<p>Does anyone have any experience with the Blue Band Silks? My daughter, a rising HS senior, is interested in auditioning for this group. We are wondering how hard it is to make the squad. The problem is that her chances of making the squad is one thing she will consider when choosing a school. Other colleges have their auditions in the spring..... It will be hard to committ to PSU not knowing whether or not she will make the squad. Of course, making the squad is only one thing to be considered, we realize. Programs, scholarships, living conditions, etc.... :)</p>
<p>Does anyone know if the auditions in the August are open to the public?</p>
<p>There is a cool video of Blue Band tryouts somewhere, maybe Grcxx3 will post the link and fill you in about it.</p>
<p>Thanks, Slipjig! I have seen a video titled “Making the Blue Band”, but I don’t remember it having anything about the silks/colorguard on there. Is this the video you are referring to?Maybe I should watch that video again to make sure…</p>
<p>We watched the Alabama colorguard tryouts this past April and would love to watch PSU’s this August. These are my daughter’s top 2 school right now. Ohio State is the other, but they do not have a colorguard. :(</p>
<p>[Penn</a> State Blue Band | Audition Information | Blue Band Silks](<a href=“http://blueband.psu.edu/join/silk.php]Penn”>http://blueband.psu.edu/join/silk.php)</p>
<p>The practice session is open to the public, the auditions are not. Getting into the Blue Band is highly competitive, and a little bit is just the luck of what is needed and who else is auditioning. I imagine that silks is the same way. But OH the payoff!!</p>
<p>ProudBamaMama-There was something on the video with female students, but I can’t remember what they did-maybe dancers or silks…not sure. </p>
<p>Love, love, love the Blue Band!</p>
<p>greenbutton - Thanks! That was the way the Bama auditions were also. Of course, then it rained and they let everyone back in during the auditions. It was very interesting to watch and very nerveracking (sp?). About 55 girls tried out for about 38 positions.</p>
<p>slipjg - I will be sure to find and watch that video again! Thanks! I know everyone loves the Blue Band… What about the silks? Do you feel they are respected on campus, too?</p>
<p>ProudBamaMama - Wish I could help you with information on the Silks auditions. I would ask my son, but I’m not sure he would know and he’s up-to-his-eyeballs with his final summer of drum corps.</p>
<p>I understand your concern about not knowing if she will make it until August. We had the same concern with our son - as being part of the Blue Band was a big deal for him. Fortunately, all worked out well for him and he will be starting his 4th year with the BB this fall.</p>
<p>I don’t know how it is with the Silks, but I know for my son - the 2 things that helped him the most were that he is an excellent sight-reader and that he had experience with a large, competitive high school marching band.</p>
<p>Wish I could offer you some sound advice! But other than practice, practice, practice (and lots of crossed fingers) - I have no words of wisdom!!! ;)</p>
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<p>Yes. Everyone involved with the Blue Band is respected on campus!</p>
<p>Thanks, Everyone! I appreciate your insight! :)</p>