Audition Packets

For guitar and bass, tablature versions of the packet are available upon request.
For drumset, the written parts are a skeleton and adding style and variation to the exercises is encouraged.

The first 2024 audition camp will be held on September 7th, 2024 from 8am until 3pm.

The callbacks audition camp where contracts will be awarded will be held on September 14th, 2024 from 8am until 3pm.

Auditions will be at Century High School, 7801 West Diamond Back Drive, Pocatello, ID 83204.

Please plan on attending both camps to secure a spot. If you are unable to attend either one, please let us know and we can arrange for a video audition.

Registration is $30.

Please email riftpercussion@gmail.com with any questions or conflicts!

Please fill out the following form if you plan on auditioning. This will help us determine instrument and staffing needs, so please register as early as you are able.

After submitting this form, you will be taken to the store page to pay registration fees. If you wish to pay at the camp, you can simply close out of the tab after submitting.

Name

First Name

Last Name

Age

Email

Phone Number

For which sections are you interested in auditioning?

Select as many as you'd like.

Front Ensemble

Snare

Bass

Tenor

Cymbals

Visual Ensemble

Questions/Requests

What to expect

Rift Percussion is open to all individuals under the age of 23 as of April 1st. Rift Percussion is looking for individuals with a positive attitude and strong work ethic. Rift Percussion does not discriminate based on disability, race, gender, or socio-economic standing.

Attendance at all practices and performances is mandatory.
There will be two parts to your audition process; Preliminary Auditions and Final Auditions.
If you are offered a position in the ensemble, it is expected that you will review the provided schedule and discuss any potential conflicts with Rift Percussion staff prior to signing a contract.
By signing a Member Contract, you agree that you are committing to all dates on the schedule unless discussed with Rift Percussion staff.

Preparing for the Audition

Sleep. Get a good night’s sleep. Healthy teenagers and adults should get between 8-10 hours of sleep each night. This may be difficult due to the demands of school, work, and home that cause physical, mental, and emotional fatigue. A good night’s sleep will refresh you and lead to greater accuracy and speed in your playing.
Food. Eat a well-balanced meal the night before and the morning of the audition. Aim for good carbs, like steel-cut oats or whole wheat toast, and a good balance of protein, fiber, and fruit. Be sure to drink plenty of water starting a few days before the audition.
Warm-up Routine. Always have a consistent warm-up routine. This may include stretches and push-ups followed by scales/rudiments, then playing the actual audition material. Whatever your routine is, be sure you go through each step and not just the motions. This gets your body, hands, and mind prepared for effective practicing and playing.
Practice, Practice, Practice. Be sure that you are practicing the required audition material every day. Start with small segments at a slow tempo, then work them up to speed. Once you can successfully play two segments separately, put them together and gradually kick up the tempo. If you make a mistake, stop and try it again. This is ok in practice situations so that you learn to play the material correctly.

The Audition

(These may be video recorded)

The audition clinic will provide you with insight into what Rift Percussion is like day-to-day in camps and in competition. Throughout the camp, you will experience first-hand instruction in a true rehearsal setting. You will get world-class instruction from an incredible staff as well as perform alongside returning veterans of the ensemble.
During your audition, the staff will evaluate your ability to perform with the group on several instruments. The staff is looking for individuals who can read music, listen well to the rest of the group, mark time in time with the music, and recover quickly from mistakes. During an individual interview, staff members will talk with you one-on-one to learn about your interest in the ensemble. You will start by telling the staff a little bit about you, including where you attend school, your year, major (if applicable) main instrument, and instrument you are auditioning for. You will also have the opportunity to show off your best playing in a solo environment.

After the Audition

After you audition, you will either receive a contract or a call-back.
If you receive a contract to become a member of Rift Percussion, you must review the rehearsal and performance schedule CAREFULLY.