Join The 2009 Blue Devils

Brass - John Meehan
Percussion - Scott Johnson
Front Field Percussion - Jim Wunderlich
Guard - Scott Chandler

Information about System Blue WInter Clinic Southern Cal


Hornline

If you plan on auditioning for the 2009 brass section, you will need to

  1. Fill out the application form
  2. Purchase the 2009 Brass Audition Packet
  3. Read Brass FAQs

To audition in person, please attend one of the following auditions:

(see the full audition calendar)
Please read Read Brass FAQs

For all 2009 "MEDIA" auditions:
This method of auditioning is ONLY to be used if an individual cannot attend one of our other live auditions (Indianapolis, Indiana; Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas; Southern California; Concord, California).

All you need to do is send in a DVD to the below mentioned address or create a YouTube/Facebook or other online video for us to review. These videos should include all of the required material listed below. Please feel free to contact John Meehan with any music questions or Todd Ryan with any visual questions.

For music auditions ONLY, you can submit any of the following media types. DVD, VHS, CD or online video.

Accompanying each of your media auditions, please include your name, birth date and current age, mailing address, phone number, active e-mail address, section for which you are auditioning for and previous drum corps and/or marching band experience.

Please send your musical media audition to:

John M. Meehan
1531 Ridgewood Drive
Martinez, California 94553
jmeehan@bluedevils.org

For your musical media audition, please include the following:

Everything from the audition exercises portion of the 2009 Brass Audition Packet
1.5 to 2 minute piece that showcases you individual talents

Please send your visual media audition to:

Blue Devils Marching Audition
Todd Ryan
18263 Bayview Dr.
Los Gatos, CA 95033

jack2pack@aol.com

For the visual tape, please demonstrate the following:

  1. Change of directions (slides & pivots)
  2. Marking time (front & side views) - high & low leg lift
  3. Marching forward & backward (side view)

Please vary your tempos from slow (around 120 bpm) to fast (around 180 bpm) for each of you visual exercises.

Once we have received and viewed your media auditions, we will inform you of your status. It will either be a) you are invited to the first full corps camp on January 16-18, 2009 to continue and complete your audition (we think you have the talent and ability to make the corps musically and/or visually, but need to see you live and in a full ensemble setting before making the final decision) or b) unfortunately we cannot offer you a spot at this time. No outright acceptances will be made via media auditions.

If you have ANY questions, please feel free to contact John Meehan via e-mail and read brass FAQs

Media auditions will be accepted from October 1 through December 1, 2008. Media auditions will NOT be returned.

Field Percussion

If you have any questions feel free to contact Scott Johnson

==>Apply now for 2009

To audition in person, come to the Percussion Auditions:

To audition by video:
If you wish to post your video online for review, it must be readable by the Macintosh platform (preferably QuickTime). We are not responsible for your technical snafus! Other DVD's only. Accompanying your DVD please include: your name, birth date, age, address, phone number, section for which you are auditioning and previous experience.

Send your tape to:
Blue Devil Percussion Audition
Scott Johnson
2151 Rain Drop Circle
Pittsburg, CA  94565

(925) 458-6913
scottj0630@aol.com (battery questions)
Jim Wunderlich - jimw@bluedevils.org (front field questions)

Your video should be approximately 5 minutes long and should consist of various exercises you are familiar with. We want to see your style and approach to your exercises. Include a short solo on the instrument(s) of your choice. Please include on your tape a sample of your marching abilities while playing. Marching forward & backward and left crab and right crab.

Front Ensemble

If you have any questions feel free to contact Jim Wunderlich

==> Apply now for 2009

To audition in person, come to the Front Ensemble Auditions, headed up by Jim Wunderlich and Jack Mizutani.

Audition by video/web must be arranged with Jim prior to November 15, and he must receive all video auditions by December 1. No exceptions! If you wish to post your video online for review, it must be readable by the Macintosh platform (preferably QuickTime). We are not responsible for your technical snafus! Video tapes or DVD's must be sent to:

Jim Wunderlich
26776 Via Victoria
Mission Viejo, CA 92656
Please send requests to jwunderlich@bluedevils.org. Please realize that auditioning in person allows us to better assess your skill level and personality.

Please email Jim Wunderlich at jwunderlich@bluedevils.org for the audition packet. All mallet and keyboard players should have a short (2-3 minute) marimba solo prepared. All timpanists should have a short (2-3 min) timpani solo prepared.

If you have not registered via the Blue Devils website please do so at this time using the Online Application Form.
    • Saturday and Sunday, December 13 and 14, 2008
    • Time: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
    • Location TBA

Color Guard

For more information please contact Scott Chandler

==> Apply now for 2009

To audition in person, come to the Color Guard Auditions:

To audition by tape:
Accompanying your tape please include: your name, birth date, age, address, phone number, section for which you are auditioning and previous experience.

Send your tape to:
Scott Chandler
4065 Nelson Ave
Concord, CA 94520
geo81@comcast.net

Should you choose this form of audition, please call or email Scott Chandler for details.
Color Guard FAQ

The primary consideration during the auditions will be an individuals ability to learn quickly and perform confidently. Prior dance experience in modern, jazz and ballet is recommended, but not required. In addition, other considerations such as age, guard experience, size (weight proportionate to height), coordination and attitude will be closely examined.

Rehearsals will begin in March/April for the summer program. You should plan to reside in the Concord area by April 1. If this is not possible, further arrangements can be discussed at the time of your audition. We are still in the process planning our summer events, tour and performances. When the summer plans become more concrete we will be in contact with you or you can go to our schedule page. If you have any questions, fill free to contact us.

Color Guard FAQ

Drum Major

At this time we do not have any Drum Major positions open.


Program Fees

Your financial obligation to the Blue Devils for the 2009 season will be approximately $1,500.00 - $2,800.00. Much depends on Europe trip and early pay financial incentives. Look for more information soon by email.
  1. $100.00 - Annual Registration Fee:  This means that all members of your family are eligible for membership in any of the five Blue Devil units. THIS AMOUNT IS DUE UPON ACCEPTANCE INTO THE CORPS.
  2. $1800.00 - Tour Fee: This payment covers fees for all camps, rehearsals and the 2009 summer tour.
  3. $800.00 - POSSIBLE 3 week 2009 Europe Tour
It is important to understand that the corps cannot guarantee or take responsibility for finding you housing. There will be a housing coordinator available to help with your housing issues.

If you would like more information regarding the 2009 season, please write or call:

The Blue Devils
4065 Nelson Ave
Concord, CA 94520

(925) 689-2918 ext 0
Blue Devils Admin Email