Genesis Conductors
Congratulations on taking the first step to becoming a Genesis Conductor!
Here is what comes next…
1. Make sure you complete your video audition on our Online Video Audition Platform. If this is your first time auditioning at Genesis, you will be prompted to create a free account.
2. Read about how to prepare for your audition and download the audition materials from the Audition Prep tab on this page.
2. Enroll in Drum Major Essentials and complete as much as you can before camp. This will teach your our conducting technique and will give you a big advantage during your audition.
3. Practice, practice, practice! We want to see you at your best during your conducting audition.
4. Attend FENIXperience. Be ready to have a great time, meet lots of friends, and learn a lot!
The following is a rough schedule. Stay tuned for updates!
FENIXperience Nov 25th – Nov 27th
Friday
Conducting Fundamentals
Pure Imagination Score Study
Saturday
Dr. Beat 101 and Genesis Rehearsal Procedures
Outdoor Conducting and Field Timing
Auditions and Interviews
Conducting Fundamentals
Conducting with the Brass Ensemble
Leadership Training
Sunday
Conducting Fundamentals
Score Study
Prep for Show & Tell with the Brass
FENIXperience Dec 13th – Dec 15th
Friday
Conducting Fundamentals
Pure Imagination Score Study
Saturday
Conducting Fundamentals
Metronomics and Genesis Rehearsal Procedures
Outdoor Conducting and Field Timing
Auditions and Interviews
Conducting with the Brass Ensemble
Leadership Training
Sunday
Conducting Fundamentals
Score Study
Prep for Show & Tell with the Brass
Cameron Wilson
Cameron started his journey with Genesis in the 2015 season as an assistant drum major. Over the next five years he continued to lead the group as a conductor, staying as an assistant drum major in 2016 and becoming head drum major for the 2017, 2018, and 2019 seasons. He aged out last year in 2019. Through his time with Genesis, Cameron organized and led the leadership program and represented Genesis at events such as the annual DCI Summit. Cameron is proud to return to Genesis for his first year running the drum major auditions as a staff member.
Cameron is from San Antonio, Texas and a graduate of Lee High School. He is a current senior and will be graduating in Spring of 2020 from Saint Mary’s University in San Antonio, double majoring in political science and communication studies. On campus, Cameron is a student government association representative and the vice president of member enrichment in his fraternity, Alpha Sigma Phi.
Emily Roman
Emily is one of the founding members, and first contracted member, of Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps, and served as Head Conductor during the 2009 formation season and 2010 inaugural season. During this time, she helped cultivate the unique corps culture alongside the leadership team and staff, and brought in her previous leadership and conducting experience in order to set the foundation for which the corps could continue to excel. Throughout the years, Emily has worked with the corps in areas of videography, photography, web design, and administrative assistance. This is her first year on staff for the Conductor Auditions, and looks forward to sharing her experiences with the future leaders of the corps.
Emily served in the United States Navy after aging out in 2010, and after an honorable discharge, gained experience by working in administration in the corporate sector. She has since returned to school and is now a senior at the University of North Texas completing her undergraduate degrees in Music with a Clarinet Concentration (BA) and Philosophy (BA). She has had the pleasure of performing with the UNT University and Concert Band ensembles on the Bb Clarinet and Bass Clarinet.
Adrian Esquivel
Adrian is in his first year of assisting with Drum Major Auditions at the FENIXperience Audition Camps. He served as a Drum Major in the Genesis DBC 2015 Season, “Phantom Revisited” and is excited to return and assist in teaching/choosing a new conducting team for the 2020 season. His marching tech experience includes working for Southside HS (2013), La Vernia HS (2014), Navarro HS (2015), and currently New Braunfels High School. His conducting experience includes Head Drum Major for Southside HS, Assistant Drum Major for Genesis DBC, and student conductor for the TLU Symphonic Band.
Adrian is a San Antonio, TX native and is a graduate of Southside High School. After high school, he attended Texas Lutheran University in Seguin, Texas where he double majored in music education and clarinet performance. While at TLU, he was an active member of the TLU Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Chamber Orchestra, Clarinet Choir, Flute Choir, Contigo Saxophone Quartet, and Woodwind Quintet. Adrian is currently in his third year of teaching at Oak Run Middle School in New Braunfels, TX where he teaches all beginner woodwind classes and directs the Symphonic Band.
John Filippone
Originally from Los Fresnos, Texas, John began his drum corps career with Genesis in 2011 as a mellophone player at the age of 16. After 3 years on the field with Genesis, he went on to lead the group as head conductor in the 2014, 2015 and 2016 seasons. As head conductor, John had the privilege of receiving the Jim Jones Leadership award, an honor that is given to one conductor each year selected by the DCI hall of fame members. Throughout his time leading the corps, John organized a series of leadership retreats, educational materials, and traditions that established the culture that today is the Genesis Leadership Program. After concluding his run as a performer with Genesis, John accepted an invitation to be a staff member at the annual DCI Leadership Summit.
Outside of the drum corps world, John earned his degree in Computer Science from the University of Texas at Austin and began his career in Cambridge, MA as a software engineer with IBM. He later transitioned to his current position as a software engineer with financial tech start up called LiquidX in Boston, MA. John stays connected to Genesis and the drum corps community by volunteering, attending shows, fundraising for Genesis with the Genesis Alumni Association, and as a member of the 2020 Genesis conducting staff.
What should I expect at the auditions?
Over the course of your FENIXperience weekend, we will be watching to evaluate how you interact with the group, your ability to effectively operate within the group, and your confidence and maturity. We will have several activities in which you will be able to show case your abilities and show us what you bring to the table.
In addition to evaluation through the weekend, there will be a formal interview with the current conductors and Chris Magonigal (the Executive Director). This interview is designed to get to know you better, as well as get to know your temperament. You may also be asked to conduct a prepared piece to best show us your style and tenancies. In preparation for the interview, please bring the music MP3 of your prepared piece on your phone. The music selection can be anything you like. You can bring movie soundtracks, marching band pieces, pop songs, etc. This is your chance to shine and show us what you got.
Finally, for one of the activities we would like to work on score study and teamwork. Below you will find the MP3 to our corps song, “Pure Imagination”, as well as a score to it. Please print and bring the score and be able to play the MP3 on your phone at any time. Don’t worry about working on it ahead of time, just have it prepared to look at and use in the process.
Pure Imagination – Full Score Download
What do I need to prepare for my audition?
At least one conducting piece of your own choice. If you want to be extra prepared, have two ready (one fast one slow). The music selection can be anything you like to best display your abilities. Make sure to bring the audio on your phone so that we can play it in the audition room.
What do I need to bring to the FENIXperience weekend event?
A backpack
2-3 mechanical pencils (or more if you are prone to losing them)
A binder with the audition packet and any music in sheet protectors
A BLUE, one-gallon, Coleman water jug. Yes it has to be this exact jug. No exceptions! Example.
A hat (for if/when we go outside)
Ear Plugs
Athletic shoes/attire – no jeans, cargo shorts, flat-soled shoes, etc.
Your prepared music for your conducting audition on your phone
What is expected of me throughout the audition weekend?
A positive attitude and the desire to learn as well as the willingness to do whatever is being asked of you even if that means trying something you have never done before. Throughout the weekend you will hear a lot of information from the staff, some or maybe even most of which you have never heard before. We do everything at Genesis in a way that is very specific to us. The best thing you can do is be a sponge and try to absorb as much of that information as you can. Drum corps is all about your attitude and how you adapt to what is going on around you and how you respond to what is being asked of you. You could be the highest ranked audition on our sheet but a negative attitude will eliminate your chances of being offered a spot. Just have a great attitude, soak in as much information as you can, and do everything you are asked to do with your best abilities.
Have more questions?
Please direct your questions to conductor@genesisdbc.org