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Marching Band Tip
Listen and Tune

Electronic tuners are a good way to get your horn in tune on one or two reference notes, but you can't stop there. Even on the finest professional horns, intonation will vary from note to note. The only way to play in tune consistently is to listen and adjust as you play. Developing this skill will improve your overall musicianship, whether you're playing a solo in a scholarship audition or performing with 300 others as a Marching Southerner!
Audition Information
Southerners Hornline and Colorguard
Auditions aren't until band camp in August. For 2007, the rookies will check in on August 10 and the vets will return on August 13.  There will be a band camp newsletter posted on the website sometime during the summer.  This newsletter will contain the information you will need regarding band camp (what to bring, camp schedule, etc.)  Your section leader(s) are responsible for emailing you the music once they receive it, so be sure to be in contact with them!  In addition to the newsletter, there will be an online registration form that you must submit in order to attend band camp. 

For general questions, please email Corey Newton, Head Drum Major (JSUCorey@yahoo.com) or call the band office at 256-782-5562.   

Marching Ballerinas
Anyone interested in being on the Ballerina line must be enrolled for the Ballerina class the preceding spring. Contact the band office as soon as possible at 256-782-5562 for more information.

Southerners Drumline
There is a May drumline camp which is highly recommended for anyone wishing to try out for the Southerners drumline. It is not required, per se, but if you miss it, you'll be way behind when August rolls around, which can seriously hurt your chances of making the line, even if you have monster chops. Email Mr. Clint Gillespie, or call him at 256-782-5630 for complete information about the May camp. If you're unable to make it to that camp, let him know so alternate arrangements can be made (such as getting you a copy of the exercises).

In addition, there is a Wednesday night drumline class which is open to anyone (even high school underclassmen). If you live near enough to Jacksonville to make the weekly drive, this is the single best way to improve your chances of making the drumline, since you'll learn several exercises and techniques used by the Southerners. Besides, you'll get to know the guys on the drumline, and won't feel quite as intimidated when tryouts roll around. The class is free and starts meeting in early January. Class will run from 7-9 pm central time each Wednesday in the JSU band room. Contact Mr. Gillespie for further details.

The drumline tryouts are required. They are the weekend of May 18-20, 2007.
Scholarship Information
Anyone wishing to try out for a band scholarship will register online when the scholarship application link is live.  Several weekends in the spring are reserved for scholarship auditions, but it pays to get all the info you can as soon as possible, so that you can start practicing now. Scholarship audition requirements may vary from instrument to instrument, so it's best to find out exactly what you need to work on before showing up. The band office can be reached at 256-782-5562. 
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to have a scholarship to attend JSU, march in the Southerners, or be a music major?
No. It'll just cost less if you do.

Do I have to be a music major to march Southerners?
No. We'll take anyone with a good attitude and a willingness to learn.

I can't make it to JSU for the posted audition times! What do I do?
Call the music department as soon as possible, and they'll work it out.

Do I have to be accepted to JSU to march Southerners?
Yes. Insurance requirements mandate that all people in the band are enrolled for the class. You can't enroll for the class if you're not enrolled in the University.

How do I enroll at JSU?
Visit http://www.jsu.edu/depart/undergraduate/undergraduate.html for all the info you'll need. If you have further questions, either talk to your high school guidance counselor or call 1-800-231-5291, ext. 5268 and tell them you need help.

Do I have to be accepted at JSU to march Spirit?
No. They'll tell you all about that at the camps. Actually, the best place to find out more about Spirit Drum and Bugle Corps is their website: http://www.spiritdrumcorps.org.

If I march Spirit, do I still need to audition for JSU music scholarships?
You should. At least, if you want a JSU scholarship. You'll still need to audition for Southerners too. Spirit and Southerners are both under the umbrella of JSU, but they are two entirely separate ensembles.

I go to Troy State. Can I still march Spirit?
If you can put up with all the JSU people, they can certainly put up with you. Just keep the "Whup Jax State" jokes to a minimum, and don't be surprised to hear shouts of "Whup Troy" from neighboring apartments and passing cars. They're not shouting at you... they just think any "band" they see marching at the Coliseum is the Southerners, and they're doing what comes naturally. The poor things don't know much about corps, but we love 'em anyway.