The Spartan Marching Band is open to all university students by audition only. You must be regularly admitted to Michigan State University in order to audition; students enrolled at MSU through the Lifelong Education program are not eligible for participation. You do not need to be a music major to qualify for the Spartan Marching Band.
You may e-mail the Director of the Spartan Marching Band, Professor John Madden at madden@msu.edu with any questions related to Spartan Marching Band auditions.
All auditions (regardless of section) must be confirmed through the MSU band office at (517) 355-7654. The SMB has scheduled several audition days for 2013. They are:
Instrumentalists
The instrumental audition should consist of one prepared selection involving contrasting styles (3 to 5 minutes in length). A piece that you might perform at a “Solo and Ensemble Festival” would be appropriate. You do not need an accompanist. Please also prepare your major scales up to 4 sharps and 4 flats. There will be brief sight-reading.
Auditions are Saturday, June 8, 2013 at 9:00 AM
“Out of state” instrumentalists (or those who can not attend the audition day) may submit a DVD (video and sound) of your solo material and scales. Mail DVD by June 8, 2013 to:
Professor John T. Madden
Director, Spartan Marching Band
118 School of Music
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824-1043
Drumline
2013 MSU Drumline auditions will be held on Saturday, April 27, and Saturday, May 11, from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. More information can be found on the drumline website.
Color Guard
Auditions are Saturday, June 15, 2013 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Questions about Color Guard auditions should be directed to Mr. Orlando Suttles, Spartan Color Guard Instructor.
Big Ten Flags
Auditions are Saturday, June 15, 2013 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Big Ten Flag questions should be directed to SMB Director, Professor John Madden.
Feature Twirler
TBD. Feature Twirler questions should be directed to SMB Director, Professor John Madden.
Brass and Saxophone Music Majors
If you plan to be a music-major, your College of Music audition will satisfy for automatic membership in the Spartan Marching Band (except for percussionists). Feel free to call (517) 355-7654 to ask any questions related to this subject. Music majors will receive a letter from the Band Office in early May. If you would like to participate in the SMB as a music major, simply fill out the form in the early May mailing and return it to the MSU Band office. You will then be included in our July mailing for all new SMB members.
Flute, clarinet, oboe, and bassoon music majors must audition for the SMB, on your SMB instrument of choice. These instruments are not in the SMB instrumentation.
Directions and Audition Appointments
All auditions (regardless of section) must be confirmed through the MSU band office. Contact Charlene Wagner, SMB Administrative Assistant at (517) 355-7654 to secure an audition. Or, email her at reha@msu.edu.
Note: Be sure to leave plenty of time for parking, as finding a spot can sometimes be difficult!
Door to door directions from mapquest. Enter your address in the start section, then press “get directions” at the bottom of the page.
Campus Map (the MB is at B-11).
Map to the Music Building.
More questions about the audition process? Be sure to visit the SMB audition FAQ page.
