BRASS

THE BLUE DEVILS

Brought to you by
2019 AUDITION PACKET
A CORPS
CONGRATULATIONS

If you’re reading this, then you’ve made the big CONTENTS

decision to audition for the 2019 Blue Devils
Brass section. For that, we say THANK YOU and 2 Your Audition
congratulations! 3 Individual Evaluation
We have put together this audition packet to try and 4 List of Audition Excerpts
make the audition process as simple and straight
5 Visual Guidelines
forward as possible. As long as you go through the
entire packet and let the information digest a bit, you 6 Video Auditions
should have a very clear idea of what you need to do 8 Trumpet Audition Exercises
to prepare for your Blue Devils Brass audition. As I’ll
say a few times in this packet, we want you to be as 13 Mellophone Audition Exercises
prepared and relaxed as possible during your audition. 17 Euphonium Audition Exercises
That way, we are getting the REAL YOU!
22 Tuba Audition Exercises

27 FAQs

31 Additional Testimonials

34 Blue Devils Staff

John Meehan
Brass Caption Head & Arranger
The Blue Devils

7/19/2018 2019 BLUE DEVILS BRASS AUDITION PACKET | 1

YOUR AUDITION
For your audition, you will simply prepare and play the provided
audition exercises and excerpts. You will NOT need to select your
own solo material. Everything is selected for you. On the day of your
audition, make sure you don’t play too much before coming into
the actual audition room. Many people over warm-up and come in
sounding (and feeling) a bit tired. If you’re not prepared the day of the
audition, you won’t be ready with 15 extra minutes of practice time in
the warm-up room. All you should do before your audition is get your
chops ready to play. Remember, you will have time to play a few notes
when you get into the audition room, then you will play the audition
exercises and selected excerpts.
We also suggest you bring a bottle of water to the audition room
with you. Many people forget this then get a little “dry” while in their
audition. Remember, set yourself up for ultimate success!
General note: The tempos stated on each of the audition exercises
and selected excerpts are just a guide, but PLEASE do not go too fast.
If you come in and perform the exercises at the tempos listed on the
page, you’ll be fine. You will NOT impress us by going faster, trust me.
Too many people have come in playing an exercise at a tempo of 160
The first time I auditioned for The
Blue Devils in 2007 I was unprepared and
extremely nervous, but things changed
when I came back to audition in 2008. This
time I was focused and wouldn’t settle to
hear anything else other than the words,
‘Welcome to the 2008 horn line.’ The audi-
tion process for The Blue Devils was amaz-
ing, especially with the new audition packet
that lets you know exactly what’s going to
happen. The staff wants you to make it, they
want you to have a good experience. They
provide you with all of the correct informa-
tion to become a member, but it’s up to you
to take it to the next level. It’s always good
to have confidence and to stand out. Let
them see how bad you want it and show
them that this is where you belong. Being
a member of The Blue Devils has definitely
changed my life for the better. Everything
was worth it in the end, and I would do it
again in a heartbeat. Just believe in yourself
and KNOW that you can do it.
— Anthony

bpm and just sound, well, not good. Don’t do this. Even if you CAN
play the exercises faster, that’s not what we are interested in. We’re
interested in your tone and true abilities.
As far as volume goes, it’s important that you don’t underplay during
your audition. Play like you would in your practice room when no one
is listening. Also, don’t face directly at the staff. Face slightly off center
so the staff can hear your true sound, but also have a good view of
your embouchure and finger dexterity.
For the selected excerpts, we suggest you “familiarize” yourself with
these by searching YouTube and listening to several recordings. This
will help you with style interpretation and tempo.
Prior to your live audition, you will also need to submit a short
“marching and playing” exercise via video.

7/19/2018 2019 BLUE DEVILS BRASS AUDITION PACKET | 2

INDIVIDUAL EVALUATION
DURING MY AUDITION, WHAT WILL I BE EVALUATED ON? When I auditioned for The Blue Devils
I couldn’t have been more nervous. Of
To better help you understand what the Blue Devils staff is looking for course I was worried that I might not play
musically and visually during your audition, we wanted to share some well, but mainly I just didn’t know what to
general points of focus. While this will give you a very good idea of expect. But as soon as I began my music
audition, my nerves were immediately
the main fundamentals you’ll be evaluated on, there are many other
calmed. I could tell that John Meehan want-
factors involved when selecting members for the Blue Devils brass ed me to play as well as I possibly could.
section. Once I had calmed down a bit, I was able to
play confidently and remember all of the
work I had done in the practice room. This
MUSIC: is all an auditionee can ask for, and it helped
•T
 one quality and intonation me secure my spot in the 2008 horn line.
If you have any doubts about your ability
•F
 lexibility to the corps, at least come out to audition.
It never hurts to try, and you may end up
•A
 rticulation (including single and multiple tonguing) having the best summer of your life, just
like I did. — Trey
•F
 inger Dexterity
•R
 ange
•  Preparation
•T
 eachability

VISUAL:
•T
 empo, tempo, tempo!
•F
 itness
•A
 variety of traditional and current marching exercises
•  A variety of dance and other body movements
•  Teachability

7/19/2018 2019 BLUE DEVILS BRASS AUDITION PACKET | 3

LIST OF AUDITION EXCERPTS
TRUMPET AUDITION
All of the included audition exercises
Arutunian Trumpet Concerto, indicated sections only
Charlier Etude #2, indicated sections only
If you would like to be considered for a lead Trumpet spot,
please also play the provided “Gordon Goodwin” Lead Excerpt.
MELLOPHONE AUDITION
All of the included audition exercises
Mozart Horn Concerto #3, 3rd Movement,
indicated sections only
Till Eulenspiegel, indicated sections only
EUPHONIUM AUDITION
All of the included audition exercises
Toccata Marziale, indicated sections only
Rochut Melodius Etudes, Book 1, #9,
indicated sections only
Commando March (this excerpt is OPTIONAL),
indicated sections only
TUBA AUDITION
All of the included audition exercises
Die Meistersinger, indicated sections only
Blazhevich #21, indicated sections only
Marching and playing video to be submitted before
your live audition (or with your video audition).
THERE WILL BE NO SIGHT-READING. GOOD LUCK!
7/19/2018
In my experience, auditioning for
The Blue Devils is a very straightforward
process handled very professionally by
both the visual and musical staffs. Both
parts of the audition are structured so that
each potential member can give the best
possible showing of themselves. Naturally,
being evaluated by the staff can be seen
as stressful, but in BD’s audition environ-
ment, all that you are asked to do is the
best you know how. You don’t have to worry
(yet) about jumping in and immediately
conforming to new techniques or methods
of moving or playing — all that is required
is that you show off your skills and your
level of preparation, and if the staff asks
you to try something differently, that you
do your best to make the change. If you’ve
put the time in to solidify your grasp on
your marching and musicianship, if you’ve
worked with people who can help identify
areas that you can improve on and you’ve
made corrections — basically if you’ve done
your homework and came prepared — BD’s
audition process gives you a great oppor-
tunity to show off what you know how to do.
There’s no reason to get worked up about
auditioning for The Blue Devils. Just put the
time in to feel confident in yourself; if you’re
prepared, you will have a good experience.
Above all, don’t cut yourself, give yourself
the chance to succeed by showing up.
— Matt
A BD audition is more of a rehearsal
than an actual audition. The staff WANTS
you to make it and will be absolutely helpful
all weekend (at least that’s how I felt). When
I auditioned, the only thing I expected were
some encouraging words and a “hope to
see you next fall.” My point is... you’ll never
know unless you try. — Shane
2019 BLUE DEVILS BRASS AUDITION PACKET | 4
VISUAL GUIDELINES
The key elements we look for are timing, attitude and
fitness. We can teach technique, but we cannot teach
timing (inner pulse and foot timing).
One of the most important fundamentals to success is
to be physically fit. You should be able to comfortably
run for a mile. Being fit is essential to be able to march
AND play in The Blue Devils. You need to be able to
march at a variety of tempos, from 60 up to 200 bpm.
You should be able to maintain proper body control and
technique at all tempos.
It is NOT essential you know The Blue Devil technique
to audition. You should use whatever technique you
feel most comfortable with. If you know The Blue Devil
technique, it is to your advantage, but is not required.
Having a positive attitude is vital. You should be a good
student with the ability to receive, react and respond to
information. Your ability to learn carries equal weight to
your current skill level.
We look for an understanding of body alignment. You
should know the key elements to a good body line. It’s
to your advantage if you have tried jazz running. We will
teach specifics, but it’s good to at least have tried it.
7/19/2018
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
ON THE DAY OF TRY-OUTS
• Introductions and a good long stretch-out with focus
on body awareness and alignment.
• Go for a run (about a mile). It is important you have
spent some time running beforehand so that you can
still perform a day of try-outs following this.
• A series of basic exercises consisting of front and
back strides, move 12-halt 4, as well as upper body
slides.
• Introduction of jazz runs.
• Variety of step size and tempo exercises.
• There may be an introductory body movement class.
You will be better prepared if you can tondu, and plie,
as well as jazz run and jazz walk.
PHYSICAL FITNESS
Drum corps is pretty much a professional sport. The
physical exertion and overall demands put on the
performers these days in drum corps are equal to
professional athletes. So like a professional athlete, a
drum corps member needs to stay in great physical
shape in AND OUT of the season. Knowing this, you
should begin to prepare physically for your Blue Devil
audition around the same time you begin musically.
The better physical shape you are in for your audition,
the more successful your prospective summer will be.
It is important you wear athletic fitness
clothes and cross-training athletic shoes
for all Blue Devil auditions!
2019 BLUE DEVILS BRASS AUDITION PACKET | 5

When I first auditioned at The Blue Devils,
I was nervous beyond reason. This showed
through to the judges and they could tell I was
weak. The comment I received from them was
quite simple, “you could be good if only you
had practiced.” At first I took this as an insult,
a poor choice on my behalf. Then, as the year
passed and auditions re-approached, I realized
the true meaning of what I had been told. I
practiced not only my Baritone, but my profes-
sionalism and confidence in performance as
well. At the 2008 auditions, I stood tall and
played the same exact piece as the year before.
Thanks to the risks I took, and the confidence
at which I took them, I was welcomed to the
family and spent the summer traveling with
friends. — Sean
When I went to Concord, CA to audition
for The Blue Devils in November of 2007, I had
to fly in from Florida. Many of my friends and
fellow band members back at my high school
couldn’t believe that I thought I could make
The Blue Devils. But I never doubted myself, in
fact I was certain that I was right for The Blue
Devils and that I had the skills to make it. When
I arrived that Saturday morning for auditions, I
found a line had already been formed in front
of the brass audition door. After waiting at the
end for a few minutes, I noticed a list on the
door, so I walked up and found that no one had
signed up for slots #1 through #10 (I guess they
all wanted someone else to go first!) Well, I just
put my name down on the #1 slot and went in!
There, staring at me, were two legends in brass,
John Meehan and Wayne Downey. Talk about
being first in the barrel! Interestingly, I wasn’t
nervous and felt like this is where I was meant
to be. I played, then we talked for a while and I
just knew that I was “in” this wonderful family.
My advice: listen to your heart, trust in yourself,
play like (and because) you love it, and that will
be what comes through your instrument.
— Colin
7/19/2018
VIDEO AUDITIONS
This method of auditioning is ONLY to be used if an
individual cannot attend one of our live auditions.
Video auditions will ONLY be accepted from
November 5 through December 7, 2018.
Once we have received and viewed your musical
and visual video auditions, we will inform you of your
status. It will either be a) you are invited to the first full
corps camp in January to continue and complete your
audition (meaning we think you have the talent and
ability to make the corps, but need to see you live and in
a full ensemble setting before making a final decision), or
b) unfortunately we cannot offer you a spot at this time.
Typically, no outright acceptance will be made via
video auditions.
MUSIC
Create an unlisted (not public or private) YouTube video
(or multiple videos) for us to review. This video (or
videos) should include all of the audition exercises,
the marching and playing exercise, and selected
excerpts listed in this audition packet.
Once you have your musical audition video prepared
and uploaded, please send an e-mail to John Meehan
(john@jksmusic.com) with the following information:
• Link to your music audition video(s)
• Your full name
• Birthdate and current age
• Mailing address
• Phone number
• Active e-mail address
• Section for which you are auditioning
• Previous drum corps and/or marching band
experience
continued on the next page...
2019 BLUE DEVILS BRASS AUDITION PACKET | 6
VIDEO AUDITIONS
VISUAL VIDEO AUDITION
Create an unlisted (not public or private) YouTube
video (or multiple videos) for us to review. This video
(or videos) should include all of the required material
listed below. Please feel free to contact Jaime Holly
with any visual questiotns.
Once you have your visual audition video prepared
and uploaded, please send an e-mail to Jaime Holly
(jaimeholly@verizon.net) and John Meehan
(john@jksmusic.com) with the following information:
• Link to your visual audition video(s)
• Your full name
• Birthdate and current age
• Mailing address
• Phone number
• Active e-mail address
• Section for which you are auditioning
• Previous drum corps and/or marching band
experience
7/19/2018
continued...
For your visual audition, please demonstrate the
following:
•T
 empo changes: Set a metronome to 180 BPM, then
march forward at 8 to 5, switching foot speed every
8 counts (8 @ 180 BPM, 8 @ 90 BPM, and so on for
4 reps). Do this a second time, moving backwards.
•S
 tep size changes: Set a metronome to 180 BPM,
then march forward 12 steps at 12 to 5, then 6 steps
at 6 to 5. Do this 4 times, the 1st and 3rd time at 180
BPM, the 2nd and 4th time at 90 BPM.
•D
 irection Changes: Do 4 reps of a “zig zag drill”
(forward 8, left slide 8, forward 8, right slide 8). First
rep - 90 BPM, all front slides; Second rep - 180 BPM,
all front slides; Third rep - 90 BPM, all backslides;
Fourth rep - 180 BPM all backslides.
•E
 ffort changes: Moving only at 180 BPM, move
forward 8 to 5 for 8 counts, then jazz run 4 to 5 for 8
counts, then 8 to 5 for 8 counts, then jazz run 4 to 5
for 8 counts.
• Backward motion: Run backwards for 20 yards.
•B
 ody: Include the body movement exercises
described by visual staff member Peter Beckhart in
this video —  https://youtu.be/Z_p_x6n2Bpk.
If you have ANY questions, please read the FAQ
section of this packet, or contact John Meehan
(john@jksmusic.com).
2019 BLUE DEVILS BRASS AUDITION PACKET | 7
 TRUMPET
The Blue Devil’s audition process
is no different than any other world class
audition you may experience. The staff is
very professional and the auditions are run
in a comfortable, organized manner. The
key to having a successful audition at The
Blue Devils is to understand that the staff is
not looking for who may or may not mess
up. They want you to do well and they want
you to succeed. Be smart in your musical
preparation; do not choose material that
is above your current musicianship level,
and do not try and change your marching
technique prior to the audition. Remember,
you need to feel comfortable, so do what
feels comfortable for you.

Two things:

Visual — Keep your feet in time, and stay tall!
Music — Play with a consistent, centered
tone. Do not try and impress through
technique only, YOU HAVE to display good
control of tone and pitch. (A good, centered
tone matters in technical passages as well).
Do not throw this opportunity away if you
feel you’re not good enough. Half the battle
is networking and getting your face in front
of the staff so they know who you are in
case you have to audition again. Plus, you
will never know unless you try. It’s the truth!
Remember, the staff is excited for everyone
who comes to audition, so relax and do not
be afraid to introduce yourself to others and
have fun! — Bill
TRUMPET AUDITION EXERCISES
Arutunian Trumpet Concerto,
indicated sections only
Charlier Etude #2,
indicated sections only
“Gordon Goodwin” Lead Excerpt,
if you would like to be considered
for a lead Trumpet spot
Marching and playing video to be
submitted before your live audition
(or with your video audition).

7/19/2018 2019 BLUE DEVILS BRASS AUDITION PACKET | 8

 Trumpet
Audition Exercises
q = 96 q = 96

U ˙ U
C Major Scale (with drone) F Major Scale (with drone)

4 ˙ ˙ 4
&4 ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ b˙ ˙ 4
˙
2 3 4 mf 5 6 7 8
mf

q = 92 to 96

2 ∑ 4 œ œ œ œ œ œ#œ œ œ œ#œ œ œ œ œ w
"Beautiful Sounds"

4 œ œ 2 4
&4 œ œ œ œ œ œ w 4 4 #œ 4 ∑ 4
mp 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

4 2 ∑ 4 #œ nœ #œ#œ œnœ#œ#œ#œ
& 4 #œ # œ œ #œ #œ #œ #œ # œ #w 4 4 #œ œnœ#œ#œ#œ #œ #w
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
mf

U
q = 82 To high C, or stop at the top of YOUR range.

U œ #œ nœ #œ œ # œ œ n ˙
œ
2 octave chromatic scale

& œ #œ œ #œ œ nœ Œ œ #œ œ #œ
œ # œ œ #œ 24œ nœ #œ 25 26 27

q = 102 to 116

œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
Flexibility

& Ó Œ nœ
˙
Œ #œ
28 mf+ 29 30 31

(OK to end here) (optional)

#œ œ #œ œ œ œ #œ #œ œ
#œ œ
& œ #œ œ œ œ Œ œ
32 33
˙ 34

œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ bœ œ œ œ œ
& œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ w 6
8
35 36 37 38

7/19/2018 2019 BLUE DEVILS BRASS AUDITION PACKET | 9

 2
Trumpet
q. = 96 to 124

œ. œ œ œ œ -œ ‰ œ. œ œ œ œ œ. œ œ œ œ -œ
Arban's #79 (double tongue 1/16th notes, da-ga)

6 . œœœœ
œ œ. œ œ œ œ ‰
&8 œ. œ œ œ œ
39 40 41 42
f

. œœœœ .
œ œ. œ œ œ œ -œ œ. œ œ œ œ œ. œ œ œ œ .
& œ œ œ œ œ ‰ œ œœœœœ ‰
-
43 44 45 46

. .
& œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ. œ œ œ œ œ- ‰ œ. œ œ œ œ œ. œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ- ‰
47
. 48 49 50

. . . . - 4
& œ œ œ œ œ œ. œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ- ‰ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ. œ œ œ œ œ ‰ 4
51 52 53 54

Marching and Playing (perform 4 times total in a box drill - Forward 8, forward right slide 8, backward 8, forward left slide 8)

*** If you are attending a live audition, please send an unlisted (not public or private) YouTube video link
of you marching and playing this exercise to John Meehan ( john@jksmusic.com) no later than the Monday
before your audition. Please include your name, instrument, and audition attending with the video link.

*** If you are auditioning through media, simply include this as part of your media audition.

q = 124

4 œ œ œ
&4 œ œ œ œ œ œ œ Œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
œ 58
œ Œ
mf 55 56 57

"Gordon Goodwin" Lead Excerpt

-œ œ^ œ^ œ^ œ^ œ -œ ^ œ™ œ ˙ ™ -œ œ^ œ^ œ^ œ^ œ -œ œ^ #œ œ # œ œ # œ ˙
œ
& ‰ ≈ ≈ ‰ ≈ ≈
ff 59 fp 60 ff 61 62
2'27.1"

7/19/2018 2019 BLUE DEVILS BRASS AUDITION PACKET | 10

7/19/2018 Excerpts used for educational purposes only 2019 BLUE DEVILS BRASS AUDITION PACKET | 11
7/19/2018 Excerpts used for educational purposes only 2019 BLUE DEVILS BRASS AUDITION PACKET | 12
 MELLOPHONE
I marched The Blue Devils from 2004
through 2007. The day of my audition was
incredibly nerve racking, but all of that went
away when I stepped into the warm-up
room. Just during the warm-up time for my
audition, I had already met five different
people that were from all over the country.
When it was my turn to audition, I played in
front of John Meehan and Wayne Downey.
It was a very stress free environment. I just
went in there and played my music excerpt
and a range exercises, that was pretty much
it. Next, Jaime Holly checked out how I
moved by having me do some basic march-
ing exercises and some jazz running. Even
during the audition he was giving me some
pointers and tips on how to fix things.

I have learned so much about music,

marching and very productive working
MELLOPHONE AUDITION EXERCISES
habits that I still use to this day. I also trav- Mozart Horn Concerto #3, 3rd Movement,
eled all over the globe and have made many
indicated sections only
life long friends through this organization. I
can easily say marching The Blue Devils was Till Eulenspiegel,
the best time of my life. — Robert indicated sections only

I was a member from 2004-2007 and Marching and playing video to be

I am so glad I came back year after year. To submitted before your live audition
date, my fondest memories in life come (or with your video audition).
from those years. I’m not going to lie, noth-
ing about The Blue Devils is a “walk-in-the-
park.” I wasn’t an “out-of-stater,” but it sure
was a long drive from SoCal to Concord.
Not that driving would be any cheaper than
flying considering the ridiculous gas prices.
But let me tell you... all of the hardships I
endured were all worth it, and not just in the
end. The experiences, morals, ethics and
friends you’ll gain with The Blue Devils are
forever. — Shane

7/19/2018 2019 BLUE DEVILS BRASS AUDITION PACKET | 13

Mellophone
Audition Exercises
q = 96 q = 96

U #˙ U
˙
C Major Scale (with drone) G Major Scale (with drone)

4 n˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ 4
&b 4 ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ n˙ 4
mf
2 3 4 mf 5 6 7 8

q = 96 to 96

2 ∑ 4 œ œ œ œnœ œ#œ œ œ œ#œ œ œ œnœ w

"Beautiful Sounds"

4
& b 4 œ œ œ œ œ nœ œ œ w
2 4
4 4 #œ 4 ∑ 4
mp 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

4 2 ∑ 4 #œ nœ #œ#œ œnœ#œ#œ#œ
& b 4 #œ œ #œ #œ #œ #œ #w 4 4 #œ œnœ#œ#œ#œ #œ #w
# œ17 18
# œ 19 20 21 22 23
mf

nU
q = 82 To high C, or stop at the top of YOUR range.

U nœ #œ œ # œ n œ ˙
œ #œ
2 octave chromatic scale

œ #œ œ
& œ # œ œ #œ œ nœ #œ œ #œ œ #œ œ Œ
b nœ n œ #œ
24 25 26 27

q = 102 to 116

œ œ œ œ
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
Flexibility

&b Ó Œ nœ œ œ Œ #œ
˙
28 mf+ 29 30 31

(OK to end here) (optional)

#œ œ #œ œ
& b nœ #œ #œ œ œ œ nœ #œ #œ œ œ œ Œ œ
32 33
n˙ 34

œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ w 6
&b œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ 8
35 36 37 38

7/19/2018 2019 BLUE DEVILS BRASS AUDITION PACKET | 14

 2
Mellophone

q. = 96 to 124

. œœœœ œ. œ œ œ œ -œ ‰ œ. œ œ œ œ œ. œ œ œ œ -œ ‰
Arban's #79 (double tongue 1/16th notes, da-ga)

b
& 8
6 œ œ. œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
.
39 40 41 42
f

. œœœœ .
œ œ. œ œ œ œ -œ œ. œ œ œ œ œ. œ œ œ œ nœ. œ œ œ œ
& b nœ œ œ œ œ ‰ œ- ‰
43 44 45 46

. .
& b nœ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ. œ œ œ œ œ- ‰ œ. œ œ œ œ œ. œ œ œ œ nœ œ œ œ œ œ- ‰
47
. 48 49 50

. œœœœ . œ œ œ œ œ ‰ œ. œ œ œ œnœ. œ œ œ œ
œ - 4
& b nœ œ. œ œ œ œ . œ. œ œ œ œ œ ‰ 4
51 52 53 54

Marching and Playing (perform 4 times total in a box drill - Forward 8, forward right slide 8, backward 8, forward left slide 8)

*** If you are attending a live audition, please send an unlisted (not public or private) YouTube video link
of you marching and playing this exercise to John Meehan ( john@jksmusic.com) no later than the Monday
before your audition. Please include your name, instrument, and audition attending with the video link.

*** If you are auditioning through media, simply include this as part of your media audition.

q = 124

4 œ œ œ
&b 4 œ œ œ œ œ œ œ Œ œ œ œ œ œ œ Œ
œ œ58
mf 55 56 57
2'15.8"

7/19/2018 2019 BLUE DEVILS BRASS AUDITION PACKET | 15

7/19/2018 Excerpts used for educational purposes only 2019 BLUE DEVILS BRASS AUDITION PACKET | 16
 EUPHONIUM
My name is Tim and I have a story
that can be a true testimonial for people
out there thinking they can’t make The
Blue Devils. I auditioned in April of the 2007
season to fill a spot in the Euphonium line.
I was 21 years old with no previous drum
corps experience at all. Things really didn’t
look in my favor as there was another guy
auditioning for the spot that had marched
with a different top 3 drum corps the year
before. The biggest thing I can tell anyone
about auditioning is don’t doubt your
abilities and walk into the audition with total
confidence. No matter how many butter-
flies you may have in your stomach, you
should look like its no big deal at all. Show
the staff that is auditioning you that you
deserve to be in the hornline. Needless to
say, I made it! EUPHONIUM AUDITION EXERCISES
My one and only summer of drum corps Toccata Marziale,
with The Blue Devils was completely magi-
indicated sections only
cal. It was totally the best time I have ever
had in my life and I wish I had more years Rochut Melodius Etudes, Book 1, #9,
to march. Being a part of a drum corps indicated sections only
with such a rich background of history on
its 50th year anniversary was priceless. It Commando March (OPTIONAL),
was truly a privilege to be around everyone indicated sections only
affiliated with The Blue Devils. Everyone
from the cook staff, to the instructional staff
Marching and playing video to be
to the 135 marching members. At the end
of each day, knowing that everyone together submitted before your live audition
put all their heart and soul into working (or with your video audition).
together for a common goal was amazing.
Anytime I would want to give up and not
push anymore, I would look around and see
everyone that was depending on me to keep
pushing beyond what I thought I could. The
Blue Devils truly are a world class organi-
zation. The last piece of advice I could give
is… to be in The Blue Devils doing your best
isn’t good enough, you have to do whatever
it takes. — Tim

7/19/2018 2019 BLUE DEVILS BRASS AUDITION PACKET | 17

 Euphonium
Audition Exercises
q = 96
q = 96
Bb Major Scale (with drone)

˙ ˙ U
˙
Eb Major Scale (with drone)
˙ b˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ U
˙
? bb 4 ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ 4
4 4
mf 2 3 4 mf 5 6 7 8

q = 92 to 96

"Beautiful Sounds"
nœ œ œ œnœ œ œ œ
? bb 4 œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ w 2 4 œ œ œ œ w 2 4
4 4 ∑ 4 œ œnœ œ 4 ∑ 4
mp 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

# œ n œ # œ œ # œ œ # œ nœ#œ
? bb 4 nœ œ #œ nœ #œ nœ nw 2 ∑ 4 nœ#œ œ#œ œ#œnœ nw
4 nœ nœ 4 4
mf 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

q = 82 To high Bb, or stop at the top of YOUR range.

2 octave chromatic scale bU˙

U n œ # œ œ # œ œ
? bb nœ œ #œ œ #œ œ b œ œ nœ œ # œ œ # œ n œ
œ nœ œ #œ œ #œ Œ
24 25 26 27

q = 102 to 116

Flexibility

? bb Ó œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
Œ nœ ˙ Œ nœ
28 mf+ 29 30 31

(OK to end here)

(optional)
nœ œ œ œ nœ # œ œ n œ œ œ œ
? bb œ nœ # œ œ œ Œ œ
˙
32 33 34

œ
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ bœ œ œ œ w
? bb œ œ œ œ 6
8
35 36 37 38

7/19/2018 2019 BLUE DEVILS BRASS AUDITION PACKET | 18

 2
Euphonium

q. = 96 to 124

Arban's #79 (double tongue 1/16th notes, da-ga)

. œœœœ .
œ œ. œ œ œ œ -œ . œœœœ .
œ œ. œ œ œ œ -œ
? bb 6 œ œœœœ ‰ œ œœœœ ‰
8
f 39 40 41 42

. œœœœ .
œ œ. œ œ œ œ -œ œ. œ œ œ œ œ. œ œ œ œ œ. œ œ œ œ -
? bb œ œ œ œ œ ‰ œ ‰
43 44 45 46

. .
? bb œ œ œ œ œ œ. œ œ œ œ œ. œ œ œ œ -œ ‰ œ. œ œ œ œ œ. œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ -œ ‰
47 48 49 50

. . . . -
? bb œ œ œ œ œ œ. œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ -œ ‰ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ. œ œ œ œ œ ‰ 4
4
51 52 53 54

Marching and Playing (perform 4 times total in a box drill - Forward 8, forward right slide 8, backward 8, forward left slide 8)

*** If you are attending a live audition, please send an unlisted (not public or private) YouTube video link
of you marching and playing this exercise to John Meehan ( john@jksmusic.com) no later than the Monday
before your audition. Please include your name, instrument, and audition attending with the video link.

*** If you are auditioning through media, simply include this as part of your media audition.

q = 124

œ œ œ
? bb 4 œ œ œ œ œ œ œ Œ
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
Œ
4 œ
mf 55 56 57 58
2'17.4"

7/19/2018 2019 BLUE DEVILS BRASS AUDITION PACKET | 19

7/19/2018 Excerpts used for educational purposes only 2019 BLUE DEVILS BRASS AUDITION PACKET | 20
7/19/2018 Excerpts used for educational purposes only 2019 BLUE DEVILS BRASS AUDITION PACKET | 21
 TUBA
I have nothing but good things to say
in regards to my audition and camp expe-
riences with The Blue Devils. I auditioned
in Indianapolis at the BOA Grand Nationals
competition and made it on the spot, so I
didn’t have to attend camps until January.
It proves that the staff knows exactly who
is capable of making the corps without
putting its members through unnecessary
hassle (i.e. having to fly to auditions even
though they saw me in Indy). Also, they will
not waste your time and money, so if you
are called back, you have a great shot at
making it — especially if they see improve-
ment from the last time they saw you. I had
to miss two camps due to school related
functions, but it is good to know your spring
schedule ASAP so that the staff can know TUBA AUDITION EXERCISES
that upfront. Plan on missing all of your
Friday classes on camp weekends because Die Meistersinger
it takes all day to fly out there. The BART indicated sections only
train is really easy and safe to use — people
are friendly and will help you out, make sure Blazhevich #21
to bring single bills to pay for shuttles to the indicated sections only
station. Basically, if you are talented and
committed, you have a great shot at making Marching and playing video to be
The Blue Devils. submitted before your live audition
I was a rook-out in BD this year (2007) and (or with your video audition).
had the best summer of my life, even if we
hadn’t won. Not a day went by that I didn’t
have fun or wasn’t laughing about some-
thing. They have the best instruction in the
activity and treat everyone very well. I’ve
noticed that at BD, more than anywhere
else, they bridge the gap between rookies
and vets and treat everyone the same. I can
carry on for hours about the great experi-
ences I’ve had as a Blue Devil. I guarantee
that you will not regret your decision to
march BD. Go for it! — Kayla

7/19/2018 2019 BLUE DEVILS BRASS AUDITION PACKET | 22

 Tuba
Audition Exercises
q = 96 q = 96

Bb Major Scale (with drone) Eb Major Scale (with drone)

U U
? bb 4 ˙ ˙ ˙ 4
4 ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ b˙ ˙ 4
˙ ˙ ˙ 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
mf
mf

q = 92 to 96
"Beautiful Sounds"
? bb 4
4 œ 2 ∑ 4
4 4 œnœ œ œ œnœ œ œ œ œ 2 ∑ 4
œ œ œœ œ œ œ w œ œ œn œ œ œ w 4 4
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
mp

? bb 4 2 4
4 n œ n œ17œ #œ nœ #œ18n œ n œ n w19 4 ∑ 4 n œ #œ œ œ #œnœ#œ nœ#œ œ#œ œ#œnœ#œ n w
20
# œ21 22 23

mf
q = 82 To high Bb, or stop at the top of YOUR range.
2 octave chromatic scale
U bU˙
? bb nœ nœ #œ œ #œ œ
œ # œ n œ œ #œ œ #œ œ bœ Œ œ nœ œ #œ œ #œ
œ n œ œ # œ24 25 26 27

q = 102 to 116

Flexibility
?b Ó Œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ Œ
b nœ nœ
28 29 30 ˙ 31
mf+

(OK to end here) (optional)

? bb
œ n œ #œ œ nœ œ œ œ œ n œ #œ œ nœ œ œ œ Œ
œ
32 33 ˙ 34

œ
? bb œ œ œ œ œ œ
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ bœ œ œ œ ˙ Ó 6
8
œ œ œ œ
35 36 37 38

7/19/2018 2019 BLUE DEVILS BRASS AUDITION PACKET | 23

 2
Tuba
q. = 96 to 124

Arban's #79 (double tongue 1/16th notes, da-ga)

? bb 6 . .
8 œ. œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ- ‰ œ. œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ- ‰
. 39
. 40 41 42
f

? bb œ œ œ œ œ œ. œ œ œ œ -œ ‰ œ. œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
. œ. œ œ œ œ . œ. œ œ œ œ œ ‰
43 44
- 45 46

? bb ‰ œ œœœœ ‰
œ. œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
. œ œ œ œ œ
œ œœœœ .
47 . 48 - . 49 . 50
-

? bb 4
œ. œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ. œ œ œ œ œ- ‰ œ. œ œ œ œ œ. œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ- ‰ 4
51
. 52 53
. 54

Marching and Playing (perform 4 times total in a box drill - Forward 8, forward right slide 8, backward 8, forward left slide 8)

*** If you are attending a live audition, please send an unlisted (not public or private) YouTube video link
of you marching and playing this exercise to John Meehan ( john@jksmusic.com) no later than the Monday
before your audition. Please include your name, instrument, and audition attending with the video link.

*** If you are auditioning through media, simply include this as part of your media audition.

q = 124

? bb 4 Œ œ Œ
4 œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
55 56 57 œ 58
2'17.4"
mf

7/19/2018 2019 BLUE DEVILS BRASS AUDITION PACKET | 24

7/19/2018 Excerpts used for educational purposes only 2019 BLUE DEVILS BRASS AUDITION PACKET | 25
7/19/2018 Excerpts used for educational purposes only 2019 BLUE DEVILS BRASS AUDITION PACKET | 26
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Why should I try out? I KNOW I’ll never make it.
A: I hear this question/comment more than you could ever
imagine. As a matter of fact, prior to the 2003 season, I was
doing a clinic for a band in Tennessee and suggested to one
of the Trumpet players he consider auditioning for The Blue
Devils. He immediately blushed and said “No way! I would
never make it.” My reaction? “HELLO! I’m on the BD brass
staff and just told you to audition!” This person went on to
audition and subsequently make the brass section (just like
I thought he would). So, my advice to anyone who would like
to one day be a member of The Concord Blue Devils is to GO
FOR IT! Like with many things in life, you will never know if
you don’t try, and there’s nothing wrong with taking a chance
once in a while.
Q: What should I expect at my playing audition with
The Blue Devils?
A: In a nutshell, your playing audition will last around 4 to
8 minutes and be in a room with just you and one or two
members of The Blue Devil brass staff. We will ask you
a few simple questions such as your age and marching
experience to “break the ice” and get things rolling. DON’T
BE NERVOUS! Although you will have had time to warm-up
on your own before the audition, we will give you another
minute to re-warm and prepare for your audition. From
there we will ask to hear all of the Audition Exercises and
Selected Excerpts, which were designed and selected to give
us a good idea of your tone, flexibility and articulation style.
Finally, we will ask you a few more questions and that’s it,
painless!
Q: What should I bring?
A: First of all, BRING YOUR MUSIC! It sounds ridiculous,
but you’d be surprised with some of the things that have
happened! There is no need to bring a music stand, we will
provide one for you. I highly suggest that you bring your own
mouthpiece. You will be able to borrow one of ours if needed,
but my experience has been that it’s much more comfort-
able to audition on your own.
7/19/2018
Now, to instruments…
IMPORTANT! If you are attending ANY NON-CALIFORNIA
audition, you will need to bring your own instrument.
If you ARE coming to a California audition…
Trumpet players – I suggest you bring your own horn and
mouthpiece. You will of course be able to borrow one of
ours if needed, but like mouthpieces, we’ve found it’s more
comfortable to audition on your own instrument.
French Horn/Mellophone players – If you plan on playing
a French Horn during your audition, you NEED to bring your
own horn. Because we perform on Mellophones during the
season, we will also ask you to play a few notes on one of our
Mellophones as we will need to check your tone and such on
that instrument. IMPORTANT! We use Mellophone mouth-
pieces with our Mellophones and DO NOT allow French Horn
mouthpieces with an adapter. If you play Mellophone, it’s
up to you whether or not you bring your own horn. We will of
course have enough instruments available for you to borrow.
Baritone/Euphonium/Tuba/Trombone players – If you
plan on playing a Trombone during your audition, you NEED
to bring your own horn. Because we perform on Euphoniums
during the season, please be prepared to also play a few
notes on one of our instruments as we will need to check
your finger control and dexterity. If you play Baritone, Eupho-
nium or Tuba, it’s up to you whether or not you bring your
own horn. We will of course have enough instruments avail-
able for you to borrow. I suggest you use ours (with YOUR
mouthpiece) as these instruments are difficult to travel with.
Please remember we only have Euphoniums (no Baritones)
and they take large shank mouthpieces.
Q: Do you accept Trombone players?
A: We have many Trombone players every year audition for
and make the Blue Devil brass section. While we don’t march
Trombones, these members move to our Euphonium section.
You are fully allowed to audition on your Trombone for The
Blue Devils, but might be asked to play a few scales on a
valved instrument to demonstrate your finger dexterity.
2019 BLUE DEVILS BRASS AUDITION PACKET | 27
FAQs continued...
Q: What kinds of things are you looking for with my
audition?
A: We look for all of the basic things….. tone quality, flexibility,
finger dexterity and range, but also your ability to control
articulation, intervallic control, overall awareness of your
horn and MANY other things. Outside of your musical talents,
we also look at your personality, work ethic and ability to
respond to corrective criticism (like you would have to during
the season) as these are just as important when push comes
to shove in the heat of the battle!
Q: What are your age requirements?
A: The average age for The Blue Devil A Corps is 19 and ages
range from 15 to 22. While we have no age limit, when you
are under 17, age is a consideration. If you have the talent to
make the corps, no matter what the age, we will of course
consider accepting you. If you happen to be under 17, we
would need to talk with your parents just to make sure they
understand the activity and what the commitment would be
for joining The Blue Devils. We have had members as young
as 15.
Q: Do you have any inside information to help me
prepare for my audition?
A: The most important piece of information I can give
ANYONE auditioning for The Blue Devils is to come prepared!
Take the audition as seriously as you would a final exam (or
at least the way you SHOULD prepare for a final), otherwise
we’ll never know your true talent. Remember, you are audi-
tioning for one of the best brass sections in the marching
activity, and although you don’t have to be the best player in
the world to be a part of our organization, you DO need to
have pride and dedication to your instrument. This is a huge
event in most people’s lives, take full advantage of it!
Q: Can I audition even if I have no intention of marching?
A: YES! Many people each year audition just for the expe-
rience. The more you do one on one auditions, the more
comfortable you will get.
7/19/2018
Q: Can I audition even though I may audition for another
corps?
A: YES! We understand you need to keep your options open.
Feel free to audition for as many corps as you please. Just
remember, if we or any of the other corps offer you a spot (or
a call back opportunity), you WILL need to make a decision.
Q: Are there any scholarships or sponsorships I can get
to help with my tour fees?
A: Once you are accepted into The Blue Devils, you will
receive a handbook with information regarding these oppor-
tunities.
Q: Is there any way I can audition on more than one
instrument? Like Trumpet AND Mellophone?
A: We prefer you audition on one instrument only. If you are
a Trumpet player but wouldn’t mind playing Mellophone if it
were to help you get a spot, please put that on your audition
form the day of the audition. You could also mention this
during your music audition. Audition on the instrument you
are most comfortable with.
Q: Will I find out my status by the end of the audition
weekend?
A: One of three things will happen at the end of the audition
day/weekend. #1) We will congratulate you and accept you
into the Concord Blue Devil brass section. #2) We will inform
you that you have passed the first step and will be invited to
our first full corps camp in January. It will be at this camp
that we begin learning the technique program and show
music with the entire brass section. We will also make ALL
final decisions on your acceptance at this camp. In other
words, you will know if you are accepted or not by the end of
the January camp. #3) We will inform you that unfortunately
we cannot offer you a spot in the Blue Devil brass section.
This is always the most difficult thing for us to do as we wish
we could accept everyone that auditions. For most, there will
be more audition years left and this one can be looked at as a
learning experience to better prepare for future auditions.
2019 BLUE DEVILS BRASS AUDITION PACKET | 28
FAQs continued...
Q: How long would I have to live in California?
A: This answer varies person to person. We have some
members that move to Northern California in January so
they can not only attend all rehearsals, but also work and go
to school for the semester, kind of a change of pace. Beyond
that, we have some members that commute to camps
January through May (either by car or plane) and move to
Northern California once school is out for the year (usually
sometime during the month of May). For more information,
continue reading in the following question.
Q: Do I have to move to the Concord area if accepted?
A: Most people think that in order to be a member of The
Concord Blue Devils brass section you HAVE to move to
Concord in January and put all facets of your life on hold.
This is NOT true! Our attendance policy has changed over
the past several years and is now VERY consistent with the
other top drum corps in the country. Here are the 2 scenar-
ios that I see the majority of our members committing to
each year.
Scenario #1 – Continue going to school and work like normal
and travel to Blue Devil camps. Once accepted into the Blue
Devil brass section, you only have to attend monthly camps
during January, February, March and April. During that time
(4 months), you would spend a total of 12 days in Concord for
mandatory rehearsals (school conflicts can be worked out as
excused absences). Once May rolls around, your attendance
will be determined by your school schedule. Once you are
out of school for the summer, you will be required to attend
all rehearsals beginning in May, so it is highly suggested that
you move to the Concord area then.
If you ARE still in school in May, we will create an individually
based attendance policy based on your last day of school.
Once school is out, you will need to move to Concord imme-
diately as we begin “all-day every-day” rehearsals in mid-May.
We COMPLETELY understand that some schools end after
mid-May, so no worries. This is why I say we will create an
individually based attendance policy JUST for you.
7/19/2018
Scenario #2 – Move to Concord, get a local job and attend
classes at a local college. Some members CHOOSE to take
a semester off of school and live in California for 6 months.
Most (if not all) of these members move into an apartment
with other BD members in similar situations to save on the
costs of living.
Q: Since I don’t live in California, does that mean I need
to take a semester off of school?
A: No, refer to the Q&A above with scenarios 1 & 2. You CAN
take a semester off of school, but that would be YOUR choice.
We try to make being a part of The Blue Devils as attainable
as possible, for everyone.
Q: How many camps do I have to attend?
A: We have rehearsal camps once a month January through
April. We also have weekend rehearsals in May and all day
rehearsals beginning mid-May. All in all, that is 6 weekend
rehearsals before the all day rehearsals begin. Out of those
6, we expect as much participation as possible. How much
exactly is determined once you make the corps, this is more
of a personalized schedule. Mandatory school conflicts are
always excused. We require once you are out of school for
the year, that you are at ALL rehearsals after that.
Q: Where do I stay for camps and all day rehearsals?
A: You are responsible for your own housing at camps and
all days. Many new members stay at a local hotel for the first
camp (this hotel offers a special BD rate), then figure out
ways to save money with other members for the following
camps. For all days, members usually share an apartment
for the 5+ weeks. There are also local members that house
“out of town” members as well as alumni and booster club
members that open their homes. The Blue Devils also have a
housing coordinator that helps people once they have been
accepted into the corps.
2019 BLUE DEVILS BRASS AUDITION PACKET | 29
FAQs continued...
Q: I am going to do an early May tour with my College,
what is your policy in that regard?
A: If you make the brass section, we will deal with this as
best as possible as long as it does not conflict with too much
rehearsal. We have had members in the past who have
participated in both May school tours as well as The Blue
Devils.
Q: If I can’t make it to one of the live auditions, what do
I do?
A: Use the “Video Audition” option.
Q: I am from a foreign country, can I get a letter from
The Blue Devils to help secure a visa?
A: Yes. Upon acceptance into The Blue Devils, we could
provide you with a letter of participation to help secure your
travel visa.
Q: I’m not sure if I’m going to be able to afford it, should
I audition?
A: YES! Audition even if you don’t plan on marching until a
future season. The experience will only help and if you DO
make it, who knows, you might just figure out how to afford it.
I suggest you worry about these issues AFTER you’ve made
the corps, not before.
Q: How much would it cost if I made The Blue Devils?
A: Our participation fees change slightly each season, and
should be posted around the time of your audition.
Q: I have heard you need previous drum corps experi-
ence to be accepted, true?
A: NO! We have members each year in ALL sections with
no previous drum corps experience. Does it help? Yes. Is it
required? No.
Q: Will there be another audition at the Bands Of
America Grand National Finals?
A: No. We will NOT be holding an audition at BOA this year.
7/19/2018
Q: What music is BD going to play next season?
A: We typically announce our shows during the first week
of May. Stay tuned to the BD website for details.
Q: If someone doesn’t make the A Corps, could they
march the B Corps?
A: Yes, but most B Corps members are from the California
area. Unlike the A Corps, the B Corps is (almost) solely made
up of California members who can commute to rehearsals
via car or train. The B Corps rehearses most weekends
January through May, then begin more daily rehearsals in
June (once high schools have ended for the year). If you don’t
make the A Corps and are interested in the B Corps, let us
know at the end of the audition process.
Q: What College would be easiest to attend if I were to
be accepted into The Blue Devils?
A: Diablo Valley College, Los Medanos College, University Of
California Berkeley, Hayward State University, San Francisco
State University and San Joe State University.
Q: Do you have a specific mouthpiece I have to play on?
A: For your audition, NO. If you are accepted into the brass
section, you WILL be required to play on our specially
designed System Blue mouthpieces. Every section will play
on a uniformed mouthpiece (specifically picked by the staff
to best fit the tone and range of each instrument/section).
If you are accepted into the brass section, and also make a
lead Trumpet spot, we often allow those members to use
their own specific mouthpiece (after it is OK’d by the staff).
Q: Is there any way I can try out for both Trumpet and
color guard? Would I have to attend two camps?
A: Yes, you can audition for both the brass section AND the
color guard, but you would have to attend both auditions.
Q: Is there a hair length standard for male members?
A: No.
2019 BLUE DEVILS BRASS AUDITION PACKET | 30
TESTIMONIALS
Throughout this packet and on the
following pages are real-life testimonials
on auditioning and being a member of
the Blue Devils from current and previous
members. While we know there is nothing
like the actual experience, we also find
that getting personal perspective from
someone who has gone through it before
can help settle nerves, give insight and
better prepare you for the actual event.
“I first auditioned for the corps in
2006 by sending in a video tape because I
live in Arizona and I didn’t have the money
to fly out at first. I was very nervous and had
gotten help from all of my old instructors on
both playing and marching but still felt none
of my skills were up to Blue Devil standards.
I still remember when John Meehan called
me to tell me that they were interested and
that I should plan on coming out in Decem-
ber so they could get a better idea. In fact,
when John called me asking me to come
out I was driving to an open house for the
corps that I had marched with in previous
years. I remember sitting in the audience
at the open house as the corps announced
their show and hoping to death that it would
be a show I got to watch and not march in.
The audition process, as scary as you can
make it seem, is really a very positive atmo-
sphere where the staff and all of the current
members just want to see you do your best
and be accepted into what will hopefully
become one of the defining experiences of
your life. — Ben
7/19/2018
In November of 2006 when audition-
ing again after not succeeding in 2005, I
found it much easier. It was a road trip with
friends to get to auditions, but 575 miles
later we showed up at the hotel about 2
mins drive from the audition site. As the
night came to an end, this would be the
hardest time I would have falling asleep.
The first audition day rolls around... the
best words of advice that helped me are
“perform what you practiced.” We do our
stretches, meet the horn captain and some
staff (Wayne Downey, John Meehan and
other marching instructors). For the remain-
der of the morning (until lunch), we did zig
zags, up in four down in four, side back side
front and jazz running. The day went on
and I never got to the musical portion of my
audition, I guess that will happen Sunday.
We showed up on Sunday, did some more
marching and I was one of 18 (I think) to
still audition for a spot musically. I went
in, warmed up and finally got to audition. I
played my piece, played their music, did
okay, but when others asked, I said I never
2019 BLUE DEVILS BRASS AUDITION PACKET
played better (not true). So it’s now past
lunchtime and they are pulling people out
to look at them again, some of which look
really good, but I am never called. Pretty
much after I wasn’t called when the staff
went to talk to decide who made the cut, I
was about to walk out the door to go home.
John Meehan comes back in and explains
what’s about to happen… if you make it,
if they want to call you back for a second
audition in January or if you are invited back
to audition again next fall. He goes down
the list of accepted and I’m called right after
my good friend that is here with me. We go
outside, so I have no idea what happens
inside after that.
The next nine months would turn out to be
the time of my life. I was that kid who had
two left feet in high school… I was that kid
who sounded like a fog horn on clear day…
And now, I’m that kid but 5 years later with
a world championship in my list of accom-
plishments, but best of all, I’m a proud
member of The Blue Devils. When you walk
on the field, you know what it’s about.
— Steven
| 31
 Succeeding as a member in The
Blue Devils during spring training requires
careful planning and a strong sense of
commitment. Most members have busy
lives outside of drum corps, involving work,
school and relationships. All of these can
lead to conflicts with camps.
As a member from out of state, it’s import-
ant to note the camp dates ahead of time
and immediately start making travel
arrangements and taking care of conflicts.
It’s crucial that every member gets repe-
titions on new skills and information from
the staff as early as possible. That can
only happen if everyone makes an effort to
make getting to camps a priority. Getting
into the Oakland airport and up to Concord
is a simple process, especially if you talk
through it with a veteran member ahead of
time.
There are three or four hotels very near
to the rehearsal sites and a few generous
boosters who are willing to house members
on the camp weekends. As long as you’re
willing to meet new people and maybe
spend a few dollars, sleeping arrangements
aren’t hard to handle either. Apartments
for all-days are similarly not too difficult to
arrange. The one thing that isn’t easy is
making the commitment to the corps and
living up to that commitment by planning
ahead, making arrangements in advance
so that you can get to where you need to be
when you need to be there, and taking care
of the rest of your life so that you can live up
to the financial obligation and time commit-
ment to The Blue Devils. Once you’re on tour
is usually the easy part; before you leave for
the summer, it’s easy to get distracted and
start falling behind.
Plan ahead, work out conflicts, make drum
corps a real priority and you’ll be able to
enjoy the experience of camps and the
month of all-days more, but beyond that,
you’ll perform better. — Matt
7/19/2018
As a Blue Devil alum, I can look back
on the two years I marched and think to
myself how much better I became as a
person. I can also look back and think about
the first time I saw The Blue Devils and how I
thought that they were untouchable. That is
what most high school students think, even
college students, so that mindset usually
keeps you from trying out (auditioning). I
actually thought to myself afterwards that I
wanted to be part of something that would
always stay with me for the rest of my life,
and I knew I wanted to wear “THE BLUE”. I
did my research and read a lot about how
to audition and prepare myself. The bad
part about it was that it only intimidated
me some more. So I just said, “What the
heck, I’ve got nothing to lose” and just gave
it my best shot. I sent in my video audition
and waited for a response, which was an
invite to complete my audition at the first
January camp! I’m from Miami and being a
member from the east coast is tough but
you can always find help and sponsorships
are available if you really look for them.
The best part about being from the east
coast was taking the flight out to the west
coast for camps every month, it was like
a vacation! On top of that, the amount of
people you meet that aren’t from California
is just amazing. If you think you can’t make
it, you’re just setting yourself up wrong.
Someone once told me you never know until
you try, and how true that is.— Pedro
2019 BLUE DEVILS BRASS AUDITION PACKET
I honestly enjoyed my experience as a
Blue Devil. I have marched other corps such
as Crossmen and the Boston Crusaders,
and this corps hands down was my favorite.
The first week I got there it was very exciting,
with everybody all happy to see each other
and glad to be apart of an organization with
such great caliber. The second week comes
and you realize how much you have to go
to get that “championship status.” To be
honest, it really was difficult because I was
part of “The Line” (Tuba section), which
historically is a rock solid group within the
corps. I remember after the San Antonio
show when we got back to the housing site,
the cameraman for The Blue Devils DVDs’
put the camera in front of my face and
asked me what I thought about winning the
regional. I let him know I felt honored that
we won, that The Blue Devils had not won
since 2001 and that I am proud of how far
my section had come. It meant a lot to me
when I heard we won in Pasadena because
it showed me that as with anything you want
in life, you really need to put forward that
extra effort and show people how much you
want to obtain your goal and it will happen.
I sincerely want to thank everybody, the
brass & visual staff, the members, the fans
and just everybody. I really will miss this
activity and wish I had one more year. It’s
alright, I’m blessed that I could say I’m a
Blue Devil. — Kristian
| 32
 I am from Iowa and had to fly to all of
the camps, as many members do. This is
an added challenge to being a member but
is definitely doable. Don’t rule out The Blue
Devils just because of travel inconvenience;
it requires a bit of extra planning, time, and
money, but it is totally worth it. There are a
few things that will make the process easier.
First of all, plan ahead. If you know there
is a camp coming up and that you will be
attending, start looking for plane tickets
right away. In general, the sooner you buy
them the cheaper they are (and there are
more flight time options available). Second-
ly, I would recommend signing up for a
frequent flier program with the airline you
usually fly. You will accumulate a lot of miles
it is a great opportunity and will excuse
flying to camps. Finally, communicate! If
you from class when necessary. However,
you aren’t sure you’ll be able to make all of
professors do not like to be told last minute When I auditioned for drum major in
the camps due to travel issues, money, or
you will be gone. I made the mistake last 2007 I was only 17 and still finishing up high
other conflicts, tell your caption head right
year of assuming that my college band school. I was intimidated thinking about
away. They are really understanding and
director would not mind me missing one the others I would be competing against
flexible people as long as you are responsi-
Friday afternoon rehearsal for a plane flight and the staff that would be judging me.
ble about letting them know in advance.
to a Blue Devils camp. I went in and told him When I asked people “What does the staff
Also, it is incredibly important to commu- the Monday before, and he was not pleased. look for in a BD drum major,” the number
nicate with your teachers and professors My grade was lowered just from missing one response was confidence. But just
at home. At the beginning of the semester, that one rehearsal! like everyone else, I get nervous before a
explain to them the activity you’re involved
The Blue Devils do not provide housing for performance or audition. So what I did was
in and let them know what days you will
camps or for all-days, which can be inconve- prepare myself extremely well beforehand
have to miss because of travel to and from
nient for those coming from far away and so that I could be confident, knowing I was
camps. Most professors will probably think
not knowing anybody in the Concord area. fully prepared and ready for anything. I
For the audition camp, I stayed at the Holi- prepared the music and then I went though
day Inn, which was nice but expensive. I was a mock audition with my band director and
lucky enough to hear about Sonja Williams, some friends. Afterwards, I felt extremely
a volunteer with The Blue Devils who allows prepared and ready for the audition.
as many members to stay at her house as When the audition came around I didn’t
can fit. If you need a place to stay for camps, worry about my competition, I just focused
ask around. Sonja is not the only volun- on my own gig and tried to enjoy the week-
teer who offers free housing. Also, some end. It was great to see how the audition
members are local to Concord and are process works and just be around so many
willing to allow some people to stay at their great performers and amazing staff. During
houses. Not only does this save you some the audition, I tried to stay relaxed and act
money, it also provides a great opportunity just like I did in my mock audition. During
to make new friends in The Blue Devils. the interview I made sure I thought before I
— Alissa answered each question and just tried to be
myself. You have to know why you want to
be a Blue Devil and enjoy it. Just be yourself
and have confidence. — Brian

7/19/2018 2019 BLUE DEVILS BRASS AUDITION PACKET | 33

BLUE DEVILS STAFF
If you have ANY questions about any part of the
Blue Devils Brass audition process, please feel free
to contact John Meehan at john@jksmusic.com.

2016 Blue Devils Brass Staff:

(left to right) Sean Snyder, Kevin Ronan, Steve Vento, John Meehan,
James Rocillo, Bill Watson, Sam Pilafian, Eric Weingartner, Scott Palmer

7/19/2018 2019 BLUE DEVILS BRASS AUDITION PACKET | 34

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7/19/2018 2019 BLUE DEVILS BRASS AUDITION PACKET | 35