National Guard Tryouts

**Kurfie549** · 04-13-2009, 05:15 PM

I just found out this weekend that i will get to try out for the guard band i want to join as a way of funding college tuition. As i have limited time to prepare for the tryout, are there any tips on specific things i need to work on that would help me with this audition? any tips are appreciated

**davewerden** · 04-13-2009, 06:11 PM

Sounds like an adventure! Here is a good place to start:

Audition Advice

**davewerden** · 04-13-2009, 06:17 PM

After you have checked out the basics, check this out:

More audition advice

**fsung** · 04-13-2009, 06:32 PM

There's an interesting discussion on TubeNet currently on playing scales at an audition. Pay particular attention to Mike Finn's post at the top of page 2.

**davewerden** · 04-13-2009, 06:46 PM

Originally posted by: fsung There's an interesting discussion on TubeNet currently on playing scales at an audition. Pay particular attention to Mike Finn's post at the top of page 2.

Good reading, and it provides a good dose of reality.

**davewerden** · 04-13-2009, 06:49 PM

And if you're ready for more reading:

Audition Advice from Gene Pokorny

**Kurfie549** · 04-13-2009, 10:42 PM

some great stuff thanks a ton

Sean Kurfman

**bpwilliams** · 06-09-2009, 11:09 AM

As I recall, for the Army band program audition, I did not have to play a prepared piece. Instead, a major part of the audition was the Watkins-Farnum Performance Scale A or B Book. Your rating is based upon a series of sight reading examples that range from very easy to very difficult. (Prior to my audition, I practiced both books until I could play the examples at the marked tempos in my sleep. Needless to say, the audition panel was very impressed!) Also, you might have the opportunity, as I did, to sit in with the band.

Good luck!