SOH Auditions
Auditioning to join the Spirit of Houston marching band
The Spirit of Houston will require a short video audition for all new wind players, and the drumline requires an audition for all members. For information regarding drumline auditions please visit http://www.uhbandsandspiritgroups.com/drums.
Wind Auditions
All new members of the Spirit of Houston will be required to submit a short video audition OR have passed an entrance audition to the Moores School of Music as a music major. If you are an incoming music major that has been accepted to Moores, you DO NOT have to audition specifically for marching band as we count your entrance audition.
Passing a form of audition is both for your membership in the marching band and to earn a band service award for your first year. These videos are meant to help us both set the Marching Band as well as alternate/halftime only spots in addition to assigning parts prior to Spirit Week. DO NOT BE NERVOUS ABOUT THIS PROCESS! We want you to succeed and join the band!
Videos should be turned in HERE. You will need to upload your video to a service such as YouTube or Google Drive, and then share a link on the form.
Priority Deadline for Woodwind and Brass Performers is Monday June 3. Priority deadline helps to guarantee you a spot in the band as well as help us plan better!
The final deadline for woodwind and brass, as well as all drumline videos are due by Monday July 8 at 5pm. We will notify all members of status by Friday July 12 at the latest. Dependent on section, some students may be notified prior to the deadline.
All videos should include the printed excerpts below for your instrument. You may pick whatever part you are comfortable with if your instrument has multiple parts. Start at the beginning, play through Circle A and play one time only taking the second ending and stopping the measure before E. You do not need to play any quarter note pick-ups to Circle E. Play it at a tempo you feel comfortable with. Strive for the most beautiful sound you can create, with attention to correct pitches and rhythmic accuracy.
We will utilize lead players and soloists in our high brass sections this year, and we will consider all new members for these spots as well as veterans. If you are a trumpet or mellophone player that would like to be considered for lead/upper split parts, please include a mixture of the following excerpts after the “Fight Song” in your video:
-a single multi-octave scale that showcases your range (for example, a two-octave scale that moves from the low register to the high register, or a chromatic scale as performed in the All-State process)
-a short excerpt of your choosing that showcases the upper range on your instrument (for example, on orchestral excerpt that uses the upper register or a lead part from a marching band or jazz band chart that you have performed before)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I have to play on a mellophone/baritone/sousaphone?
A: NO! You are more than welcome to play on a concert French Horn, Euphonium, or Tuba. That is not an issue at all. If you normally play on a school instrument, please plan to record your audition video prior to the end of the current school year so you have access to that instrument. If you have issues with instrument availability, please email Mr. Kubos and we will work it out.
Q: Do you have any recording advice?
A: To record, we suggest you use whatever is easiest for you that allows a good recording representative of your playing. The most common ways to do this would be to use a smartphone or computer, and you are more than welcome to use traditional video cameras, Zoom recorders, etc. There is no need to purchase new equipment or spend money in order to produce the video. If you do not have any access to record a video, please email Mr. Kubos at ckkubos@uh.edu and we will make alternate arrangements to hear you play.
Q: How should I set myself up for the video? Can I stand or sit? Where should the camera be?
A: When recording, please make sure that the camera clearly shows you playing but is also far enough away to provide the least distortion possible sound wise. You may play the excerpts sitting down or standing up either way. Do a trial video before trying to record your video and do not be afraid to adjust the setup if you do not feel like the sound is the best representative that you can get of your playing!
If you have issues securing an instrument or recording the audition, please email Mr. Kubos at ckkubos@uh.edu. This will not keep you from joining the Spirit of Houston and we will work around any issues you come across.