In the fall of 2025, I was contacted by percussion education superstar Eric Rath (director of bands at Canyon High School, co-author of Beyond Basic Percussion, Five Minute Drill, & many other top-notch pieces) about the possibility of writing five sets of brand new audition etudes for ATSSB. After some conversation and research I came to understand what an honor this was as nearly 900 high schools across Texas comprise the membership of this organization. After several weeks of working through guidelines, and multiple revisions, the first set of etudes (snare, two-mallet, & timpani) were finalized and put to a vote by the sub-committee and membership. It passed and year A (of a five year cycle) was officially born!

I never thought of myself as someone who would write audition music (first for Oklahoma all-state and now this) but it has and continues to be a meaningful way to directly contribute to creating worthwhile music for the development of high school percussionists. Below are the first three etudes performed by Dr. Brad Meyer (associate professor of percussion at Stephen F. Austin State University and one of the ATSSB sub-committee members).