Michigan Musicians Abroad 2026 – Placement Auditions
Band students should prepare a recording of you playing so that we can appropriately assign parts for music distribution. Please follow the guidelines below and send your digital audio recording no later than February 27, 2026.
Create a digital audio file recording (mp3) of the following:
- The single page excerpt for your instrument is on the trip protected page (see newsletter for password).
- A chromatic scale from your lowest to highest comfortable range, at a steady, comfortable tempo. Legato tongue ascending and slur descending.
Special Instructions:
- Percussionists – Prepare only #1 above.
- Euphonium/Baritone – Please indicate the CLEF you play on your audition recording.
- Saxophone – Please indicate the specific saxophone you plan to play during our trip.
- Flutes – if you are interested in playing piccolo, please indicate this on your recording and include a recording of page 2, on piccolo, from the audition excerpts as well.
Email the audio file with your name and school in the body itself, to the auditor for your specific instrument listed below. Please indicate Michigan Musicians Abroad and Instrument in the memo line (Ex. Michigan Musicians Abroad – Clarinet). Again, the recording must arrive to the specified staff member no later than FEBRUARY 27 (earlier would be appreciated). Staff members will listen to the recordings so that part assignments can be made for music distribution on May 3, 2026 at Holt High School.
Do not send recordings to Grand Valley State University or Professor Barry D. Martin.
The main purpose of this audition is to help us assign parts. Please record in your home or school band room without pressure. We simply need an accurate representation of your ability for part placement.
Send your recordings to the following staff members:
Flute/Piccolo
Amy DeBoer
amy.deboer79@gmail.com
Oboe/Bassoon
Brad Davis
bdavis@davisonschools.org
Clarinet/Bass Clarinet
Bethany Van Oss
bvanoss@hollandpublicschools.org
Saxophone
Amanda VanderMeulen
avandermeulen@kvilleps.org
French Horn
Andrew Holtz
aholtz@saugatuckps.com
Trumpet
Ross Huber
rhuber@gpsbulldogs.org
Trombone
Mike Emerson
mikeemerson@hotmail.com
Euphonium/Tuba/String Bass
Aaron Orkisz
aorkisz@goodrichschools.org
Percussion
Nathan Thomas
nathanthomas2000@buckeye-express.com
