Mead Witter School of Music ll University of Wisconsin - Madison

Percussion Audition Information

Percussion (BM)

l  Perform an audition for the percussion faculty, about 20 minutes, in conjunction with a 10 minute interview.

l  Additionally, a complete solo repertoire list is to be submitted to the Undergraduate Admissions Office during the application process.

l  Students should be prepared to perform solo repertoire on at least three different percussion instruments as outlined below.

l  Choosing works from your state’s contest “A” list (or works of equal difficulty) is a good place to begin looking for repertoire.

l  Though it is understood that each student will have areas of personal strength, it is very important to the percussion faculty that students demonstrate abilities on diverse repertoire and instruments.

l  While the primary emphasis in admission and scholarship decisions is placed upon the prepared material, sight reading on snare drum and keyboard percussion will be included in the audition process.

l  All equipment that auditioning students may need will be provided in the practice and audition rooms.

l  Students who prefer to bring personal instruments are welcome to do so.

l  Students are expected to bring any sticks or mallets needed for the audition.

Required audition areas (must do both)

l  Keyboard Percussion 

ü  A solo or solos on marimba, vibraphone, or xylophone.

ü  The solo(s) may be for two or four mallets (however, a four-mallet solo is strongly encouraged).

l  Snare Drum Repertoire chosen should demonstrate concert and rudimentary style.

Choice Areas (choose one or more)

l  Timpani A solo for two, three, or four drums. Excerpts from the standard orchestral repertoire would also be acceptable.

l  Multiple Percussion A solo on any combination of percussion instruments.

l  Drum Set A prepared solo and/or improvisation in a variety of styles.

l  World Percussion Instruments A prepared solo and/or improvisation in an area of your choice.

                                                                                                                               Updated on 05/12/2019