Revised: September 2022
Q: How will the auditions work?
A: Your visual audition will feel like a normal visual rehearsal. We will explore a wide variety of visual skill sets, including but not limited to: forwards, backwards, and slides at different tempos and step sizes; awareness exercises, such as field reading and form control; and base level movement in the form of a dance block. Throughout your audition weekend, the staff will be watching and evaluating you on your current abilities as well as your ability to apply new information.
Q: What will I be evaluated on?
A: Throughout the weekend, the staff will be looking for the following:
- 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: Do I need to know your leg shape/technique before my audition?
A: No! We want to see you move with whatever technique you are most comfortable with. In the event that you are offered a contract with Pacific Crest, we will be working throughout the winter camps and spring training on unifying the technique.
Q: How can I best prepare for the audition?
A: The best things you can do are practice whatever technique you are comfortable with and start to get yourself physically prepared for a full weekend of athleticism. Whatever way you prefer getting yourself active (whether it’s through running, climbing, hiking, etc) will help you be physically prepared for the audition weekend. Going into the audition weekend, make sure you bring water, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, and make sure that your attire is appropriate for physical activity. Lastly, make sure you wear athletic shoes with good arch support. You will be on your feet for 12+ hours daily, and you need to make sure that you are wearing shoes that will be able to support your body weight for extended periods of time.
Q: I want to audition, but I don’t know if I’m physically fit enough to make it through the season. Should I still audition?
A: Absolutely, yes! Drum corps is obviously a very rigorous physical activity, and as such we will be doing a lot of physical training throughout the pre-season to ensure that everyone is physically fit enough to be able to handle the season.