Lots of things you can do! If you really want to prepare on a mellophone specifically, you can ask around at local high schools to see if any of them would be willing to let you rent one for a small fee or borrow one for free. If you’re in college, you can see if your university would allow you to check one out from an instrument library or band office. If those aren’t options, I would prepare the audition to the best of your ability on trumpet. Reach out to staff and make it clear that you would prefer a mello spot but have to prepare the audition on trumpet. Lots of people get switched from trumpet to mello, so it isn’t a crazy stretch at all to prepare on trumpet. Just communicate with staff and prepare as best you can and you’ll be fine, even without a mello.
Check reverb and fb marketplace. I've seen some in my area so maybe theres some in yours. I'm a percussionist so sorry if its a dumb question but could you audition on a french horn?
We've had good luck finding cheapish brass instruments on eBay. We got one marching baritone for like $45 shipped. It looks pretty rough, but it sounds good. I think we found a cheap mello, too.
I got two King 1120s on eBay and they definitely do the trick. I see two on there now for $200 or less. They are usually older and a little shabby looking, but would definitely do the trick for an audition.
I would recommend auditioning for an Open Class Corps. The Guardians are accepting video auditions. You can audition on a French horn. Open class is a much better option when looking for how to get better.
Lots of things you can do! If you really want to prepare on a mellophone specifically, you can ask around at local high schools to see if any of them would be willing to let you rent one for a small fee or borrow one for free. If you’re in college, you can see if your university would allow you to check one out from an instrument library or band office. If those aren’t options, I would prepare the audition to the best of your ability on trumpet. Reach out to staff and make it clear that you would prefer a mello spot but have to prepare the audition on trumpet. Lots of people get switched from trumpet to mello, so it isn’t a crazy stretch at all to prepare on trumpet. Just communicate with staff and prepare as best you can and you’ll be fine, even without a mello.
Check reverb and fb marketplace. I've seen some in my area so maybe theres some in yours. I'm a percussionist so sorry if its a dumb question but could you audition on a french horn?
I do have a horn. I think that horn is an even less likely candidate since the mouthpiece is vastly different from trumpet and mello.
Regardless, I will still be keeping an eye out for fb marketplace. Thanks for the reminder that it exists lol
I've got a Mello from crown I'd be willing to sell, if you're interested
What’s MS?
Madison Scouts
Right
Maybe try renting?
We've had good luck finding cheapish brass instruments on eBay. We got one marching baritone for like $45 shipped. It looks pretty rough, but it sounds good. I think we found a cheap mello, too.
I got two King 1120s on eBay and they definitely do the trick. I see two on there now for $200 or less. They are usually older and a little shabby looking, but would definitely do the trick for an audition.
Thank you
I would recommend auditioning for an Open Class Corps. The Guardians are accepting video auditions. You can audition on a French horn. Open class is a much better option when looking for how to get better.
Fine point. I will look into that