Abstract
The purpose of this study was to find percussion excerpts in wind ensemble literature by underrepresented composers that correlate to those consistently asked in military band auditions and to provide a performer’s guide to prepare them to be audition ready. Currently, the majority of canonic excerpts being chosen for auditions are written by cisgender, straight, white men. Military bands are beginning to showcase more diverse programs, however audition committees are not putting together lists with the same intent. Auditionees are continuously being asked to play the same excerpts for the past several decades. I researched underrepresented composers, which includes white women, people of color, and those who identify as LGBTQ+, who have written for wind ensemble. The selected percussion excerpts exhibit similar technical and musical challenges to those in the canon. Including these excerpts on audition lists will advocate for underrepresented composers because auditionees will now research and listen to the composition and learn about the writer as they work towards the audition. This will also show the need for ensemble committees to find new excerpts for all instruments by underrepresented composers.