Percussion

Those auditioning for the percussion department are expected to demonstrate superior ability in one of the six categories listed below.  * All students are required to play from categories I, II, and V for admission into the Percussion Department.  Competency in one additional category must be demonstrated.  Auditions in all categories are not required.  Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of techniques, a prepared piece, sight- reading, and ear test.  Memorization of a piece is optional.  Sticks and mallets are to be brought by the individual auditioning.  Instruments will be provided by the Percussion department.  A copy of the prepared pieces must be provided for the jury.  Percussion auditions are conducted only in the Pittsburgh venue.

Specific audition requirement in the various categories:

  1. *Timpani:  Demonstrate the various types of rolls (fp, p, f, ff, etc.), rhythms and interval tuning: solos and/or etudes (Hochrainer, Delecluse, Goodman, etc.); orchestral excerpts (Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart, Hindewmith, etc.)
  2. *Keyboard Percussion:  Perform two octave scales and arpeggios in major and minor keys, four-mallet solo (marimba), two-mallet solo (xylophone or marimba); orchestral excerpts (bells, xylophone or vibraphone)
  3. Drum Set:  Demonstrate various styles: Swing, Bop, Rock, Latin, Runk.  Play short solo incorporating all of the styles
  4. Latin Percussion:  Techniques on bongos, congas, timbales, claves, maracas, etc.
  5. * Snaredrum:  Play various types of rolls from slow to fast (5-stroke, 7-stroke, etc.)  Demonstrate other rudiments upon request.  Solo (concert and rudimental style; ex: Pratt, Wilcoxin, Cirone, Peters, Delecluse, etc.).  Orchestral excerpts
  6. General Percussion: Demonstrate techniques on crash cymbals, tambourine, triangle, castanets, bassdrum, etc.