Music Auditions
In the areas of band, chorus and orchestra, our high caliber instructors help young musicians enhance and explore their talents through focus in their own music area as well as through the study of music theory and music history. The three weeks' comprehensive activities include the performance of guest musicians representing all areas of music and a final concert from all of the outstanding music areas.
Audition Requirements
Music auditions will be divided into three areas—band, strings and vocal. You will audition in the area you indicated on your application.
Band
What am I expected to do on the AUDITION DAY?
BAND: 1st year Band Students:
Perform the Tri-DAC Band Beginner Audition Solo music located in this in the SOLOS for 1st year BAND folder. Percussionists will use the same folder as well as the RUDIMENTS folder.
Perform the B-flat and A-Flat Concert Scales. You can find them in the SCALES folder.
Sight Reading
Each student will participate in an interview with the judges.
Theory Placement Assessment - Once you finish your performance audition, you will go to a different room, without your instrument or cell phone and take the TPA. Explanation given below.
BAND: 2nd, 3rd and 4th year Band Students (and any beginner student capable of playing the region band requirements)
Perform the required SCBDA All-State/Region Band Audition Etude found in SOLOS for 2nd, 3rd, 4th year
BAND folder. Percussionists will use the same folder as well as the RUDIMENTS folder.
Perform 3 major scales of adjudicator’s choice (Scales will be chosen from the requirements of the South Carolina Band Directors Association.) You can find them in the SCALES folder.
Sight Reading
Interview - Each student will participate in an interview with the judges
Theory Placement Assessment - Once you finish your performance audition, you will go to a different room, without your instrument or cell phone and take the TPA. Explanation given below.
Any Tri-DAC band applicant who has achieved Region and/or All-State recognition may be accepted WITHOUT audition.
What is the THEORY PLACEMENT ASSESSMENT (TPA)?
Every student who auditions for Tri-DAC will take a THEORY PLACEMENT assessment on audition day AFTER their performance. This is a PLACEMENT test ONLY to determine the student’s level for MUSIC Theory and History classes at Tri-DAC. This assessment will take place in a separate room with a monitor. No parents or CELL PHONES will be allowed in the examination room. You cannot prepare or study for this evaluation. It should show your current understanding of Music Theory concepts that you are learning in your daily music classes. Depending on the student, this assessment will last 15-30 minutes.
What if I am automatically accepted to Tri-DAC and I do not take the THEORY PLACEMENT assessment on audition day?
You will take the test on the first day of Tri-DAC June 9, 2025.
When will I hear the results of my audition?
You can anticipate receiving your audition results from your District Coordinators by the end of March/first of April.
What can I do to improve my chances for acceptance into Tri-DAC?
Judges are looking for advanced musicians, as well as musicians who are progressing to the advanced level.
Pay close attention to the following performance habits:
Playing Position
Holding instruments correctly
Intonation
Tone
Rhythms & Steady Tempo
Articulations
Practice and seek help and advice from your band/music teacher for music preparation.
What can I do to improve my chances of making Tri-DAC as a percussionist?
Know your RUDIMENTS - being able to play at least 2 or 3 will improve your chances.
You can choose the RUDIMENTS you play, so prepare, practice and play them well.
Work on knowing on how to count and play standard rhythms of sixteenth note patterns
Understand how to roll on a snare drum
Being able to read notes while playing bells and xylophone will make you a stronger percussionist
Having some exposure to playing Timpani is also encouraged
Strings
Prepared Solo:
Required Piece: The excerpt for your instrument will be included in your audition packet. This piece is designed to accommodate beginning, as well as advanced musicians. Prepare and play as much as your training and skills will allow. End when necessary.
Sight Reading
Students will be asked to sight read 8 measures.
Interview
Each student will participate in an interview with the judges
Any Tri-DAC string applicant who has achieved Region and/or All-State recognition may be accepted WITHOUT audition.
Vocal
Prepared Solo
Students will perform “My Country Tis of Thee” a cappella (with no accompaniment.) We are looking for memorization, pure and mature tone quality, round vowels, consistently correct intonation, and overall musicality characteristic of choral performance.
Musical Recall
Students will be asked to echo-sing a melodic pattern of 5-7 notes given on the piano on a neutral syllable of his or her choosing.
Sight Reading
Sight reading patterns will consist of two measures containing quarter, half and eighth notes in common time, and will contain primarily stepwise motion, though it may also include a tonic triad.
Interview
Each student will participate in an interview with the judges.
Any Tri-DAC vocal applicant who has achieved acceptance to the SCACDA Middle School All-State Choir, ACDA Southern Region Middle School Choirs, or ACDA National Middle School Honor Choirs may be accepted WITHOUT audition.
