Revised: September 2024
Q: How will the auditions work?
A: The audition weekend will include full brass ensemble and sectional rehearsals. At some time a brass instructor will listen to you play individually. During the December camp, you will be given many opportunities to demonstrate your abilities, experience, training, and attitude. 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.
Q: What will the staff watch and listen for?
A: During the auditions the staff will evaluate you in these areas (Please notice the order of this list):
- Approach to learning and ability to apply new information
- Tempo control and foot timing
- Posture and presence while moving
- Body awareness and control
- General fitness
Q: Is there a prepared piece?
A: The audition excerpts are included in the brass audition packets.
Q: Can I audition on my own instrument?
A: While we will use our own instruments during December, you’re welcome to use your own instrument for the individual audition. We want to get the best possible impression of your abilities.
Q: I’m a woodwind player, but I really want to march. Do I have a chance to make the corps?
A: Every year we have a few members of the brass section that are playing a brass instrument for the first time. They often turn out to be our best and most dedicated members. If you have a great attitude and willingness to learn, good basic musicianship skills, and good rhythmic control while marching, you have a chance to make the brass section.
Q: Can I audition on more than one instrument?
A: Yes. If you want to try an instrument different than you would normally play, or maybe you think you have a better chance of making the brass section on a different instrument, talk to one of the instructors to see what an appropriate choice might be for you.
Q: What am I getting myself into if I make it?
A: After the audition weekend, we rehearse one weekend per month starting in January. We begin rehearsing every day starting in early June, and the season ends the second Saturday of August. Basically, you’ll be with Pacific Crest every day from early June through the second weekend of August. This will be the most intense yet most rewarding performing experience of your life!
Q: What if I can’t make a camp because of school performance?
A: During the academic year, your school events take priority over Pacific Crest. You may miss up to four full camp days due to school conflicts. These may be taken as two full camps, four full days, eight partial days, or a combination that sum to four days. If you must miss more than four full days, please contact the Corps Director. Communication is key to finding a solution.
Q: What if my school year ends after All-Days or Spring Training start?
A: If you are still in school during All-Days, we urge you to request the chance to take final exams early and/or miss the last days of school. You may request a letter from the CEO that confirms participation in Pacific Crest.
Please note that if your school year ends after the All-Days — and you must miss most or all of the early June rehearsals — you will be considered an Understudy. Understudies can earn their way into a performance spot later in the summer, but cannot be guaranteed a spot if missing that much rehearsal the first half of June.
Q: What if I can’t make the December auditions?
A: If you are involved in the Rose Parade or similar activity during the winter, and there simply is no way for you to audition in person, you must send us a video audition in advance of the Audition Weekend. Click the link below to learn more about submitting a video audition:
NOTE: We do not accept applicants based upon their video auditions. Once evaluated we will let you know if we want to see you in person at a future camp to complete your audition.