Drum Corps Auditions
Just recently, I decided I would like to audition for Drum Corps next year (this winter), more specifically the Colts, as they are relatively close by and I've visited Dubuque several times and already know the town pretty well, in addition to having friends who've marched in Colts and knowing staff already. I plan on attending at least one of the audition camps, possibly two if scheduling allows, but for those who have auditioned for corps, what can I be preparing now? I'm mainly a trombonist, who has been auditioning for All-State for two years now, so I know my scales, and I have plenty of "techniques" under my belt (now I'm working on transferring those to euph) but I'm not sure where else to go from here.
1) Is there anything that would be helpful to practice? Something auditioners look for specifically?
2) My director (who marched Scouts ~10 years ago) recommended I audition on trombone, even though I'll be auditioning for a bari spot (obviously). Technically, I am a better trombonist than euphoniumist, but I've been playing euphonium for several years now, almost as long as trombone, and I feel that I would perform just as well on euphonium. Thoughts?
3) The one area I've struggled more than anywhere else on euphonium is valve technique, which can be important in drum corps. I've been trying to get my fingers to move faster and more coordinated to my tongue, and I've been told the main reason I 'm having trouble with this is because I play with my fingers out, using the pads/knuckles, as opposed to straight down, using the fingertips. Any tips or exercises to work on these things, or am I just going to have to go through a grip change?
I'd appreciate any help, thanks!
1905 Boosey Class A Euphonium-Wick SM4M
Yamaha 301M Marching Baritone-Schilke 52
1960 Conn 11J-Conn Helleberg
1961 Conn 14J-Vincent DFL
2015 King 2341-Bach Corp. 24AW
Olds O95 Sousaphone-King 26