Auditioning for the Troopers

Audition Overview: Auditions for the TROOPERS are held over two camp weekends in November and December. In addition to evaluating all applicants, we start learning our standard repertoire and summer competition program.

During the audition process, we will evaluate your abilities within the ensemble and as an individual. These first two camps are designed for you to get to know the TROOPERS. These camps also serve as an opportunity for our staff to assess your abilities. Even if you are unsure whether or not you can march with the TROOPERS for the summer season, we invite you to attend a rehearsal camp. Each member receives an evaluation at the end of the weekend with suggestions for improvement and an assessment of your placement within the corps.

We guarantee you will leave the camp with a full sense of what the TROOPERS are about, and take with you a weekend full of quality music instruction, great experiences, and new friends.

Selection of corps members is based on four basic areas:
1) positive attitude,
2) time commitment,
3) ability to meet financial requirements, and
4) performance requirements within each caption (musically and visually).

We strive to bring the best people we can into the TROOPERS organization, not necessarily the most talented. We want your experience with the TROOPERS to be as educational and enjoyable as possible.

Your First Camp: Regardless of which camp you attend first, you should bring the following:

•Membership Application & Registration Fee (unless you have pre-registered by mail.)
•Sleeping Bag and Pillow
•Comfortable Clothing and Toiletries
•Personal Equipment for Rehearsal (see below)

The TROOPERS will supply all necessary instruments and equipment for rehearsals, however, we do expect more applicants than we have equipment for at the first two camps. To make sure that we do not encounter a shortage of equipment at auditions, please bring the following, if possible:

Brass applicants should bring your personal mouthpiece as well as your primary brass instrument. (trumpets, mellophones, marching baritones, or marching tubas - do not bring concert baritones, concert tubas or sousaphones).

Guard applicants should bring your own 6’ foot pole with practice silk. You should also bring your own rifles or sabers if interested in auditioning for a weapon spot.

Percussion applicants should bring your own sticks and mallets. All battery & pit percussion instruments will be provided by the TROOPERS at all camps.