2011 WVU Color Guard Audition Specifics

Audition Specifics for Prospective Members, New and Returning

DATES: Auditions for the 2011 Edition of “The Pride of West Virginia” Color Guard, a section of the WVU Marching Band, will take place on Saturday, April 16th and Sunday April 17, 2011. All prospective members, both new and returning, must audition. Those accepted as members of the 2011 Color Guard must plan to attend mandatory summer camps June 17-19 and July 15-17 on the WVU campus. More details about these summer camps will be provided following April 16-17 weekend.

TIMES: The hours for Saturday are 9:00 a.m. until approximately 5:00 p.m.  Anyone interested in joining the weapon line should be prepared to stay also from 7-9 p.m. on Saturday for a weapon training clinic. The hours for Sunday (all prospective members, new and returning, must attend this day as well) are 9:00 a.m. until approximately 2:00 p.m., including a lunch break.

LOCATIONS: Register at 9 a.m. in the Lobby of the Creative Arts Center. Audition sites will be located in and around the “CAC” and WVU Coliseum; these will be announced as-needed. Those that are unsure of where audition sites are located will be helped.

IMPORTANT: Students are responsible for their own lodging, transportation and meals during the camp.

AUDITION PROCEDURE: During the audition camp, participants will be learning the basic fundamentals of the WVU program, as well as body fundamentals, equipment and warm-up basics, as well as an audition routine and the beginning of pregame. The focus of Saturday’s camp will be on training, with final member and leadership auditions taking place on Sunday. The audition process for membership is cumulative of both days, focusing mainly on attitude, work ethic, and retention of material.

ATTIRE: Everyone is asked to wear a solid black t-shirt or tank with black shorts or black jazz pants for audition attire. Everyone should wear athletic shoes or preferably jazz shoes if you have them. Hair should be secured out of the face, i.e. ponytails, and gloves are optional (recommended for the weapon clinic).

EXPERIENCE: Some color guard experience is preferred, but there will be opportunities for individuals with less experience to still be part of the ensemble!

CONFLICTS: All those interested in becoming a member of the WVU Color Guard are strongly encouraged to attend the April 16th and 17th camp; however, if you cannot make it, we still want you to audition! Simply contact Instructor This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to discuss an alternative audition plan, especially if you are involved in the winter guard activity.

MOST IMPORTANTLY: Have fun! You are making a great decision and we’re delighted to have you try-out.

Color Guard Leadership Auditions

Leadership auditions will be taking place during audition camps. Any veteran members interested in auditioning for section leader, assistant section leader, or one of four rank leader positions should review this information carefully.  All individuals will be required to go through the same audition process which will formally take place during camp on Sunday.

Selection will be based upon four categories and will be judged by an impartial panel of professional judges not involved with the WVU program. The 2011 staff will not be participating in the scoring process, but will be observing and coordinating the audition.

The expectations are as follows:

1. Leadership • The key to a solid organization begins with its leaders. For this reason, our judges will be observing and scoring the individual in how they work with the ensemble in teaching new ideas.

2. Performance • All participants must prepare a 2 minute routine to music of their choice, showcasing their individual strengths and abilities as a performer. All forms of equipment (flags, swing flags, rifles, sabers, props, etc.)  and body work are acceptable and encouraged… show us what you can do!

3. Attitude • All participants are to compose a 1-2 page essay on the topic of “What Makes a Good Leader and What Makes Me a Good Choice?” This essay will then be presented and read to the judges in an interview. The reading will be followed by a brief question & answer session with the judges.

4. Training • All applicants are familiar with the fast-paced/quick retention aspect of the WVU program. The goal of the instructors this season is to keep the color guard ahead of the game and continue to grow and develop the training level of the program. During this segment of the audition, applicants will be taught an advanced level routine involving both body and equipment. The focus for the judges isn’t as much on achievement as it is on attitude, approach to new material, and the ability to learn at a fast pace.

SCORING: At the conclusion of all judging, scores will be tallied, and the leadership positions will be chosen as follows: the highest scoring participant will be the new section leader; the second highest score will be the assistant section leader; the next four highest scores will be named as the rank leaders for the 2011 season. This method is by far the fairest, most accurate way of determining who should be placed in the leadership positions. All decisions are final; please don’t audition if you feel this method is not appropriate.