely use every tip you have given. God bless!
Alvaradomusic I couldn't be more pleased with your comment. This is exactly why I made this video. Many people hear advice, but they don't listen...and don't apply what they learned. I am pleased to hear that this video has helped you. Please let me know how the audition goes.
Alvaradomusic How'd it go?
Just got an e-mail notifying me that I got a call-back!
super late update, but i got contracted with The Cavaliers and will be going on tour with them for the 2018 season!
I approve this message, I didn’t do anything in this video and I got cut 👍👍👍
This is the most helpful video ever thank my dude
Bring money
Hey Scott, I've long admired you as a player, this is a great video! Wish I had before I aged out
chris schmitz thank you for the compliment.
Very helpful, thank you.
Great video thank you!
TE Tuner is a great app for producing tones BTW
Hey man!!
I was BD UFLS back in 1983.
I'm still hitting GG and AA's; but your CCs were off the chart strong like Bill Chase!!
Laser beams dude!!
You rock!!
Jon Skelton thank you for the compliment. '83 huh? You guys were awesome back then. How in the world did you play on 2 valves? It's witchcraft!
What place did BD get that year? Asking for a friend ;-)
2nd @@betaomega04
Fresno state baby 2006 🎺🎺🎺
Hey, not sure if anyone will respond to this because this video is 5 years old, but I'm gonna ask anyway. I'm currently a junior in high school (11th grade) and I've been doing percussion since 8th grade. For the longest time, I was the kid that was only in band because my parents wanted me to be in it. So, I didn't practice and I wasn't very interested in percussion as a whole. I didn't do marching band in 9th grade, but I did do it in 10th and I'm doing my second year in 11th grade. Anyway, over the last 3-4 months, I've had a complete mindset change. I saw a clip from the 2014 Bluecoats show "Tilt" (the closer of course) and something about that video made me decide that I wanted to do DCI and do what they were doing. The issue is, I'm not a very good percussionist. Sure, I've been practicing consistently for 2-3 hours every day, working on rudiments, chops etc. I've also been staying after school on days I don't have marching band rehearsal to practice mallets. But I am just not very good. I feel like I'm doing too little too late and I'm honestly sometimes embarrassed to tell people I want to march DCA/DCI. Basically, I just don't know if its even possible for me to get to the DCA and eventually DCI level of playing.
I don't believe it is too little too late. We need to get you in touch with a percussionist that has marched drum corps and can give you lessons and direction. There are many of corps of all different performances levels...if you don't make one corps, you'll probably make another somewhere else.
Should I audition for multiple corps?
Oh crap this is that dude from the anthem video on the running track from a million years ago. Dang we are old now
Thank you Mister Dean
I wish I had done this stuff.
Big inspiration
Can u do a video on how to build range to play lead?
Carlos Quintero I will one day.
You're a legend
Do you have any idea what a synth audition would look like? I’m a senior in high school who just discovered dci back in April and I really want to audition for a Corps. The problem is, my school doesn’t have a marching band for me to play euphonium in. My main instrument is piano, so I feel that my best bet would be to audition for synth in the front ensemble. I know this video is two years old but any feedback would be greatly appreciated!
I would contact the corps you want to audition for and ask lots of questions. Also, contact someone who has played synth for a corps.
Scott Dean I don’t know why I never thought about getting ahold of a Corps before... thanks for the advice :))
Thanks Scott, the DVD must be awesome then. :)
Watching some videos of you screaming on trumpet ! I hope I can get to that point some day ...
Any advice for someone in canada wanting to do dci? (The last drum corps that was even slightly close that i think was in dci was the alleigence elite and they folded before i even started kindergarten)
Thank you so much for this video. I am truly inspired! I have one question. I am a trombone player, and I am learning how to use valves before I go to audition. If the Corps I am auditioning for allows trombone auditions, should I play the trombone for my audition, or should I audition on a bari/euph? Thanks again.
If they say that you can audition on trombone and you are more comfortable with trombone, then I would do that. But I think you should also start working on baritone asap.
I wanted to audition for Phantom Regiment for the 2023 season as a euphonium. I've been focusing on getting fit and prepared to audition. I am the only person out of my marching band and everyone that I know that knows what DCI is and I've been asking a lot of questions online and watching videos about getting prepared. Around what time of the year do corps release audition packets so I can start getting the music down as soon as possible?
Did u make it?
I have a strong double F# but whenever I go up to a double G, I can feel that I am struggling to produce the same volume and tone even though it is only 1/2 step higher. Is there any advice you have to add the extra half step to my “usable” range?
Anthony Casella good question. Yes there is. Make sure you own the F#. Can you play it any way you want. Pop it, slur it, soft, loud. Even try double tonguing high notes like that. (I know, I can't do that either. But I have tried.) Do lots of lip trills and regular trills way below and work your way up. You will cross the threshold without any problem eventually. You have to stay consistent.
Anthony Casella also try alternate fingerings. 1 and 3 for double G. Give it A LOT of air
Hi Scott, could you possibly send me the DVD of Dynasty of Brass. Wayne doesn't ship to Australia. I'm a 53 year old female Trpt player, I want to play higher than a 3rd valve double A? Full payment of course. I need the techniques to excel high register playing.
S Toms I'm sorry but I don't have it myself
CFallon - are you looking on RUclips for DCI audition advice? Talk to your dad!
Were G Bugles used in 2005?
Evan Jower not in Blue Devils. We switched from G to Bb in mid season of 2000.
Thanks!