How to Join

Interested in joining the Blue and Gold Marching Machine? Please complete the BGMM Recruitment Contact Form.

AUDITION CRITERIA

The BGMM is now accepting auditions for the 2025 season. Prior to auditioning, all students must have applied or been accepted into the University. Auditions will not be considered without proof of application to the University. If you have not yet applied, please visit Admissions and find out how to apply. We ask that you submit materials or sign up for a time during the designated audition dates as soon as possible. Sections with limited numbers of slots for next season may fill up quickly.

  • The 12 major scales with arpeggios

  • Chromatic scale (up and down) that best demonstrates your range and performance ability

  • Prepared pieces such as solo literature or an etude that displays lyrical and technical ability.

  • Auditions should not include concert band literature, standard wind band marches, or popular tunes.

  • 40 basic rudiments

  • Steel Essential Rudiments (Rudiments can be found HERE.)

    • Snares/Quints: All 14

    • Tonal Bass: #1-10

    • Tenor: #1-4,10

    • Bass: #1 & 10

    • Cymbals: Exercises (flashes, control, listening and reading)

  • Prepared piece/performance on drum or cymbals

  • Sight Reading

Please visit the Golden Delight website for audition criteria: ncatdelights.com/

RECORDED AUDITIONS (Woodwinds & Brass Only)

Recorded video auditions can be submitted after you have submitted your application to the University and before the audition deadline on Saturday, May 3, 2025.

Please follow these steps to submit your video:

  • Record your video in a single, unedited take – no clips or fades, no audio enhancement or filtering. Please note that auditions are reviewed based on playing quality, not video/audio quality. You must be visibly playing your instrument in the audition video with your face and both hands in view. (*Record as many times as you need until you are pleased with the one version you will submit.)

  • Perform the scales first followed by the chromatic scale then the prepared piece(s) back-to-back as a single video.

  • Upload the video to YouTube as an unlisted video, so that it may be accessed by the directors. Do not upload as a YouTube Short.

  • Use the following format to title your video: First and Last Name - Instrument - NCAT 2025 Audition. 

  • Copy the link to your unlisted YouTube video and submit your audition to Mr. Aaron Campbell. Use the same format as the video title for the subject of your email.

Once received, your submission will be reviewed, adjudicated by the Director staff, and a response of your audition results will be returned.

IN-PERSON AUDITIONS

If you would like to complete your brass/woodwind audition in person at the Band Center, live auditions are available upon request in advance, during the time that the audition window is open. The in-person audition process is identical to the recorded video audition. All in-person auditions must take place before the audition deadline on Saturday, May 3, 2025. 

To request a live woodwind/brass audition, please email Mr. Aaron Campbell. In your email, we ask that you include your name, the instrument you intend to audition on, and your availability for an in-person audition. Once we receive your request, we will get back to you shortly to schedule your audition.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Priority scholarship consideration will be given to students based on being accepted into the University, instrumental need, successful performance of scales, prepared literature, and sight-reading ability. All band scholarship offers are renewable for each of your four years at the University, ensuring you receive the same amount annually as long as you remain an active participant in the A&T band program.

Students receiving scholarship awards must be enrolled in the band course each semester while enrolled at the University to remain eligible. Additionally, all students must be in compliance with student conduct codes for the University and not on probation, suspension, or expulsion. Do not delay in submitting your audition; scholarships are limited.

  • Regular admission to the University.
  • Chromatic Scale: Full range of the instrument.
  • All Major Scales with arpeggios: Two or more octaves within the capability of the instrument.
  • Prepared Material: Lyrical and Technical

  • Regular admission to the University.
  • Chromatic Scale: Full range of the instrument.
  • Major Scales: At least 8 scales with arpeggios performed one or more octaves.
  • Prepared Material: Lyrical and Technical

  • Regular admission to the university.
  • Chromatic Scale: Full range of the instrument.
  • Major Scales: At Least 6 scales performed one or more octaves.
  • Prepared Material: Lyrical and Technical

QUESTIONS? 

If you have any further questions, contact the following:

Woodwinds, Brass, and Music Majors: Mr. Aaron Campbell - aaronjc@ncat.edu
Percussion: Mr. Harvey Thompson - hwthomps@ncat.edu

 

Contact the Marching Machine:

N.C. A&T Blue & Gold Marching Machine
The Band Center
1601 East Market Street
Greensboro, NC 27411
Phone 336-334-7776
Fax 336-334 7311