Fall Percussion Auditions

2025 - 2026 Auditions

Monday April 28th & Tuesday April 29th - 4:30pm to 7pm

Heights HS Band Hall (G110)

Please make arrangements to attend our HPD Information Night March 19th to learn more about auditions and the band program.

Who can audition?

Auditions are open to all students entering grades 9 - 12, for the 2025 - 2026 school year at Heights High School. No experience needed!



Can I still be on drumline if I missed some of the workshops or the auditions?

ABSOLUTLEY. Though it is ideal for all of our members to participate in the audition process, we understand this may not be possible for everyone for a number of reasons.


The audition process develops your fundamental skills and gets you ahead of the curve for the summer and the fall so you're not learning basics late in the game. You don't have to attend all of the workshops and the audition, but attending is the best way to give your self the best change to be on the instrument you desire.


Regardless of when you start with us, you will be given a role in the ensemble that best suites your skill set and what we have available.


If you have anything that prevents you from auditioning, please don't hesitate to reach out to Mr. Whorton ASAP.

malcolm.whorton@houstonisd.org

What do I need to audition?





All those who complete their information form and current members will be given access to the Audition Information Form, Warm-ups, and Audition Piece. Please keep an eye on your district email.
 If you have questions please reach out to the Director of Percussion, Mr. Whorton (malcolm.whorton@houstonisd.org)

How can I receive audition materials?

Your audition materials will be a short list of warm-ups that come from one of our exercise packets. You will also be given an audition piece that may be a solo or a general music exerpt. These materials will be made available March 19th, 2025.

Auditioning students can receive these materials 2 ways: 



All those who complete their information form and current members will be given access to the Audition Information Form, Warm-ups, and Audition Piece. Please keep an eye on your district email.
 If you have questions please reach out to the Director of Percussion, Mr. Whorton (malcolm.whorton@houstonisd.org)

How can I prepare for my audition?

Mr. Whorton will be hosting eight "Audition Workshops" that directly prepare each student for their audition. During these workshops, Mr. Whorton will teach all basic techniques, warm-up exercises, and audition pieces that are a part of the audition. These workshops are a great chance to get live feedback, tools, and ask questions to help yourself prepare for your audition. There will be four workshops for each instrument.


The most important thing for you to do is show up with a growth mindset and practice a lot between workshops.


Audition Workshops are not mandatory, but are HIGHLY recommended to provide you with important details that will be observed during your audition. These workshops will heavily prepare you for a more successful audition.

When are the Workshop dates?





Quad and Bass drum auditionees are HIGHLY encouraged to attend our snare workshops since many of the techniques carry over.

When and where can I practice?

All auditionees are welcome to practice in the Heights High School band hall, choir room, or practice room on the actual instruments whenever the space is not in use. If you aren't sure if a space is available, please ask a director and they should be able to let you know.


We encourage all auditionees to spend a good amount of their practice time (probably half the time) on the actual instrument so they're use to how the instrument feels and sounds.



What should I bring to practice?



What tips do you have for anyone who would be auditioning?



How can I sign up to audition?

First make sure you have filled out a "Heights Band Interest Form" if you are a new member. All current members and those who've filled out an Interest form will be able to schedule an audition for May 12th or 13th. Audition time slots will be scheduled online via "Signup Genius." Links to schedule your audition will be made available April 14th. Please stay attentive to your student/district emails and remind messages for all audition communications.



When will I find out about results?

Results will be posted on the Heights Percussion Department Remind and outside of Mr. Whorton's office window the Friday after auditions take place.



If you have any questions about auditions for the Heights Percussion Department, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Whorton at 

malcolm.whorton@houstonisd.org