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Mustang Band in Spanos Stadium
Photo by Ian Billings

Colorguard Audition Instructions

The standard colorguard audition is for membership on the standard tall flag. Auditions for "weapons" (e.g., rifles, sabres) will be held during Band Camp.

To audition for colorguard, please submit a video recording of the following techniques using a standard tall flag. In addition, please include a 30-second or 32-count routine that demonstrates multiple techniques and demonstrates your command of count structure within the choreography. If appropriate, feel free to use a routine from a recent field or floor performance.

(If you do not own a flag, please contact your current instructor to see if you might be able to use one for the audition.

  1. Drop Spins (Left and Right Shoulder)
  2. Flourish (Left and Right Shoulder)
  3. Cones/Carves
  4. Pop Toss
  5. Single Toss
  6. Inverted/J-Toss
  7. 1½ Toss
  8. Parallel: A front “pizza”/“flat" toss AND a parallel from behind the back.

If you have any questions about the requirements above, or need clarification on the terminology, please feel free to email the colorguard captains.

Guidelines:

  • Be sure to save your audition video with the following naming scheme:DATE__NAME_INSTRUMENT
    For example: "2023June02_BruceWayne_FrenchHorn.mp4"
  • At the beginning of your video, state the following information for the camera:
    • Your first and last name
    • The current Date and Time
  • Ensure that the Video frame includes your face, hands and flag throughout the recording.
  • Clearly count off each move and count out each toss (i.e. a Single Toss is a 3 count toss).

Final Thoughts

If you have not done so already, please be sure to fill out our Online Interest Form. Also, please review our Band Camp Information, Marching Shoes Ordering Information, and our list of Frequently Asked Questions.

You will be asked to provide your Uniform and Apparel Fitting Information during the audition submission process. Please be prepared to provide the following measurements:

  • Height - in feet and inches (e.g. 5'6")
  • Weight - in pounds
  • Chest - measure around the fullest part of your chest, without pulling the measuring tape tight.
    See video instructions
  • Waist - measure to the nearest inch.
    See video instructions
  • Hips - measure to the nearest inch.
    See video instructions
  • Inseam - While standing tall, have another person use a measuring tape to measure from the crotch to the cuff on the inside seam of the leg. Measure to the nearest half inch.
    See video instructions
  • Outseam - While standing tall, have another person use a measuring tape to measure from just above your waistline (top of your pants) to the heel along the OUTSIDE of your leg. Do not wear shoes during the process. Measure to the nearest half inch.
  • Glove size - use the diagram below:
  • Shako/Hat size - measure your head circumference and use the chart below:

The deadline for submitting an audition is Monday, July 31, 2023 @ 11:45PM PDT. Results will be announced during the first week of August.

Audition Instructions Will Be Emailed


Please be sure you have completed our Online Interest Form to receive the instructions.


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Would you like to know more?

All prospective and current Cal Poly students interested in joining the Mustang Band should fill out our Online Interest Form.

We enjoy meeting new students and encourage you to send an email if you have any questions or plan to visit campus. Contact information for directors and all band faculty and staff can be found on our contacts page.