In addition to building the strongest band we can, we want our members to feel welcome and part of something great. Our goal is to provide great musical and technical instruction for all of our prospective members right from the start. For this reason, we reserve the first three days of our summer camp for teaching fundamentals and allowing for student interaction. This provides all of us with the foundation for understanding each other and what it means to be a member of the band. 

Our primary goal with tryouts is to show our new students what is expected to be a member of the "Spirit of the West" -- NOT to "cut" people from the band!!!  The vast majority of students who are prepared for camp have little difficulty during tryouts, and many complete them well ahead of schedule. In our ideal world, EVERYONE who comes to us will become a member of our band. We know that this isn't always the case, but no matter what, we want this to be a positive and informative process for everyone. This is why we take several days to teach and listen to our members before we start preparing for our season.

Tryouts vs. Auditions

Depending on what instrument you play (or spin), you may be asked to perform a formal audition as opposed to an informal tryout. The difference between a tryout and an audition may be subtle, but important.

A tryout is a demonstration of the basic skills and wherewithal that our members must possess to be successful in our band. These are limited to a small set of activities that represent your ability to perform, learn, adapt. An audition is a display of performance prowess to earn a position in an area where membership is restricted.

All members of the SotW must demonstrate basic proficiency in marching, playing (memorization), and retention of information/instructions. Experience has shown us that without these skills, our members are unable to complete the season because of falling more and more behind. It would be irresponsible--and potentially unsafe--of us to allow a student to continue who cannot demonstrate these basic skills. Our tryout process lasts three days, with each member having multiple opportunities to attempt passing on each skill. 

What to expect for tryouts/auditions

Tryouts vary depending on what instrument you play (or spin). Materials will become available in mid-July prior to the start of camp. For more specific questions, contact your section leader.

Drumline: Tryouts are based upon basic fundamentals and specific SotW cadences. Space is limited to the number of instruments that is standard for a band of our size (maximum of 9 snares, 5 tenors, 5 bass, 9 cymbals). Students will take turns playing some of the instruments in the line over the first two days of camp as we work to fit everyone to their best instrument. Those students who do not win a drum will be excused from the band.

Color Guard: Tryouts are based upon basic fundamentals and specific choreography developed for the SotW. There is no limit to the number of students that can join the guard, but due to us not having a permanent coach, all guard members must demonstrate sufficient skills on flag to match the average skill level of the group. In addition, because the color guard is largely student-run, members of the guard are expected to maintain an attitude of positive self-motivation throughout the season. This is factored into the audition. The tryout period for the guard is three days and will consist of daily choreography checks to ensure that new members are keeping up while demonstrating the ability to accept coaching and show improvement. 

Woodwinds and Brass: Tryouts will consist of playing material from our pregame show, by memory, at tempo, and with correct dynamics and articulation. The tryout period for winds and brass is three days and will consist of daily part checks to ensure that new members are keeping up with music while demonstrating the ability to accept coaching and show improvement. 

Other Parts of tryouts

Marching: All members of the SotW will also have a marching tryout. Similar to the music tryout, marching "checks" occur daily over several days and focus on the fundamental components of our marching style that are applicable during the season. These include: playing position, forward march, backward march, playing while marching, and some basic transition steps. We understand that many of our members come to us with little or no marching experience. If this applies to you, please know that marching is generally far easier to learn than playing an instrument (or spinning a flag). While we are strict about the technique that we use, we will not incorporate a level of complexity that is typical of a drum corps or a highly competitive high school band.

Knowledge: We use the first four days of band camp to impart as much knowledge as possible about how the band operates during the season. All band members will learn how to read field drill and understand that basic tenants of dressing common formations. In addition, members are responsible for care and upkeep of their instrument, music, and uniform during the season. New members should expect a short examination so they can demonstrate their knowledge of band procedures.

Decorum, Attitude, and Participation: Although these things are not formally addressed as part of tryouts for the SotW, members should expect that they will be observed during the tryout period. Any concerns related to decorum, attitude, or participation will be addressed as part of the tryout process, and will be resolved, or included in a behavior improvement plan, prior to allowing a student to become a member of the band.

Degree-seeking, part-time, and students waiting on residency change. In the case where multiple students with similar aptitude are auditioning for a limited number or single position within the band, full-time, degree-seeking students will be given preferential consideration. This helps ensure that the band meets the University's standards for recruitment and retention.

Results. Students who are not able to successfully pass tryouts will have a one-on-one discussion with an instructor to discuss possible options. The School of Music provides numerous opportunities for students to continue to perform on their instrument and develop their musical skills.