National Guard Band Audition Requirements:
Welcome to the 42nd ID Band’s Audition Information Page! If you’ve ever wondered what is required for a National Guard Band Audition, the following information should be helpful. For more information, contact the Band Office, we will be happy to answer your questions!
Audition requirements vary according to instrument played. If you happen to play more than one instrument, you only need audition for one of those instruments; you will be given extra points for doubling.
In general, an audition will involve the presentation of prepared music (which you choose), and “quickly prepared music”, which you will receive the day prior to your audition. If you are a percussionist (to include keyboards, bass, and/or guitar), you will be expected to be able to play proficiently in several distinct styles (i.e. Rock, Jazz, Latin & Country), and to be able to read charts.
Remember that while auditioning is required to join an Army Band, taking and passing an audition does NOT obligate you to join! Your recruiter will further explain the enlistment process to you.
The following is a general guide as to what you will be expected to play:
BRASS & WOODWINDS
Part 1) CEREMONIAL MUSIC
- National Anthem
- Army Song
- Ruffles and Flourishes/The General’s March
- Bugle Calls (Attention, Adjutant's Call, Retreat, To the Color, Mess Call, Taps) **
(** Trumpet only, and ONLY if you have prior military service)
Part 2) PREPARED MUSIC
- Perform at least 3 selections of contrasting styles not to exceed 5 minutes total.
Part 3) QUICKLY PREPARED MUSIC
- Perform 2 selections per category. Music will be given the day prior to assessment.
- GROUP A (Concert Band/Chamber Ensemble)
- GROUP B (Marches)
- GROUP C (Pop/Rock/Swing/Dixie/Brass Band, depending on instrument played)
Part 4) ADDITIONAL SKILLS
- DOUBLES (Performs on any other instrument)
- VOCALS (vocal performance on same repertoire as required on ASOM Form 1-9V)
- IMPROVISATION
- LEAD TRUMPET (Trumpet only)
GUITAR, BASS, & KEYBOARDS
Part 1) CEREMONIAL MUSIC
- National Anthem (Keyboard only)
- Army Song (Keyboard only)
- Patriotic Selection (i.e. “God Bless the USA”)
Part 2) PREPARED MUSIC
- Perform at least 3 selections of contrasting styles
Part 3) QUICKLY PREPARED MUSIC
- Perform 5 selections of contrasting styles demonstrating contrasting stylistic capability prepared from the rhythm section "Big List". Music will be given the day prior to assessment
Part 4) ADDITIONAL SKILLS
- DOUBLES (Performs on any other instrument)
- VOCALS (vocal performance on same repertoire as required on ASOM Form 1-9V)
PERCUSSION
Part 1) CEREMONIAL MUSIC AND CONCERT LITERATURE (SNARE DRUM)
- GROUP A (CEREMONIAL): Army Song, Ruffles and Flourishes, General's March, Adjutant's Call, Standard Cadence
- GROUP B (CONCERT LITERATURE): Stars and Stripes Forever (Snare and Bells), Official West Point March (Snare)
Part 2) PREPARED MUSIC
- Perform at least 4 selections on drum set demonstrating contrasting stylistic capability prepared from the rhythm section "Big List". (One selection must be patriotic.)
Part 3) QUICKLY PREPARED MUSIC
- Perform 2 selections from each category. Music will be given the day prior to assessment.
- GROUP A (Drum Set: Chart and Groove Track Reading)
- GROUP B (Concert Snare)
- GROUP C (Marching Snare)
- GROUP D (Mallet instrument)
Part 4) ADDITIONAL SKILLS
- TYMPANI
- LATIN PERCUSSION
- MALLETS
- VOCALS
- DOUBLES (Performs on any other instrument)
If interested, contact the Band Recruiter.
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