Performance opportunities for brass and woodwinds

Mason Entertainment Group continually accepts applications for all positions.

Current Openings:

  • There are currently no openings but we encourage you to submit audition materials for future casting

 

Audition Requirements

All applicants must submit an audition video in either DVD or VHS format ( DVD preferred). Editing of the overall audition presentation is acceptable (scene changes, chapters, etc.), however any edits to actual audition materials will result in immediate rejection of the entire audition.

Please carefully review the requirements below. In addition to demonstrating an ability to perform / entertain, be sure to include in your audition materials the specific requirements outlined below that apply to your area of interest. Those applicants demonstrating multiple skills will be given special consideration.

 

Acting Overview:
All applicants must possess, or have great potential to quickly develop, strong acting skills. Mason Entertainment Group looks for top notch performers who possess an engaging and outgoing personality, a strong sense of humor, & an exuberant sense of play within dramatic situations. A performer needs to be a disciplined and enthusiastic team player who works well within a large ensemble, willing to selflessly give and take to better the project. Our shows rarely use the spoken word thus the body becomes the expressive tool to present given circumstances and dramatic action. A performer needs to display athletic agility, strong kinesthetic awareness, and a freedom to express emotion through gesture. Developed abilities in the areas of gymnastics, mime, stage combat, clowning, juggling, or other movement oriented skills will enhance one's castability. Above all, a performer with Mason Entertainment Group needs a passionate spirit and the stamina to go the extra mile.

Acting Requirements ( for all applicants ):
Please include in your audition video your ability to act and role play by acting out any two of the following scenarios (each scene should be brief: 30 to 60 seconds in length):

  • Walking in a rain storm with blasting winds.
  • Try to get an imagined crying 6 year old to laugh.
  • Swimming in shark infested waters.
  • Boxing match with an opponent who is heavier and more skilled.
  • Become a cat who is threatened by a dog or a dog who is threatened by a cat.

Vocal Requirements ( for all applicants ):
All prospective cast performers for Mason Entertainment Group shows need to have strong vocal skills. Please perform 8 to 16 measures demonstrating your best vocal ability. You may sing a cappella, but give a starting and ending pitch from an instrument. Material may be as simple as "Happy Birthday." We are looking for standard, legitimate vocal production. If you wish to include rock, pop or R & B styles in you audition, please put it after the required material. Please indicate your vocal range as being either soprano, alto, tenor, or bass.

Movement Requirements ( for all musicians ):
Our shows contain an enormous variety of movement including marching at all velocities, ballet, jazz dance, stage combat, and expressive movement while playing instruments. A prospective performer needs to possess strong technique and physical ability.

Please include in the following in your video audition:

  • Demonstrate you marching ability at the following tempi while playing your instrument: 80, 156, & 200 bpm
  • While playing a selection of your choice, choreograph a one to two minute combination that melds music, movements and acting into a total performance. Be creative...consider different levels ( in and out of the floor ), playing with one hand while dancing, doing gymnastics, etc. Explore ranges of movement ( ridged, fluid, angular, heavy, light ), humor, drama, conflict and resolution.
  • Include any special movement skills or abilities you possess.

 

TRUMPET | FRENCH HORN | TROMBONE | EUPHONIUM | TUBA | FLUTE | CLARINET | SAXOPHONE

Music Requirements ( for brsss instrumentalist ):
A prospective brass player must exhibit a high degree of musical skill. Please include in your video audition the materials below demonstrating not only contrasting styles but your musical ability and technical facility. Those applicants demonstrating proficiency on more than one instrument will be given special consideration. Brass musicians who possess skills with color guard (spinning / prop manipulation), baton, dance or percussion (orchestral or rudimental battery) are extremely desirable.

trumpet
Trumpet players should have the skill to cover any trumpet part in the ensemble. These players should also have a strong understanding of both classical and jazz styles and have the skill to change styles quickly. Those players with extreme range capabilities (lead players are expected to play consistent double F-A), the ability to play various trumpets (piccolo, flugel, etc.), and advanced improvisational skills will be given special consideration. Extreme consistency coupled with an ability to play at a high level while marching and executing expressive movement is essential. Experience in marching band, drum corps, or previous dance training are not mandatory but strongly encouraged.

Musical Requirements for Trumpet:

french horn
French horn players should have the skill to cover any french horn part in the ensemble. These players should also have a strong understanding of various styles and have the skill to change styles quickly. All players must have the ability to double on mellophone using a mello style mouthpiece and the ability to switch between those instruments quickly. Those who have the ability to double other brass instruments, percussion instruments, or keyboards will be given special consideration. Extreme consistency coupled with an ability to play at a high level while marching and executing expressive movement is essential. Experience in marching band, drum corps, or previous dance training are not mandatory but strongly encouraged.

Musical Requirements for French Horn:

trombone
Trombone players should have the skill to cover any trombone part in the ensemble. These players should also have a strong understanding of both classical and jazz styles and have the skill to change styles quickly. Players may be asked to perform on euphonium and marching baritone, therefore, finger dexterity is essential. Those who possess improvisational skills will be given special consideration. Extreme consistency coupled with an ability to play at a high level while marching and executing expressive movement is essential. Experience in marching band, drum corps, or previous dance training are not mandatory but strongly encouraged.

Musical Requirements for Tenor Trombone:

Musical Requirements for Bass Trombone:

  • 2 solos (or 2 movements from a single solo) which are of contrasting styles. These selections should feature you musical ability and technical facility. Accompanied solos are acceptable.
  • Allegro and Finale, Bozza.
  • Excerpts from The Creation, Haydn.
  • Cameos (any 2 contrasting movements), Jacob.
  • A jazz ballad/chart of your choice.

euphonium
Euphonium players must have the ability to perform as a trombone player as well. Your audition will consist of both the trombone and euphonium requirements (please see trombone requirements listed above).

Musical Requirements for Euphonium:

tuba
Tubists should possess a strong understanding of various styles, a consistent sound throughout the range of the instrument (pedal to high range), and extreme control of tempo and pitch. Tuba players must demonstrate excellent control of the instrument while moving and may be asked to perform on a contra style marching horn. Players should also have the ability to play euphonium. Extreme consistency coupled with an ability to play at a high level while marching and executing expressive movement is essential. Experience in marching band, drum corps, or previous dance training are not mandatory but strongly encouraged.

Musical Requirements for Tuba:

 

Music Requirements ( for woodwind instrumentalist ):
A prospective woodwind player must exhibit a high degree of musical skill and doubling is requisite. Please include in your video audition the materials below demonstrating not only contrasting styles but your musical ability and technical facility. Those applicants demonstrating strong proficiency on more than one instrument will be given special consideration. Woodwind musicians who possess skills with color guard (spinning / prop manipulation), baton, dance or percussion (orchestral or rudimental battery) are extremely desirable.

flute
The player should demonstrate a high level of skill on their primary instrument and have facility on other instruments in the flute family (piccolo & alto flute). Additionally, alto sax ability is desirable. Players should possess a strong understanding of various styles and those who have advanced improvisational skills will be given special consideration. Extreme consistency coupled with an ability to play at a high level while marching and executing expressive movement is essential. Experience in marching band, drum corps, or previous dance training are not mandatory but strongly encouraged.

Musical Requirements for Flute:

clarinet
The player should demonstrate a high level of skill on their primary instrument and an accomplished facility on alto saxophone & flute. They should possess a strong understanding of various styles and those who have advanced improvisational skills will be given special consideration. Extreme consistency coupled with an ability to play at a high level while marching and executing expressive movement is essential. Experience in marching band, drum corps, or previous dance training are not mandatory but strongly encouraged.

Musical Requirements for Clarinet:

saxophone
The player should demonstrate a high level of skill on their primary instrument and an accomplished facility on all other instruments in the saxophone family (soprano, alto, tenor, and bari). They should possess a strong understanding of various styles especially in the area of jazz & those who have advanced improvisational skills will be given special consideration. Extreme consistency coupled with an ability to play at a high level while marching and executing expressive movement is essential. Experience in marching band, drum corps, or previous dance training are not mandatory but strongly encouraged.

Musical Requirements for Saxophone:

 

Fitness & Health Practices ( for all cast members ):
Good exercise habits are beneficial to cast performers for reasons of injury prevention and health maintenance. Please include on your video a general description of your current exercise program(s).

Audition Checklist ( for all applicants ):
In addition to the specific requirements outlined above, please be certain the following is included when you submit your audition materials.

  • A completed and signed audition application (download a copy here) with an attached 5 x 7 color photograph.
  • A letter of recommendation from your current ensemble conductor, instrumental teacher, or ensemble administrator confirming your qualifications. This recommendation should include the conductor's/ teacher's/ administrator's address, telephone number, and signature.
  • A one page resume or summary of your musical, theatrical, dance, and/or color guard experience.
  • An audition video (DVD or VHS), as outlined above, clearly marked with your name, area of interest, and contact information. The contents of the video should be in the following order:
    •
    1. Acting Requirements
    2. Vocal Requirements
    3. Form/Movement Requirements
    4. Music or Visual Ensemble Requirements
    5. Fitness and Health Practices
    6. A short statement (on video) as to why you want to be a part of a MEG project

  • All brass and woodwind audition materials should be submitted to:

      • Mason Entertainment Group
      PO Box 40
      Smithville, IN 47458
      Attention: Donnie Vandoren