Marching Golden Flashes

Joining the Band

Membership in the Marching Golden Flashes is open to all Kent State undergraduate and graduate students regardless of major

All undergraduate members of the MGF receive a $1000 scholarship. Find out more about the Marching Golden Flash Award.

Brass and Woodwinds

There is no audition required for brass and woodwind members. Brass and woodwind members will need to submit a pre-recorded video for part placement purposes.

  • Step 1 - Review the part placement requirements for your area of interest. 
  • Step 2 – Sign-up for Band Camp. 
    • Link to sign-up: Click here
    • Deadline to sign-up is July 12, 2024.  
  • Step 3 – Register for Marching Band class on Flashline.
    • Deadline to register is Aug. 1.
    • Note: Incoming first-year students will do this during DKS Orientation.
  • Step 4 – Attend Band Camp.

Drumline

Membership in the drumline will be determined by an audition at camp.

  • Step 1 - Review the audition requirements for your area of interest. 
  • Step 2 – Sign-up for Band Camp. 
    • Link to sign-up: Click here
    • Deadline to sign-up is July 12, 2024.  
  • Step 3 – Register for Marching Band class on Flashline.
    • Deadline to register is Aug. 1.
    • Note: Incoming first-year students will do this during DKS Orientation.
  • Step 4 – Attend Band Camp.

Colorguard

  • Step 1 - Review the audition requirements for your area of interest. 
  • Step 2 – Register for In-Person Audition (Date TBD). 
  • Step 3 – Sign-up for Band Camp. 
    • Link to sign-up: Click here
    • Deadline to sign-up is July 14, 2023.  
  • Step 4 – Register for Marching Band class on Flashline.
    • Deadline to register is Aug. 1.
    • Note: Incoming first-year students will do this during DKS Orientation.
  • Step 5 – Attend Band Camp.

Touch of Gold Twirlers

  • Step 1 - Review the audition requirements for your area of interest. 
  • Step 2 – Sign-up for Band Camp. 
    • Link to sign-up: Click here
    • Deadline to sign-up is July 12, 2024.   
  • Step 3 – Register for Marching Band class on Flashline.
    • Deadline to register is Aug. 1.
    • Note: Incoming first-year students will do this during DKS Orientation.
  • Step 4 – Attend Band Camp.

For more detailed information of each step, please see below.

Questions?

Please email us at bands@kent.edu!

Class Registration

All students participating in the Marching Golden Flashes must be registered for the class no later than August 1, 2023.

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS register for MUS 45222:

  • Winds - CRN: 26798, section 001
  • Percussion/Drumline - CRN: 26799, section 002
  • Color Guard - CRN: 26800, section 003
  • Twirlers - CRN: 26801, section 004

GRADUATE STUDENTS register for MUS 55222: CRN 26883, Section 001

Band Camp

Band Camp 2024 

Thursday, August 8 – Saturday, August 17

All activities will take place between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
Please note, this schedule is subject to change.

Band Camp Schedule

Details will be released in Spring 2024

Register for Band Camp

The Deadline to sign-up is July 12. Please register at the link below.

Register for Band Camp

Check-in and Early Move-in Schedule

Details will be released in July 2024.

Questions?

Email bands@kent.edu

Auditions

Become a part of the MGF Family!

See below for each section's audition requirements.

Brass & Woodwind

  • Part Placement Video: Due July 12.
    • Sign-up for Band Camp here.
    • On the Band Camp sign-up form, select "I would like to submit a video audition."
    • Upload the video to YouTube and include the URL on the Band camp sign-up form. Make sure that the "Visibility" is set to "Unlisted" for your privacy.
  • Materials for all auditionees:
    • Two-octave chromatic scale (to demonstrate range)
    • One minute of prepared music.*

*Prepared music may be one piece with contrasting parts or two different pieces, demonstrating beauty of tone, phrasing and musicality, and technical ability. It is recommended you prepare a “classical” selection (ex: a piece from the OMEA Solo and Ensemble Festival catalog), but you are welcome to choose whatever you believe will best demonstrate your abilities. We encourage you to play your audition on whichever instrument you feel most comfortable, marching or concert.

Drumline

  • Auditions will take place on the first day of Band Camp - Thursday, August 8
  • Students will be expected to perform exercises out of the drumline packet for your desired instrument. You can find the music here.
  • Audition results will be based on preparedness and the ability to function within the drumline during rehearsal. The results will be determined that evening.
  • Please contact Dr. Matt Holm for more information at mholm2@kent.edu.
  • Sign-up for Band Camp here.

Visual Ensemble

The Kent State University Colorguard and Touch of Gold Twirlers hold separate auditions each season.

Colorguard

In-person Audition

  • Saturday, June 22
  • Register at the link below

Video Audition

  • Due Saturday, June 29

Register for Colorguard Audition

If you have questions about the MGF Colorguard or the auditions, please email Ali Sommer (ahoppe@kent.edu).  

In the audition, you will be expected to demonstrate: 

Basic flag techniques: 

  • Drop Spins (left & right) 
  • Pole Hits (left & right) 
  • Carves (top & bottom) 
  • Tosses (Pop, 45, "J"/Money) 

Basic dance techniques: 

  • Positions 
  • Plié 
  • Chassé 
  • Sauté 

Touch of Gold Twirlers

 

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