uky.eduPercussion Studies at the University of Kentucky
Jim Campbell - Provost’s Distinguished Service Professor, Director of Percussion Studies
UNDERGRADUATE AUDITION INFORMATION FOR PERCUSSION (B.M., B.M.M.E., B.A)
An Audition may be requested using the online Audition Request Form for regular auditions in February and March (the form is active beginning January 1). For auditions any other time of year, contact Professor Campbell.
The following list serves as a guide to choosing appropriate audition material for incoming undergraduate students. Although this list serves only as a suggestion, please choose literature that is similar in style, depth, and breadth. You are encouraged to go beyond the scope of All-State audition music. The purpose of an audition is to demonstrate your talents, so choose literature that you are comfortable with.
Prospective music majors and minors should demonstrate ability in three (3) core percussion areas: Mallet Keyboard, Snare Drum, and Timpani. Since time constraints of the audition process limit the total interview time, students may choose to submit additional video/DVD materials that includes other performance areas such as Multiple Percussion, Drum Set, or World Percussion that would enhance their application (this is optional and not required).
Please note that auditionees must play from original scores of their selected music – no duplicated copies will be allowed.
If a personal audition is not possible, you may submit a video/DVD audition (audio recordings will not be acceptable for auditions). However, only live auditions can be considered for a scholarship.
REQUIRED AREAS:
Mallet Keyboard
- Technical demonstration and/or theoretical understanding of all major and minor scales and arpeggios - two octaves.
- Chromatic scale - throughout your instrument’s entire range.
- A standard solo work or study to demonstrate musicianship such as October Night, Michael Burritt; Rhythm Song, Paul Smadbeck; Michi, Keiko Abe; or a movement from Sonatas & Partitas for Violin by J.S. Bach.
- Sight Reading (two mallets).
Snare Drum
- A solo or etude in concert style, such as #32 from “Portraits in Rhythm”, Anthony Cirone, or an etude from Douze Études, Jacques Delécluse.
- Sight Reading.
Timpani
- A standard work or etude to demonstrate musicianship such as a movement from Four Pieces for Timpani, John Bergamo; Six Concert Pieces for Solo Timpani, William Cahn; or The Solo Timpanist, Vic Firth.
- Sight Reading and demonstrated ability to tune multiple drums from a single given pitch.
OPTIONAL AREAS (not required):
Multiple-percussion
- A standard work or study to demonstrate musicianship such as Tork or Engine Room, James Campbell, or a movement from the French Suite, William Kraft.
Drum Set/World Percussion
- Demonstrate jazz, rock, Latin, Afro-Cuban, Asian, and/or other musical styles of drum set, hand percussion, or frame drum performance. Display time keeping and solo fills in each style.
MARCHING BAND AUDITION INFORMATION
The “Wildcat” Marching Band allows anyone to audition for snare drum, multi-tenors, bass drum and cymbals. The U.K. Marching Band does not field a "front ensemble" section. Placement auditions for non-music majors are held during the pre-season "Early Week". Contact the UK Band Office at (859) 257-2263 or visit their web site (www.uky.edu/FineArts/Music/Bands) for further information.
ADDITIONAL INQUIRY
All questions pertaining to repertoire, auditions, or curriculum can be directed to:
James B. Campbell
Provost’s Distinguished Service Professor
Director of Percussion Studies
Voice: (859) 257-8187
E-mail: j.b.campbell@uky.edu