MUSIC DEPARTMENT AUDITION INFORMATION

Percussion students who plan to major in a music degree program at Valdosta State University must audition before a faculty committee for appropriate placement in the applied music (private lesson) sequence. This audition may also be used as a scholarship audition. Auditions may be scheduled by contacting J. David Morris, Area Chair/Percussion Studies at Valdosta State University. Phone 229-333-5813.

percussion The following list may be used as a guide for the prospective student wishing to major in music as a percussionist at Valdosta State University. It is strongly recommended that students be proficient in at least two of the following four areas:


1. SNARE DRUM - Drum rudiments (26 standard or PAS list of 40) played in strict open style. A rudimental drum solo may be used in place of rudiments. Students should also select a study from one of the following three books and perform it at the tempo indicated by the author: Standard Snare Drum Method (Podemski), Portraits in Rhythm (Cirone), or Modern School for Snare Drum (Goldenberg).

2. KEYBOARD - All major scales (two octaves) eighth notes at quarter note =120, all major arpeggios performed as suggested in the Modern School for Xylophone (Goldenberg) on pages 15,16,and 17, and a keyboard solo or method book study.   A four mallet keyboard solo is highly recommended.

3. TIMPANI - Demonstration of tuning ability using a pitch pipe or tuning fork for reference, and any solo or etude. Suggested sources include Etuden fur Timpani (Hochrainer), Solos and Duets for Timpani (Whaley), Modern Method for Timpani (Goodman).

4. DRUMSET - Required for Jazz Track Performance Majors, students interested in this area will be ask to sight read a drumset chart and to demonstrate drumset time in several styles. Recommend the book Essential Styles Vol 1 or Vol 2 (Houghton).

An invitation is open to you to call us at 229-333-5813 and arrange a visit to campus. We can arrange a variety of visitation activities, including a free private lesson with a member of the VSU percussion faculty. We are also available to assist you with your audition preparation.  Call for an appointment.


J. David Morris, Area Chair/Percussion Studies


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