Student Director Auditions

Student Director Auditions for 2013-2014 Season

Student Director Audition Requirements
  • Submit a 1 page statement answering the following question. "Why do you want to be a student director/drum captain?". In the paper, please include examples of new ideas you may have, examples of any previous music and leadership experiences, etc. E-mail this to Matt Basch no later than Saturday, April 13, 2013.
  • Download the song "Livin' on a Prayer" and "Star Spangled Banner" below. Listen practice conducting with the music (I would suggest conducting in front of a mirror). Part of the interview/audition process will be to conduct these piece (with the recording playing) to me. You may be asked to cut the piece off in the middle of the recording.
  • National Anthem (download on blackboard)
  • Livin' on a Prayer
  • Interview - During your audition, you will be asked some questions. Think of this as a job interview. Think about things you would do to make the band better. Why do you want to be a student leader? , etc.
  • Band Member Feedback - Band members will be sent an anonymous survey about all candidates. This feedback will help the director get a sense of how the band would interact with that student. This is not a popularity contest, however, it is important that the overall population of the band will embrace a new student director.
Drum Captain Audition Requirements
  • Submit a 1 page statement answering the following question. "Why do you want to be a drum captain?". In the paper, please include examples of any previous music and leadership experiences, etc. Feel free to include any ideas you have about next season. E-mail this to Matt Basch no later than Saturday, April 13, 2013.
  • Interview - During your audition, you will be asked some questions. Think of this as a job interview. Think about things you would do to make the drumline better. Why do you want to be a drum captain? , etc.
  • Drumline Member Feedback -Drumline members will be sent an anonymous survey about all candidates. This feedback will help the director get a sense of how the line would interact with that student. This is not a popularity contest, however, it is important that the overall population of the drumline will embrace a new captain.
  • Audition dates/times will occur during the last two weeks of April.

Please remember the in order to be eligible to be a student director, all applicants must...

  • Be a UMBC Student.
  • Be able to help with music library and band room organization a few days over the summer.
  • Be able to make all rehearsals (Wednesday night 7:10-9:40PM and Sunday night 7-9PM during the fall). A rehearsal may be missed under extenuating circumstances.
  • Be able to make 90% of pep band performances. A performance may be missed under extenuating circumstances. Additionally, winter game performances may be excused for individuals who live out of state and do not have winter housing).
  • Be a student for both Fall and Spring semesters of the season.
  • Have at least a 2.25 cumulative GPA or better.
  • Have completed at least 24 credits at UMBC and not be on academic or disciplinary probation.
  • Been a member of the Pep Band or Drumline for at least 1 season.
  • Existing leadership and conducting experience is encouraged, but not required.