Application and Audition in the Tivoli Youth Guard

The Fifes and Drums Corps Training School

You can apply for admission to the Tivoli Youth Guard through the Fifes and Drums Corps Training School once you have turned 7 years old.

Prior musical experience isn’t required, but basic music education, such as rhythm classes or choir participation, is beneficial. 
 
At the Fifes and Drums Corps Training School, you will learn to play either the piccolo flute or the marching drum, receive ear training, and engage in practice sessions for about a year. Upon successful completion, you will be officially admitted to the Tivoli Youth Guard’s Fifes and Drums Corps. This training period serves as a mutual trial for both you and the Tivoli Youth Guard. 
 
While we do accept applications for the Fifes and Drums Corps Training School from children who have turned 9, it’s important to note that the learning curve in both the Training School and the Corps itself is quite steep. Therefore, 9-year-old applicants are strongly encouraged to have a solid foundation in musical training to keep pace with their peers. 
 
We understand that children develop at different rates, so we always evaluate candidates on an individual basis. Some 7-year-olds may possess the maturity and independence needed to thrive in the training school, while others might find more success by applying at a later age.

In addition to the application form, please send an introduction video to tivoli-garden@tivoli.dk. A smartphone recording is perfectly suitable for this purpose. The video can be sent as an attached file or as a YouTube link. 
The video should include an introduction stating your name, age, and motivation for joining. Additionally, sing a song, such as a verse from a children’s song. If you play an instrument, include a short musical piece (preferably an excerpt). The video should be no longer than 2 minutes. 

View an example

In this video, Johannes is 9 years old and had applied for admission to the Tivoli Youth Guard in 2019. He was accepted into the Fifes and Drums Corps Training School, and this video example was recorded after about six months of instruction. At the Training School, he learned to play the marching drums and was subsequently admitted to the Tivoli Youth Guard’s Fifes and Drums Corps. Johannes made his debut performance with the Tivoli Youth Guard in December 2020. 

The Tivoli Youth Guard Band

You can apply for admission to the Tivoli Youth Guard Band when you turn 11 years old. If you already play an instrument, you can apply for admission to the Tivoli Youth Guard with the aim of joining the Band. 
Almost all musicians in the Tivoli Youth Guard Band are trained in a process that extends from their admission to the Fifes and Drums Corps Training School until they are skilled enough to join the Band. 
Occasionally, there are vacancies, and we therefore also admit students directly to the Band’s Training School, where you will receive instruction until you are ready to join the Band. 
In addition, you will receive instruction in marching, drills, and ear training as needed. 
Students admitted to the Band’s Training School usually already play an instrument that is part of the Band’s ensemble (concert band). Some have other musical skills, and based on the applicant’s age and level, we may offer a retraining placement. For example, a recorder player might be offered a place for clarinet. 
Please note that the “retirement age” in the Tivoli Youth Guard is 16. A Tivoli Youth Guard member retires at the end of Tivoli’s summer season in the year they turn 16. 

Introduction video 

In addition to the application form, please send an introduction video to tivoli-garden@tivoli.dk. A smartphone recording is perfectly suitable for this purpose. The video can be sent as an attached file or as a YouTube link.

The video should include an introduction with your name, age, and motivation, as well as (an excerpt of) a piece of music of your choice. Additionally, sing a song, such as a verse from a children’s song. The video should be no longer than 2½ minutes. 

See an example

Kristine had been playing the bassoon for two years. Following a period in the Band’s Training School, where she also participated in the Tivoli Youth Guard’s Colour Guard, she was admitted to the Tivoli Youth Guard Band in December 2019. 

The Tivoli Youth Colour Guard

You can apply for admission to the Tivoli Youth Guard Colour Guard when you turn 11 years old. 
The Colour Guard does not play instruments but is a rhythmic corps that specialises in drills, marching formations, rifle twirling, and the tradition of guarding the flag, as well as leading parades and tattoos. 
It is not a requirement that you play an instrument, but it can be an advantage if you have, for example, experience with stomp or similar activities and have a good sense of rhythm. 
Students admitted to the Colour Guard often have an interest in the musical community and the traditions surrounding the Tivoli Youth Guard. The oldest students in the Colour Guard have important roles in the parade and give commands, just as they are trained to help and support the other students in their work in the Tivoli Youth Guard. 

Introduction video  

In addition to the application form, please send an introduction video to tivoli-garden@tivoli.dk. A smartphone recording is perfectly suitable for this purpose. The video can be sent as an attached file or as a YouTube link. 

The video should include an introduction with your name, age, and motivation, along with a rhythm exercise (e.g., clapping to the beat of music). If you sing or play an instrument, please share a short piece or song of your choice. We encourage all applicants to sing a verse from a children’s song. The video should not exceed 2 minutes. 

See an example

Lucas is 10 years old in the video and applied for admission to the Tivoli Youth Guard in 2019. Lucas was accepted into the Tivoli Youth Guard Colour Guard and has since become proficient in marching and drills, wearing the uniform from Tivoli Gardens’ 2020 summer season. 

At the audition, applicants are asked to demonstrate their musicality and sense of rhythm, their ability to follow instructions, and to sing a short song. The audition lasts approximately 10 minutes. If the applicant already plays an instrument, we would like to hear a short piece. During the audition, we also speak with the applicant’s parents about what it means to have a child in the Tivoli Youth Guard.

Both the audition and participation in the Tivoli Youth Guard are completely free of charge.

Download the document “Information for new Tivoli Youth Guard members” (please note that the document is in Danish) and read more about what it means to be in the Tivoli Youth Guard.

If you have any questions, please contact us at tivoli-garden@tivoli.dk or by phone at +45 3375 0455.