Audition - Percussion
PREPARING FOR YOUR AUDITION
Percussion Ensemble has a unique role within LYO. Not only does Percussion Ensemble perform as an independent group, Percussion Ensemble also resources every other ensemble with percussionists. Percussion Ensemble auditions are conducted differently than woodwind, brass, and string auditions. Please read this page carefully and email info@lyo.org with any questions.
Students who do not have access to required percussion equipment at home, at school, or with your private teacher, may email info@lyo.org to schedule a convenient time to record at LYO’s Percussion Rehearsal Room.
Level One – suggested for 6th Grade
Snare Drum. Candidates should prepare one short (1-2 minute) snare drum etude of the student’s choice. Recommendations include Whaley’s Fundamentals for Snare Drum or Whaley’s Intermediate Studies for Snare Drum.
Mallets. Canddidates should prepare one short (1-2 minute) mallet etude of the student’s choice. Recommendations include Peter’s Fundamental Method for Mallets (Volume 1/2) or Fundamental Studies for Mallets.
Level Two – suggested for 7th-8th Grade
Snare Drum. Candidates should prepare one short (1-2 minute) snare drum etude of the student’s choice. Recommendations include Whaley’s Intermediate Studies for Snare Drum or Peter’s Intermediate Snare Drum Studies.
Mallets. Canddidates should prepare one short (1-2 minute) mallet etude of the student’s choice. Recommendations include Peter’s Fundamental Method for Mallets (Volume 1/2) or McMillan’s Masterpieces for Marimba.
Scales. Candidates should prepare a 2 octave B-flat major scale on mallets.
Level Three – suggested for 9th-12th Grade
Snare Drum. Candidates should prepare one short (1-2 minute) snare drum etude of the student’s choice. Recommendations include: Delecluse’s 12 Studies for Snare Drum, Cirone’s Portraits in Rhythms, Whaley’s Recital Solos for Snare Drum, or Peter’s Intermediate Snare Drum Studies
Mallets. Canddidates should prepare one short (1-2 minute) mallet etude of the student’s choice. Recommendations include: Goldberg’s Modern School for Mallets (etudes at end of the book) or McMillan’s Masterpieces for Marimba.
Scales. Candidates should prepare a 2 octave B-flat major scale on mallets.
Timpani. Candidates should prepare one short (1-2 minute) Timpani solo. Note: this is only required of applicants who want to be considered for a principal position in either the Symphony or Philharmonic Orchestra. Recommendations include: Firth’s Solo Timpanist, Decluse’s 20 Studies for Timpani, Peter’s Fundamental Method for Timpani, or Whaley’s Musical Studies for the Intermediate Timpani.
