– JOIN THE BAC BRASS IN 2025 –

STEP 1: CHOOSE AN AUDITION

Begin your Boston experience with a video audition or a weekend camp! No matter how you begin your audition, you have an equal chance of earning a contract!

Texas

SAN ANTONIO CAMP

November 30th-December 1st

$200 early bird ($250 after November 1st)

 

Video

VIDEO AUDITIONS

Due December 1st

$125 early bird ($150 after November 1st)

 

Early bird pricing: register before November 1st and save!

STEP 2: CALLBACKS

After your first audition, you will either receive a contract, a callback, or critique to try again next year. If you’re selected to move on, brass players will be invited to our January Callback Camp.

Texas

JANUARY CALLBACK/PRODUCTION CAMP

January 3-5th

San Antonio, TX
Callbacks and rehearsal for brass, percussion, and conductors

GET AUDITION READY

PURCHASE YOUR PACKET

Our packets provide helpful technique exercises to help you nail your first audition. This packet will come in handy for callbacks when our staff will evaluate you based on a selection of exercises and warmups.

Click to download your packet and get started!

PURCHASE YOUR PACKET

Our packets provide helpful technique exercises to help you nail your first audition. This packet will come in handy for callbacks when our staff will evaluate you based on a selection of exercises and warmups.

Click to download your packet and get started!

JOIN INTEREST GROUPS

Before auditioning you can meet and interact with veteran members and staff, ask questions, and post progress videos by joining your section’s interest group on Facebook! Our staff and veteran members will be available to provide critique, answer questions, and provide advice before your audition!

Click below to join the BAC Brass Interest Group!

PREPARE AN AUDITION PIECE

Show off your skills using repertoire you already know! Please come to auditions (or film a video audition) prepared to show off your skills through a technical solo, etude, or characteristic study of your choosing. This piece should be at least 1-2.5 minutes in length and does not have to be exclusive of the Boston Crusaders. (Yes, you can use your solo from wind ensemble!)

Those attending an in-person audition should be prepared to play exercise #4 from Boston Technique Exercises found in the audition packet. Additional exercises and assignments may be required for callbacks.

PREPARE AN AUDITION PIECE

Show off your skills using repertoire you already know! Please come to auditions (or film a video audition) prepared to show off your skills through a technical solo, etude, or characteristic study of your choosing. This piece should be at least 1-2.5 minutes in length and does not have to be exclusive of the Boston Crusaders. (Yes, you can use your solo from wind ensemble!)

Those attending an in-person audition should be prepared to play exercise #4 from Boston Technique Exercises found in the audition packet. Additional exercises and assignments may be required for callbacks.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What sections have open spots?

We have openings in all sections including trumpet, mellophone, baritone, and tuba!

How do I audition?

  • Choose your first audition: Video audition or attend our San Antonio November Camp Weekend. No matter how you begin, you can earn a contract at any step in the process!
  • Callbacks: If you are selected to move on after your first step, you will either receive a contract or a callback! You will be invited to attend the January Callback Camp that takes place January 3rd-5th in San Antonio, TX.
  • Contract: You can earn a contract at any point in the process! Once you are offered a contract, you will have one week to accept.

How do I prepare for my audition?

Begin by registering for an audition! Take advantage of early bird pricing by registering by November 1st. Then, review your section’s audition requirements and begin practicing!

For brass, you will be required to purchase an audition packet (available by clicking here.) For in-person auditions, candidates will be required to play a selection of exercises as outlined in the packet. For video auditions, candidates must prepare a short solo showcasing their best technical abilities.

What are the audition fees?

  • Audition packet: $25
  • Audition camp: $200 early bird/$250 after November 1st
  • Video audition: $125 early bird/$150 after November 1st
  • Callback camp: $250

Do I need to bring my own instrument?

If you have access to an instrument, please bring it with you to auditions. We have a limited amount of brass instruments available. If you do not have an instrument, please bring your own mouthpiece.

Will there be housing, meals, or transportation provided?

Housing and meals will be provided at the full weekend San Antonio Camp only. Candidates must arrange their own transportation from the airport. For one-day and pop-up audition events, candidates are responsible for providing their own transportation, meals, and housing (if applicable).

Can I participate without auditioning?

Yes. The best way to get a feel for the audition process is to start now. It is never too early to start working towards your goals. Students are allowed to join Facebook pages, download audition packets, and attend audition dates without formally auditioning.

What rehearsals do I have to attend?

The 2025 season can be broken up into three main parts: camps, spring training, and tour.

Audition/Camps:

Brass:

  • Step one audition – Video or San Antonio November Camp
  • January Callback Camp – January 3-5 in San Antonio, TX
  • February Brass Rehearsal (Optional) – Dates TBA in San Antonio, TX
  • March Brass Rehearsal (Optional) – Dates TBA in San Antonio, TX
  • April Production Camp – April 25-27 in San Antonio, TX

Spring Training/Move-Ins:

Mid-May through Mid-June

The 2025 Boston Crusaders’ spring training will take place in the Northeast from mid-May through mid-June. While at spring training, members reside in dorms and eat in the campus dining hall, with an end of day snack provided from the corps’ food truck. Our facilities provides ample rehearsal space including indoor space, multiple outdoor fields, and a turf stadium. We enjoy very comfortable spring temperatures and the members have one night off per week for rest and relaxation.

Tour

Concludes August 9th

After four weeks of spring training, the 2025 Boston Crusaders will embark on a tour that is approximately eight weeks long from mid-June to August 9th. The corps will travel the country via coach bus and house in high schools and college campuses. The corps will perform on the 2025 Drum Corps International summer tour and several special performances including parades and concerts. Between rehearsals and shows, members will enjoy free days to explore cities along the way. The season will culminate at the 2025 DCI World Championships in Indianapolis, IN. View a sample of a typical tour schedule here.

Questions? Email us at info@bostoncrusaders.org

NOT READY TO REGISTER?

Fill out our interest form to receive the latest audition updates, tips, and tricks!