Bucks-marking time
Roll Builders B and C-marking time
Matrix D and F
Tenors
8’s with inside to outside motion pattern
Bucks-marking time
Roll Builders A and B-marking time
Basses
8’s
Stick Control split pattern-marking time-we’ll pick the part they play
First 8 measures of Bucks-they can play either the #2 or #3 split part
Roll Builders A-sd part-marking time-if we need a tie breaker
We are very excited that you are continuing with percussion and band at Madison High School next year! As a percussionist at the high school, your participation in marching band is part of your experience in band. This sheet is designed to help you with all of the activities that happen leading up to the summer marching band rehearsals in August with the entire band. These springtime rehearsals are crucial to setting up the percussion sections for success in marching band season.
Along with this info sheet you should have a packet of battery exercises. This packet contains exercises that we will be using during the marching season to develop technique and uniformity across all players in the battery. It also contains the material that will be asked for on the audition. A packet of information and exercises for the front ensemble members will be handed out to those students after the battery auditions take place.
Important Dates. All clinics/rehearsals are at Madison HS in the Music Department.
Battery Info Session – Wednesday, March 16, 6:00pm
Mr. Valadie will be discussing the general approach to the battery instruments as well as going over the specific material that needs to be prepared for the audition. Please bring a drum pad and sticks. This session is strongly recommended for everyone to attend, but especially for rising 9th graders.
Pre-Audition Battery Clinics – Thursday evenings 6-8pm: March 31, April 7, 14.
These clinics are designed to give you a chance to play on the battery instruments in a group setting and get direct instruction from our staff to help you prepare for your audition.
New this year: we will be factoring in your performance and progress during the pre-audition clinics for your audition. Your participation in these pre-audition clinics is very important
Battery Auditions – Tuesday April 26, 6-9pm. We will hear students play individually and in groups.
All rising 9th graders who audition for battery instruments must audition on Bass Drum. Snare and/or Tenors is optional.
Battery rehearsals – Thursday evenings, 6-8pm for remainder of school year.
These sessions are mandatory for all members of the battery.
May 12 June 9
May 19 June 16
May 26
Front Ensemble rehearsals – Front Ensemble personnel will also meet after the auditions on the above Thursdays from 6-8pm.
Please direct any questions to Dr. Wolf at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We are looking forward to another great year of percussion at James Madison HS!
David Wolf, Director of Percussion Daniel Valadie, Director of Marching Percussion
Michael Hackbarth, Director of Bands Raj Bajwa, Battery Tech
Laura Lounsbury, Front Ensemble Tech
