The Royal Marines Band Service On-line Community

MJ · M2 Passed Joined: 05 Sep 2006 Posts: 153

Hi,
I've already introduced myself in the introductions forum so I'll spare you all that.

I'm hoping to join as a musician - I'm 24 and play guitar(rock and classical), bass, some drums and some keyboard/piano.

Any ideas for what I could play in the audition, should I get that far?
(I've passed recruiting test and have interview on 13th sept)

I'm thinking about playing a piece on my electric guitar, perhaps some joe satriani (maybe a little cliche???) and also a classical piece by Villa Lobos (etude no.1 or Mazurka choro).

I know I need to play things that display my ability, but don't push me into making tons of mistakes.

Any ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks everyone

townsergeant · Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2006 11:41 am Post subject:

By what you have written, you sound as though you are a talented musician.

Do you play any Brass or Woodwind instruments, as this would normally be the criteria for entry, unless they've moved the goalposts, again!

I'm sure others on the forum will advise accordingly.

That aside, I wish you all the best with your interview and any subsequent audition.

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MJ · M2 Passed Joined: 05 Sep 2006 Posts: 153

RAB · Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2006 5:03 pm Post subject:

..Now I'm not quoting this as fact, but I THINK David Cole and John Ware were pianists when they auditioned. They both went on to do rather well methinks.

I'm sure if Pusser thinks you have the musical aptitude to learn the appropriate instruments, they will welcome you with open arms MJ..

But then again...don't quote me..

Very best of luck, and if it's meant to be, it will be...
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MJ · M2 Passed Joined: 05 Sep 2006 Posts: 153

A · Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2006 6:09 pm Post subject:

Your enthusiasm and willingness to learn will impress.

Really listen and try hard in your lessons on new instruments.
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Co-admin · Site Admin Joined: 05 Nov 2005 Posts: 1811

Matt, My current boss will probably be doing your audition so I'll ask his opinion on what he fancies hearing!
The main thing that they are looking fo on an audition is POTENTIAL and you seem to have plenty of that!
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MJ · M2 Passed Joined: 05 Sep 2006 Posts: 153

MJ · M2 Passed Joined: 05 Sep 2006 Posts: 153

A · Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 3:44 pm Post subject:

What I did on my audition (which I passed so I must have been doing something right) was think of what I'D want if I was running the auditions.

So I dressed to impress, no 'trendy' stuff, invest in a proper suit if you don't have one already. And a tie.

Smile. Lots. Don't be afraid to crack jokes. You'll know from hear that these guys like a laugh, and the auditioners are no different.

Help other people on the audition with anything they struggle with, teamwork is always an appealing quality.

And enjoy it. I did for the most part.
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MJ · M2 Passed Joined: 05 Sep 2006 Posts: 153

^^^
Thanks a lot for that - really helpful!
I have a nice suit that I dig out for weddings and interviews, etc, I've already had it dry-cleaned - I'll wear that.

Another question for anyone -

* How difficult is the aural test?
My ear for intervals and scales is good. When they test you on triads, the book says they will play a selection of major and minor triads - is this so or will they throw in more complex chords such as half diminished or perhaps even stuff like b9's etc.

I'm not overly worried about this aspect of the audition to be honest but some more info would be great

A · Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 4:00 pm Post subject:

It's all simple stuff, if you breeze the simpler tests they MAY throw in an odd chord, but only out of curiosity, and hey, they have 3 years to teach you the more difficult chords anyway.

If you have a good ear you'll walk it.
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Co-admin · Site Admin Joined: 05 Nov 2005 Posts: 1811

I have an ear like a brick and I passed!

There is nothing difficult. They are looking for the potential to TRAIN an ear. They didn't even ask me if the chords were major or minor... I got happy or sad. I had NO aural training before and passed. It isn't a breeze but it isn't difficult if you have a little bit of ability.

I'll speak to the boss as soon as he calms down after my broken printer problem

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Aaron Aardvark · Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 5:02 pm Post subject:

MJ · M2 Passed Joined: 05 Sep 2006 Posts: 153

Thanks people. Super helpful stuff