Competition Application
Applications for the 2024 competition are now closed.
- Division I Application (age 26 years old and under)
- Division II Application (age 19 years old and under)
First Round Audition Videos
After you complete and submit your application, you will receive instructions on how to submit your required audition video, which should be links to unlisted YouTube videos. Find recording instructions and guidelines below. If you need assistance, please email [email protected]!
Recording Instructions & Guidelines
For Division I, there will be three rounds, and for Division II, there will be two rounds (see Required Repertoire below). You will be required to submit a video for the first round, no matter your division. All first-round videos must be submitted as unlisted YouTube video links by April 15, 2024 via a form that will be shared with you once your application is received. Those moving on to the Semi and Final rounds will be notified by April 23, 2024.
When you begin recording, please state your name first. Please do not stop the recording at any point until you have finished the entire repertoire list, and do not edit takes together. There should be one camera angle that shows you the entire time. Please note: we will not accept videos that have been edited together or show footage from different rooms, nor will we accept separate submissions for individual pieces. The Modern Snare Drum Competition reserves the right to disqualify submissions that do not follow all guidelines.
Recording Tips:
For additional recording tips, click here.
How to Create an Unlisted YouTube Video:
For a step-by-step video guide, click here.
Recording Instructions & Guidelines
For Division I, there will be three rounds, and for Division II, there will be two rounds (see Required Repertoire below). You will be required to submit a video for the first round, no matter your division. All first-round videos must be submitted as unlisted YouTube video links by April 15, 2024 via a form that will be shared with you once your application is received. Those moving on to the Semi and Final rounds will be notified by April 23, 2024.
When you begin recording, please state your name first. Please do not stop the recording at any point until you have finished the entire repertoire list, and do not edit takes together. There should be one camera angle that shows you the entire time. Please note: we will not accept videos that have been edited together or show footage from different rooms, nor will we accept separate submissions for individual pieces. The Modern Snare Drum Competition reserves the right to disqualify submissions that do not follow all guidelines.
Recording Tips:
For additional recording tips, click here.
- Select a recording device with a decent microphone placed 5-10 feet from the drum.
- Find an acoustically appropriate space to play in such as a concert hall, church or large practice room. Please eliminate all audio and visual distractions.
- The more light the better for video!
- To ensure you're providing the judges the best representation of your musicianship, conduct a short test recording first to check sound and visuals.
- Upload your video to YouTube as unlisted (see instructions below).
How to Create an Unlisted YouTube Video:
For a step-by-step video guide, click here.
- Step 1: Sign in to your YouTube account, or create one. To create a new account, click the "Sign In" button at the top right of YouTube.com and then click "Create Account."
- Step 2: Select the camera icon in the right corner to upload your video. Follow the prompts and make sure in the Visibility section you select Unlisted. Copy/paste and save the Video Link provided, and click Save. Setting the visibility to Unlisted keeps your video from public view and only allow those with the link to watch your performance.
- Step 3: Paste the links into the Video Submission form within your application confirmation email.
Required Repertoire for Audition Videos
Division I (age 26 years old and under)
First Round (virtual)
Falling Leaves - Timothy K. Adams Jr.
Nine Lives - Anthony Di Bartolo*
Six Impressions for Solo Snare Drum: VI - Thomas O’Hara
Semi Round
Monologue - She-e Wu*
Snare Drum Compositions, Vol. 1: Jata Path - Jonathan Curtis
Swerve - Gene Koshinski*
Final Round
Shhh! - Keith Fitch* (once order is received, composer will forward a PDF of the solo)
Solo of Choice
Division II (age 19 years old and under)
First Round (virtual)
Etude for Snare Drum: #4 “Etudes for Snare Drum" - Mitchell Peters
Etude for SD: #1 "Honorable Discharge" - Bob Becker
Stick - Mark Mellits*
Final Round
Goodnight Noises Everywhere - David Skidmore*
Solo of Choice
Click on the name of the piece to access the sheet music.
All other pieces not hyperlinked can be found here.
*denotes works commissions specifically for the Modern Snare Drum Competition
First Round (virtual)
Falling Leaves - Timothy K. Adams Jr.
Nine Lives - Anthony Di Bartolo*
Six Impressions for Solo Snare Drum: VI - Thomas O’Hara
Semi Round
Monologue - She-e Wu*
Snare Drum Compositions, Vol. 1: Jata Path - Jonathan Curtis
Swerve - Gene Koshinski*
Final Round
Shhh! - Keith Fitch* (once order is received, composer will forward a PDF of the solo)
Solo of Choice
Division II (age 19 years old and under)
First Round (virtual)
Etude for Snare Drum: #4 “Etudes for Snare Drum" - Mitchell Peters
Etude for SD: #1 "Honorable Discharge" - Bob Becker
Stick - Mark Mellits*
Final Round
Goodnight Noises Everywhere - David Skidmore*
Solo of Choice
Click on the name of the piece to access the sheet music.
All other pieces not hyperlinked can be found here.
*denotes works commissions specifically for the Modern Snare Drum Competition