2026 Workshops & Audition Info
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2026 Audition Updates: *updated 3/9 - Join the interest group for your section here.
Brass:
Brass auditions are open in all sections by video or in person. Join the brass interest group for details.
Our next in-person audition opportunity is March 28th. See link below to register.
Guard:
Video auditions will be open soon. Join the guard interest group to get access to video audition materials when they are available. Callbacks will take place April 11th and 25th. See link below to register.
Percussion:
Cymbal auditions April 25th.
Drum Majors:
Drum Major auditions have closed for 2026.
All rehearsals and auditions will be held at Bakersfield College. Please carefully read through the info below for details:
2026 Audition Updates: *updated 3/9 - Join the interest group for your section here.
Brass:
Brass auditions are open in all sections by video or in person. Join the brass interest group for details.
Our next in-person audition opportunity is March 28th. See link below to register.
Guard:
Video auditions will be open soon. Join the guard interest group to get access to video audition materials when they are available. Callbacks will take place April 11th and 25th. See link below to register.
Percussion:
Cymbal auditions April 25th.
Drum Majors:
Drum Major auditions have closed for 2026.
All rehearsals and auditions will be held at Bakersfield College. Please carefully read through the info below for details:
Location/Directions
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Bakersfield College
1801 Panorama Dr. Bakersfield, CA 93305 We will initially meet near the BC gym. The main entrance (known as the Huddle) is on the east side of campus just north of Memorial Stadium. You can enter from Mt. Vernon and park in the lot just east of the stadium. Parking permits will not be required during workshops. |
Schedule:
8:00 AM – Registration begins
9:00 AM – Opening Meeting, Auditions begin
12:00 PM – Lunch (Not Provided)
1:00 PM – 2nd block
4:30 PM – Wrap-up, Pack, Load, Clean
5:00 PM – Workshop ends
What to bring:
Housing:
This is a single day workshop. If you're attending from out of town, please make your own housing arrangements if you don't plan to commute from home on the day of the workshop.
Food/Water:
Lunch is NOT PROVIDED. Please bring a sack lunch or food money. There are several fast-food options within a short driving distance of the college. Please remember to have a nutritious meal and drink plenty of fluids before arriving so that you will have plenty of energy during workshop/auditions. All participants should bring a water jug of their own. Sharing of water jugs is not allowed.
Transportation:
Location/Directions are listed above. If you are arriving from out of town via train/bus/etc., please be sure to arrange for transportation (e.g. Uber/Lyft) from the station to Bakersfield College.
Cost:
When will I know my status?
You will know by the end of the final audition date if you have been offered a spot. Whether or not you are offered a spot, we appreciate your desire to join the corps and want you to leave with info and experiences that will help you continue to refine your skills!
8:00 AM – Registration begins
9:00 AM – Opening Meeting, Auditions begin
12:00 PM – Lunch (Not Provided)
1:00 PM – 2nd block
4:30 PM – Wrap-up, Pack, Load, Clean
5:00 PM – Workshop ends
What to bring:
- Printed & completed KCCD Release Form*
- Applicants under 18 must have this form signed by a parent or guardian BEFORE attending the workshop!
- One-time $40 Workshop/Audition Fee* - Paid at registration. See links above.
- Audition Packet for your section/position
- Equipment – Refer to your audition packet for specific instructions. Most equipment will be provided, but if you'd like, you're welcome to bring your own marching instrument w/ mouthpiece (brass), drum pad w/ stand (battery), a foldable music stand, rifle/sabre (guard) etc.
- Appropriate rehearsal attire
Housing:
This is a single day workshop. If you're attending from out of town, please make your own housing arrangements if you don't plan to commute from home on the day of the workshop.
Food/Water:
Lunch is NOT PROVIDED. Please bring a sack lunch or food money. There are several fast-food options within a short driving distance of the college. Please remember to have a nutritious meal and drink plenty of fluids before arriving so that you will have plenty of energy during workshop/auditions. All participants should bring a water jug of their own. Sharing of water jugs is not allowed.
Transportation:
Location/Directions are listed above. If you are arriving from out of town via train/bus/etc., please be sure to arrange for transportation (e.g. Uber/Lyft) from the station to Bakersfield College.
Cost:
- There is a one-time fee of $40 to attend the workshops and audition for the corps.
- Cash, card, and check are all acceptable forms of payment.
- Checks can be made payable to the "Bakersfield College Foundation". Please list "GEPA - *YOUR NAME*" in the memo.
- This one-time audition fee will cover your entire workshop/audition process. Auditioning for multiple instruments/positions DOES NOT require another audition fee payment.
- Those offered a spot in the corps will need to register for the course and pay tuition (waived for HS students). In addition, you will need to meet the fundraising obligation/member contribution.
When will I know my status?
You will know by the end of the final audition date if you have been offered a spot. Whether or not you are offered a spot, we appreciate your desire to join the corps and want you to leave with info and experiences that will help you continue to refine your skills!
Get Connected!
Make sure to follow Golden Empire on social media to get updates and share audition info with your friends. Still have questions? Shoot us an email.
Additional Opportunities
Can't make it to one of the workshops? While all applicants must eventually audition in person, videos are accepted. More info is listed here.
