2026 BLUE KNIGHTS
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Peoria St #500
Welcome to the 2026 Blue Knights Experience. In this book, you will find all the information you need to make your virtual audition a success! This book contains virtual audition information for every section, so be sure to find your specific instructions.
Before you begin, make sure you have downloaded or accessed the Dot Book for your specific section. These books contain music and reference videos for your audition, along with important information on your journey to becoming a Blue Knight.
When you have completed your video(s), please upload to a service such as You Tube, Vimeo, etc, and submit the link using the form below. The deadline for all virtual submissions is 11:59 pm MST December 13th.
Welcome to the Blue Knights! submit video
VIRTUAL AUDITIONS for brass
Thank you for your interest in auditioning for the Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps. We are excited to witness your talents and dedication as you prepare for this next step in your musical journey.
We are looking for performers who not only possess great technical skill but also demonstrate a strong sense of discipline, passion, and commitment to excellence. Before submitting a virtual audition, please read through The Dot Book for your instrument to get a sense of our core values, our approach to brass playing, and what we are looking for in an auditionee.
Please follow up the instructions below to ensure a successful virtual audition. We wish you the best of luck!
Musical Audition Requirements
Please prepare the following exercises, adhering closely to the provided tempos:
• Etude: Play the required etude from The Dot Book. Tubas, play the entire etude. Trumpet, Mello and Euph, play only the final 11 measures (including preceding beat 4 pickup.)
• Articulation No. 1 (pg. 34): Perform the exercise from start to finish at 160-180 bpm.
• Double Tonguing No. 1 (pg. 40/41): Perform at 120-140 bpm.
• Lip Slur Exercise (pg. 33):
◦ "2 Note Lip Slur," measures 1-15
◦ "5 Note Lip Slur," measures 46-End, performed at 120-140 bpm.
• Lead Trumpet Consideration: If you are auditioning for a lead trumpet position, please perform a chromatic scale from low F# to as high as comfortable, and return back down.
• Optional: You may include up to 1 minute of additional music to showcase any special skills you would like us to consider.
Recording Guidelines
To ensure your audition reflects your best effort, please follow these guidelines carefully:
• Record the entire audition in one continuous take. Avoid splicing or cutting any part of the video.
• Ensure your video quality allows us to see and hear you clearly. Please make sure the area is well lit and there is not too much background noise.
• Use an audible metronome during all required exercises. You do not need to use an audible metronome for your etude or chromatic skill.
• Your entire body must be visible in the shot for all portions of your music audition.
• For articulation and flexibility (lip slur) exercises, please mark time throughout the performance. You do not need to mark time for chromatic scales or etudes.
• Upload your music and visual audition as two separate videos:
◦ Video One: All musical requirements
◦ Video Two: All visual requirements
• Upload your videos to YouTube as “unlisted” and submit the links to us.
Evaluation & Scoring
Every audition will receive a score of 1, 2, or 3, based on your performance:
• A score of 1 results in an offered contract to perform with the Blue Knights for the upcoming season.
• A score of 2 will result in an invitation to an upcoming audition or rehearsal camp for further evaluation.
• A score of 3 comes with the recommendation to pursue another ensemble for the upcoming DCI season.
We encourage you to give your best effort and embrace this opportunity to demonstrate your passion and skills. Regardless of the outcome, every audition is a step forward on your journey toward excellence.
We believe in the potential of every individual who auditions, and we are here to help you succeed.
Approach this virtual audition with the focus, confidence, and energy that defines what it means to be a Blue Knight. We look forward to seeing your audition!
Best of luck,
VIRTUAL AUDITIONS for brass - VISUAL
Before you start, make sure you have read the VISUAL portion of your Dot Book.
Marching
Instruments should be at playing position for both exercises. All step sizes are 8 to 5.
Box Drill Exercise (100 BPM and 160 BPM)
• Forward 8
• Left 8, Forward Slide
• Back 8
• Right 8, Backward Slide
• Forward 8
• RIght 8, Forward Slide
• Backward 8
• Left 8, Backward Slide
• Halt
box drill example
Half-time Exercise (180 BPM)
• Forward 8, Single Time
• Forward 8, Half Time
• Halt 8, Single Time
• Backward 8, Half Time
• Backward 8, Single Time
• Halt
half-time example
Movement
Please learn the following choreography:
choreography
choreography music
When you have completed your video, please submit it using the link at the beginning of this document.
