How can I prepare for my audition to be a music major?
Try to start as early as possible. While no one is expecting you to be an expert on every instrument, you will have to audition on: concert snare drum, keyboard percussion (such as marimba), and timpani. Find a private percussion teacher to help you select your solos and prepare (ask your high school band director or a local community college). Playing a wide variety of instruments in your concert band percussion section can also help to build your confidence. It is highly recommended that you contact Dr. Baker to visit the MSU Percussion Studio and take a lesson with him (free of charge) prior to your audition. Also, be sure to apply to the university early enough to be eligible for financial aid.
Do I have to be a music major in order to take lessons or play in percussion ensemble?
No! Most of our courses are available to students in all majors. Private lessons can be taken by registering for MUA 1610 (section 01 - non majors). You will be assigned an individual time based on your class schedule at the beginning of the semester. Non major lessons can be designed to meet your specific needs and interests. Non majors interested in percussion ensemble must audition for Dr. Baker before registering (this usually consists of some reading on both snare drum and keyboard percussion to see if the ensemble is a good fit for your experience level).
How are drumline auditions structured and are they the same as band scholarship auditions?
Students auditioning as music majors will be assessed for band scholarships during their music department audition. Non-majors must contact the Band Office to schedule a scholarship audition consisting of a solo on at least one instrument of your choice and rudiments/scales. Drumline auditions occur in late April or early May with dates and a packet of specific audition music posted on www.msuband.msstate.edu early in the spring semester. In order to receive a band scholarship you must receive placement in the drumline.
Can I take lessons but not be enrolled at MSU? Are there lessons available for my son or daughter?
Private study for non-MSU students (all ages) is available through the Community Music School. Please contact the MSU Department of Music office at 662-325-3070 for more information.
How can I find someone to teach percussion at my band camp or write my halftime show?
Contact Dr. Baker at jbaker@colled.msstate.edu. He is usually able to recommend an experienced upperclassman to help you. He is often available to take on writing/arranging projects himself, time permitting.
How can I participate in the Percussion Composition Competition?
The competition takes place every spring semester and is open to all current MSU students, regardless of major. Information and application will be released at the beginning of the semester.
Try to start as early as possible. While no one is expecting you to be an expert on every instrument, you will have to audition on: concert snare drum, keyboard percussion (such as marimba), and timpani. Find a private percussion teacher to help you select your solos and prepare (ask your high school band director or a local community college). Playing a wide variety of instruments in your concert band percussion section can also help to build your confidence. It is highly recommended that you contact Dr. Baker to visit the MSU Percussion Studio and take a lesson with him (free of charge) prior to your audition. Also, be sure to apply to the university early enough to be eligible for financial aid.
Do I have to be a music major in order to take lessons or play in percussion ensemble?
No! Most of our courses are available to students in all majors. Private lessons can be taken by registering for MUA 1610 (section 01 - non majors). You will be assigned an individual time based on your class schedule at the beginning of the semester. Non major lessons can be designed to meet your specific needs and interests. Non majors interested in percussion ensemble must audition for Dr. Baker before registering (this usually consists of some reading on both snare drum and keyboard percussion to see if the ensemble is a good fit for your experience level).
How are drumline auditions structured and are they the same as band scholarship auditions?
Students auditioning as music majors will be assessed for band scholarships during their music department audition. Non-majors must contact the Band Office to schedule a scholarship audition consisting of a solo on at least one instrument of your choice and rudiments/scales. Drumline auditions occur in late April or early May with dates and a packet of specific audition music posted on www.msuband.msstate.edu early in the spring semester. In order to receive a band scholarship you must receive placement in the drumline.
Can I take lessons but not be enrolled at MSU? Are there lessons available for my son or daughter?
Private study for non-MSU students (all ages) is available through the Community Music School. Please contact the MSU Department of Music office at 662-325-3070 for more information.
How can I find someone to teach percussion at my band camp or write my halftime show?
Contact Dr. Baker at jbaker@colled.msstate.edu. He is usually able to recommend an experienced upperclassman to help you. He is often available to take on writing/arranging projects himself, time permitting.
How can I participate in the Percussion Composition Competition?
The competition takes place every spring semester and is open to all current MSU students, regardless of major. Information and application will be released at the beginning of the semester.
