The Start of the Season is Here!

It’s official. The Blue Band season has started.

Today, students from around the country woke up to get ready for a full day of marching auditions. For many of them, it was their first night in State College and the beginning of their college career. For others, the night away from their family back home was old news. But everyone was more than likely feeling the nerves and anxiety of marching auditions.

Chris Siergiej watches as potential rookies march down the field

The auditions today are a way to teach the potential rookies the Blue Band marching style: how we low step, high step, back march and do other maneuvers. For many, it will be the first time they have ever done a high step, let alone play their instrument at the same time.

Rehearsal started at 8 this morning with basic fundamentals. As the day progressed, the prospective rookies added more difficult parts to their marching, such as carrying their instruments and finally playing in the evening. The audition process is designed to teach everything the auditionees will need to know as well as provide staff the opportunity to assess their skill.

Drum Major Chris Siergiej said that rookie auditions were going well. “They’re making great strides in learning the Blue Band way of marching.”

Guides demonstrate proper pregame marching technique

While the prospective members do their marching audition the returning members have to re-audition in the Blue Band building. Members audition for a member of the staff, just like they did their rookie year. Although the process is the same, returning Blue Band members still get nervous.

“As Dr. Seuss once said, ‘One fish two fish red fish blue fish, I’m not ready for this audition,’ ” said Alex Grego, a third year trumpet.

Band Camp starts tomorrow morning after the initial cuts this evening. The staff and Dr. Bundy carefully observe the band and make sure the instrumentation is how they want it. Once he is sure the band is perfect, Dr. Bundy will announce that all those on the field are officially members of the Pennsylvania State Marching Blue Band for 2013.