Audition Process and Expectations
Audition Components
Your audition will include full brass ensemble and sectional rehearsals. During a rehearsal camp, you will have many opportunities to demonstrate your abilities, experience, training, and attitude. At some time a brass instructor and visual instructor will evaluate you individually. You will be asked to play portions of the audition packet, including a box drill exercise that helps you demonstrate your movement skills.
Brass performers are selected by both the brass staff and visual staff, and the instructors will be watching and listening to you throughout the rehearsals and audition weekend.
You can find your audition packet at our Virtual Studio Library (see below).
Recommended Skills and Knowledge
(Your audition packet is free at our Virtual Studio Library. See below)
Brass
- Attitude toward learning and performance
- Rhythmic control while marching & playing
- Basic playing technique and musicianship
- Learning & mastering warm-up exercises and short pieces
- Range
- Brass Audition FAQs →
Email the Brass Caption Manager→
Visual
- Attitude toward learning and performance
- Tempo control/foot timing accuracy
- Posture and presence while moving
- Body awareness and control
- Basic ballet/dance
- Visual Audition FAQs →
Email the Visual Caption Manager→
Learning Opportunities
Online Private Music Lessons
We offer 45-minute private lessons, that you can use to help prepare for your audition. If you live in Los Angeles County, you may qualify for up to four free lessons thanks to a grant from American Century Investments Foundation.
Online Private Music Lessons →
Virtual Studio Library
Your online educational resource that includes audition packets and technique manuals. You will find more than 70 videos and demonstrations for brass, percussion, color guard, visual/dance, and field conducting.
Helpful Links
Video Audition
Video auditions are reserved for applicants who may be too far away or otherwise unable to attend a rehearsal camp. Pacific Crest does not typically accept students based upon the video audition. If accepted by video, your staff will let you know, and you will receive your onboarding documents via DocuSign. If the staff believe you show promise, we will invite you to the next rehearsal camp to complete your audition in-person. The fee to submit a video for review is $100.