Star of Indiana - blast! Audition Requirements

Note: All applicants must submit an audition video. Please review the following requirements. In addition to demonstrating an ability to perform/entertain, be sure to include in your audition performance the specific requirements outlined below that is applicable to your area of interest. Those applicants demonstrating multiple skills will be given special consideration.
Acting Requirements (for all cast members):
All prospective members need to possess or have great potential to quickly develop strong acting skills. What do we look for in casting a prospective member in regards to acting? A top notch member possesses an engaging and outgoing personality, a strong sense of humor, an exuberant sense of play within a dramatic situation. In addition, a member needs to be a disciplined and enthusiastic team player who works well within a large ensemble, willing to selflessly give and take to better the project. Since the spoken word will not be used to give exposition, the body becomes the expressive tool to present given circumstances and dramatic action. A cast member needs to display athletic agility, strong kinesthetic awareness, and a freedom to express emotion through gesture. Developed skills in the areas of gymnastics, mime, stage combat, clowning, juggling, or other movement oriented skills will enhance one's castability. Above all, a member of Brass Theater needs a passionate spirit and the stamina to go the extra mile.
Please include in your audition video your ability to act and role play by acting out any 2 of the following scenarios (each scenario should be brief: 30 to 60 seconds in length):

Blowing up a very large balloon that finally breaks.

Walking in a rain storm with blasting winds.

Try to get an imagined crying 6 year old to laugh.

Give to a tourist who does not speak your language the directions involving many twists and turns to a famous landmark.

Become and animal of your choice finding and eating food.

Form/Movement Requirements (for all musicians):
A prospective cast member must possess a great deal of movement/marching experience. This experience could be either with a Drum Corps, Marching Band, or other type of Movement Ensemble. Please include in your video audition examples of forward, backward, and slide marching at various tempos (slow to fast), moving in and out of a halt, and forms of expressive movement and dance that demonstrates athleticism as well as an ability to play and move simultaneously. All of the movement examples described above should be performed while playing an appropriate excerpt of your choice.
Music Requirements (for brass instrumentalist):
A prospective musician must exhibit a high degree of skill playing a brass instrument. Please include in your video audition any two solos of your choice demonstrating not only contrasting styles but your musical ability and technical facility (if desired, can be accompanied). In addition to the 2 solos, given your area of interest, please include the following as appropriate. Those applicants demonstrating proficiency on more than one instrument will be given special consideration.

Trumpet/Cornet Charlier Etude #2, from Theo Charlier's Etudes Transcendantes.

French Horn Kopprach #8, from Kopprach's Sixty Selected Studies,Book #1.

Trombone Rochut Etude #1, from Rochut's Melodius Etudes, Book #1.

Euphonium Rochut Etude #4, from Rochut's Melodius Etudes, Book #1.

Tuba Blazevich Etude #11, from Blazevich's Etudes for BBb Tuba.

Music Requirements (for percussionist):
A prospective musician must demonstrate an ability to play most percussion instruments as well as showcase a high degree of skill in at least one specific area. In addition to exhibiting your versatility, virtuoso playing will be rewarded. We are seeking the best possible candidates for all battery, pit, and world percussion instrumentation, therefore your video audition should highlight your ability in as many of the following areas as possible: primary battery instrument, keyboard percussion, timpani, concert snare drum, and hand drumming. Literature/skills to include is as follows:

Battery Any 1-2 minute selection which showcases your musical and technical strengths.

Keyboard 2 excerpts as follows from the Golden book, Modern School for Xylophone, Marimba, Vibraphone, or a solo of your choice.
    Porgy and Bess (pages 122-123) first seven lines only
    Bell Song (page 131)

Timpani Adagio-Allegro (play the Adagio section only), page 155, from Raynor Carroll's Exercises, Etudes and Solos or a solo of your choice.

Concert Snare Cirone Etude #7, from Anthony Cirone's Portraits In Rhythm, or a solo of your choice.

Hand Drumming Excerpts which demonstrates competency in cuban conga drum style, a west African djcmbe style, and a Brazilian samba technique.

Visual Ensemble Requirements:
A prospective visual ensemble cast member must have extensive experience at handling and spinning all types for equipment (i.e., rifle, sabre, flag, etc.). In addition, not only must the applicant be experienced in all aspects of dance, but must demonstrate an ability to blend the skills of equipment manipulation and dance at the same time. Please include in your video audition examples of the disciplines described above.
General Requirements (for all cast members):
In addition to the specific requirements previously outlined, please be certain the following is included when you submit your audition materials.

a completed and signed audition application with an attached 5x7 color photograph.

a letter of recommendation from your current ensemble conductor, instrumental teacher, or ensemble administrator confirming your qualifications. This recommendation should include the conductor's/teacher's/administrator's address, telephone number, and signature.

a one page resume or summary of your musical/theatrical experience.

an audition tape (VHS), as outlined above, clearly marked with your name, area of interest, and contact information. The contents of the video should be in the following order:
    1. Acting Requirements
    2. Form/Movement Requirements
    3. Music or Visual Ensemble Requirements

all audition materials should be submitted to Star of Indiana.
    Star of Indiana Brass Theater
    Audition Committee
    P.O. Box 264
    Bloomington, IN 47404

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