AUDITIONS Always keep an eye on the Marching Southerners website for dates and info.
Tryouts are held every year at the beginning of Band Camp. Rookies are REQUIRED to attend a 2-3 day camp before Band Camp actually starts. At Rookie Camp you will be taught the basics of the Marching Southerners' style. Toads (rookies) are evaluated based on how well they can A)Play B)March C)Control the 20-J.
MOUTHPIECES
Everyone MUST have their own mouthpiece. The suggested mouthpiece is anything of the HELLEBERG variety. The Marcinkiewicz H1 or the LS Bill Rose Model are also acceptable. Bach 18-24AW's are totally unacceptable, and should only be used as weapons or paperweights!If this was your old high school mouthpiece, it's time to upgrade!
STRAPS
We use old-timey snare drum straps to carry the horns on the field. Straps are always provided during Rookie Camp. It is suggested that you wait to buy a strap until after you have made the line. They usually run about $15.00 each and are available at Jacksonville area band supply stores like Gadsden Music.
GLOVES
As of the 2001 season, the 20-J's wear leather, biker gloves. Often referred to as Driving Gloves, our gloves are black leather gloves with knuckle holes. They run between $10.00 and $25.00. The gloves help us keep our corrosive sweat off the horns. They also help at those FREEZING November performances. Before this year, the 20-J's simply went without gloves. White gloves (like everyone else in Southerners wears) would be green after every performance!