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Join the Mighty Sound of the South Marching Band


Mighty Sound of the South 2024 Audition Information

Playing auditions are not required for brass and woodwind musicians who have participated in their high school bands. All we require is that you schedule an intake meeting so we can get to know you, explain the essential points of band participation, and answer any questions you may have. Intake meetings are held throughout the spring and into the summer. You can meet us in person on campus, through Zoom, or by phone – whatever best suits your circumstances. Email mightysound@memphis.edu or call (901) 678-BAND to schedule your new member meeting.

Drumline Audition Prep Clinic:

In preparation for drumline auditions, we offer a free class every Monday night during the spring semester, from 7:30 to 9 PM, in the Communication and Fine Arts Building (CFA), Room 137. The classes are not mandatory to become a drumline member but are highly encouraged, as we will work on the 2024 exercises and audition pieces. We only have a limited number of drums and want everyone who comes to be able to play the entire time, so we ask that you bring your instrument if you can. Free parking will be available in the lot on Central Avenue. For more information or a digital copy of the music, contact Michael Todd at michael.a.l.todd@gmail.com.

Audition:

Auditions for the drumline will be held on Saturday, April 27, from 9 AM to 5 PM in the Communication and Fine Arts building, room 137, on the University of Memphis campus. The audition will consist of playing in a complete battery setting during the morning, with individual auditions conducted in the afternoon. All material needed for the audition is compiled in a packet, which can be obtained by emailing Michael Todd at michael.a.l.todd@gmail.com. You should be prepared to mark time with all exercises.

You may submit a video audition if you cannot attend the audition day. The video should include all audition material, must be played on a drum with a metronome, and must be able to see your feet, hands, and face. A link to your video audition should be sent to Michael Todd before 5 PM on April 27 - michael.a.l.todd@gmail.com.

For an electronic copy of the audition packet and answers to any questions regarding the drumline and/or drumline auditions, please contact Michael Todd at michael.a.l.todd@gmail.com.

Auditions for the Colorguard will be held on Saturday, April 27, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Elma Roane Field House on the University of Memphis campus. To sign up for the audition and for additional information, please email uofmguard@gmail.com. If you cannot attend the audition on April 27, a video audition may be accepted.

In addition to the fall semester, the University of Memphis Colorguard is also active in the spring as a competitive winter guard. For more information, please email uofmguard@gmail.com.

The University of Memphis Tigerettes are looking for talented twirlers who can entertain large crowds using charisma and personality. In addition to being a vital part of Mighty Sound of the South performances, Tigerettes are considered ambassadors for our university, and our members must embody the pride and tradition of our institution. If you have what it takes to be a Tigerette, please email the Tigerettes director, Suzanne Jackson, at srhjackson@comcast.net before April 1, 2024.
 
All students at the University of Memphis are invited to audition for The University of Memphis Marching Band, the Mighty Sound of the South. The Mighty Sound is one of the largest student organizations on campus. It includes students with diverse interests enrolled in programs of study that span every college at the University of Memphis. We also welcome students who are enrolled in local community colleges to audition.
 
As a student in the Mighty Sound of the South, you will gain access to scholarships and out-of-state tuition assistance, travel to exciting locations in support of our athletic teams, be part of a rich university and band tradition, engage in meaningful music-making, and regularly perform for audiences in the tens of thousands. All of this while forging relationships that will last a lifetime.
 
Joining the band is simple and is laid out in a few simple steps below. For more information, visit our Frequently Asked Questions or contact our band office at (901) 678-BAND, or mightysound@memphis.edu
 

Ready to Join?

  1. Let us know if you're interested. 
    We'll share important information about auditions, new member meetings, scholarships and more. Text BAND to 901.504.1764 or complete the interest form.
  2. Apply to the University of Memphis.
    Incoming freshmen and transfer students should apply for admission to the University. If you are interested in the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music, there is a separate application. If you are attending a local community college and are interested in being in the University of Memphis Marching Band, there is a simple way to do this. Please contact the band office for more information (901) 678-BAND, mightysound@memphis.edu.
  3. Audition where required.
    Auditions are required for drumline, color guard and Tigerette members.  Brass and woodwind musicians do not need to audition. Please see above for more details.
  4. Register for the course.
    All students in the Mighty Sound of the South must register for the Marching Band – MUAP 2002 course, which you can do once you have been admitted to the University. Marching Band is a two-credit course; rehearsals are held Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 3:30 - 5:30 PM. Be sure to register as soon as you can to help avoid scheduling conflicts.
 
Contact: 
Dr. Will Plenk
Associate Director of Bands
Director of Athletic Bands
wjplenk@memphis.edu

Mighty Sound of the South Interest Form