AUDITION INFORMATION

WOODWINDS AND BRASS

Prospective students interested in joining the Marching Illini Woodwinds and Brass sections must complete a two-part audition process.  The first round is a playing audition.  If you are a music major and you have auditioned for the School of Music, you must still audition for the Marching Illini. All playing auditions begin in January and run through May.

The second round is a marching and playing audition that takes place during Preseason Camp in August.  A detailed schedule is posted on our website under Preseason Camp for all prospective members who are invited to Preseason Camp based on their first round audition.  All woodwinds, brass, and drumline members must memorize all traditional music for the second round and complete a marching audition during Preseason Camp. On Thursday night of Preseason Camp, the Performance Block will be set and posted!

All auditions for the Marching Illini are conducted through Video Auditions. Read through the following information for specific guidelines of what to submit and how to submit your video audition:

Audition Requirements for Woodwinds and Brass

• Introduce yourself, include your first and last name, your age, where you are from, and what year in school you will be in the fall
• Two one octave major scales of your choice – ascending and descending
• Chromatic scale – lowest note to highest note ascending only to demonstrate your range
• Prepare a solo or etude that is three-five minutes in length which demonstrates your technical and lyrical abilities
  • this can be one piece of music or segments from multiple pieces or etudes
• You may audition on your concert or marching instrument for this round
• Watch this video about The Audition Process
• Check out this sample Audition Video
• Once you record your audition video, see the information below for submitting your Marching Illini Video Audition
• Video submissions due on or before May 1 – all notifications will be sent out shortly after this date – if you submit an audition video after May 1, we will continue to review videos through the summer

DRUMLINE

• Drumline Clinics are not mandatory but they are recommended
• Prospective students interested in joining the Marching Illini Drumline must participate in our auditions in April by submitting a video before or on the first drumline audition date
• You do not need to memorize these exercises although it is helpful
• Prepare the instrument you would like to audition on even though you may be moved to another instrument for best ensemble results

Read through the following information for specific guidelines of what to submit and how to submit your Round 1 video audition:

Audition Requirements for Drumline

• Introduce yourself, including your first and last name, your age, where you are from, and what year in school you will be in the fall
• play through the audition packet located online for your specific instrument
• You do not need to memorize these exercises although it is helpful
• Prepare the instrument you would like to audition on even though you may be moved to another instrument for best ensemble results
  • • Drumline Audition Packet
• Watch this video about The Audition Process
• Once you record your audition video, see the information below for submitting your Marching Illini Video Audition
• Round 1 Video submissions due April 1 at 11:59pm

MARCHING ILLINI COLOR GUARD

• You may participate in several Guard Clinics throughout the spring semester to prepare for the Audition Day
• No final decisions are made during the Guard Clinics and these are not required to make the team
• Prospective students interested in joining the Marching Illini Color Guard must participate in our auditions in April.
• The Marching Illini Color Guard Auditions consist of technique, fundamentals, and learning the audition routine
• You will not be required to choreograph routines during the audition
• All materials, routines, music, and equipment will be taught via video 

Audition Requirements for Color Guard

• Please make sure you wear clothing that allows for movement and isn’t too loose on the body
• Introduce yourself, your first & last name, age, where you are from, and what year in school you will be in the fall
• Review and learn the following audition VIDEO
  
• Use the 2023 AUDITION COUNT SHEET to assist
• Watch this video about The Audition Process
• Once you record your audition video, see the information below for submitting your Marching Illini Video Audition
• Round 1 Video submissions due April 1 at 11:59pm

ILLINETTES DANCE TEAM

Prospective students interested in joining the Illinettes Dance Team must participate in auditions in April.  The Illinettes Audition will consist of technique, fundamentals, and learning audition routines. Please note that if you make the team, there are a few Illinettes summer sectionals, and UDA camp where attendance is mandatory.

Round One Video Audition Requirements for Illinettes

• Wear a black sports bra and black dance shorts or you may wear black leggings. Wear proper dance footwear.
• Be sure your hair styled, fully down or half-up.  Make-up should be “performance ready” (eyeshadow, lipstick, blush, fake eyelashes, etc.)
• Introduce yourself, including your first and last name, your age, where you are from, and what year in school you will be in the fall
• When you record, make sure the camera is facing you so we see you, not your reflection in a mirror
• In addition, be sure your camera is stable – it is best not to use a “camera operator” to follow you – keep the camera as stable as possible
• Video of you executing technique, double, triple or maximum pirouette turns on the right and left, a jeté leap, a leap in second, a calypso (capezio) leap, and flexibility (ability to do both right and left splits, front and side battements on right and left), and turns in second
• Record a video of YOU performing an original 1-2 minute jazz or hip-hop routine
• Watch this video about The Audition Process
• Once you record your audition video, see the information below for submitting your Marching Illini Video Audition
• Round 1 Video submissions due April 1 at 11:59pm

Final Round In-Person Audition Requirements for Illinettes

• Individuals will be contacted after Round 1 videos have been evaluated by our outstanding judges
• Wear a black sports bra and black dance shorts or you may wear black leggings. Wear proper dance footwear.
• Be sure your hair styled, fully down or half-up.  Make-up should be “performance ready” (eyeshadow, lipstick, blush, fake eyelashes, etc.)
• Marching fundamentals
• Technique across the floor
• Learn a traditional Illinettes dance
• Personal Statement about why you would like to be an Illinette
• Learn a new jazz/hip-hop routine
• Announcement of new team, team picture, and uniform/merchandise measurements

MARCHING ILLINI FEATURED TWIRLER

The Marching Illini is seeking outstanding students with excellent baton twirling skills who seek to be a part of “The Nation’s Premiere College Marching Band.” This student performs at all Illinois home football games with the Marching Illini and serves as a significant ambassador for the University. The Marching Illini Featured Twirler auditions comprise two rounds.  The first audition is a videotape submission and the second audition is a live audition on campus by invitation.  We are looking for candidates that are versatile and exciting!  Auditions take place on an annual basis and returning members must audition each year.If you are interested in auditioning for the feature twirler position, please follow the guidelines listed below.

Round One Twirler Audition Requirements

• Apply to the University of Illinois
• The first round audition is a video submission with a deadline of February 1
• Include routines and performances that best represent your talents and demonstrate your potential to twirl at the collegiate level in a large stadium atmosphere – should include 2 Live performances that highlight the twirler’s abilities
• Include advanced skills [multiple illusions, 3+spins, walkovers, cartwheels, etc]
• Include a complete resume of performance history & accomplishments along with your contact information
• Include reference letters form applicant’s twirling coach or coaches, Band Director if applicable, and an academic teacher
  • reference letters should address applicant’s personal integrity, work ethic, ability to work as a group while performing as a soloist, performance level
• Videos should be shared electronically through Box, Dropbox, or a youtube link via email to Prof. Barry Houser
• Videos will be evaluated and from these results, candidates will be selected and invited to a second audition on campus per the audition schedule
• Finalists will be notified by March 1 and invited to campus for an in-person audition and interview in April

Round Two Twirler Audition Requirements by Invitation Only

• Prepare a 2-4 minute routine utilizing more than one piece of equipment choreographed to your choice of music.  Use multiple batons, hoops, etc.  Fire batons cannot be used.
• This audition will either take place outside on the Marching Illini practice field or in the indoor practice facility.
• Showmanship, speed, difficulty, poise and balance, variety, and performance will be evaluated.
• A sound system will be provided for you.
• You should be able to choreograph a short routine on the spot to a piece of music chosen by the panel of judges.
• Finally an interview will take place with our panel of judges which include Marching Illini Directors and Staff and an outside expert. As a significant ambassador for our program, personality, charisma, effective communication, and school spirit are musts!
• Overall adjudication criteria includes creativity, technique, poise, execution, showmanship