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School of Music

Band, Orchestra, IME – Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion Auditions

Winds and Percussion - Band and Orchestra Auditions

Two separate auditions are offered. Read below to determine the appropriate audition for you to take.

ADVANCED AUDITION for Woodwinds-Brass-Percussion

ALL WINDS BRASS PERCUSSION ADVANCED AUDITIONS FOR SPRING WILL BE TAKING PLACE BEFORE THE CONCLUSION OF THE FALL SEMESTER

For placement in the following upper-level ensembles:

  • Symphony Orchestra (Rehearsals: TR 1:00-3:50 PM)
  • Illinois Wind Symphony (Rehearsals: MW 1:00-3:50 PM)
  • Wind Orchestra (Rehearsals: TR 1:00-2:50 PM)
  • Philharmonia Orchestra (Rehearsals: MW 3:00-4:50 PM)
  • Illinois Modern Ensemble (Rehearsals: MW 4:00-5:50 PM)

Eligibility

The Advanced Audition is required for all woodwind, brass and percussion BMUS, BME, BMA, MM, and DMA music majors in the School of Music who must register for a major ensemble each semester as part of their degree program.

BA in Music and BS (CS+Music) majors and all non-music majors with all-state level profile, are encouraged to audition for the upper ensembles!

Advanced Audition – Woodwind-Brass-Percussion Schedule

  • Download the audition excerpts for your instrument
  • Sign-up for your audition below – tentative dates and times – nothing confirmed yet
  • Flute | December 13
  • Oboe | December 3 & 5 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
  • Bassoon | December 5
  • Clarinet | December 13
  • Saxophone | December 5
  • Horn | December 13
  • Trumpet | December 13
  • Trombone | December 5
  • Tuba and Euphonium | December 16 & 17
  • Percussion | December 13

Be sure to arrive at least 10 minutes early and bring your fall class schedule with you!

Spring 2025 Ensemble Results

Advanced Audition Questions?  Email Professor Barry L. Houser: bhouser2@illinois.edu

STANDARD AUDITION for Woodwinds-Brass-Percussion

Hindsley Symphonic Band (Rehearsals: TR 3:00-4:50 PM)
University Band (Rehearsals: M 7:00-8:50 PM)
Campus Band (Spring only: W 7:00-8:50 PM)

Eligibility

Currently enrolled U of I students and community members are welcome to audition. All majors are welcome!

STANDARD auditions take place in the Harding Band Building (6th Street and Gregory)

Standard Audition Schedule

Please use the link below to sign up for an audition time. Walk-ins during these time blocks will also be welcome. For Music Majors who play the Advanced Audition and do not get placed in an Advanced ensemble, you will be placed in Hindsley Symphonic Band. All auditionees will need to register upon arrival at the Harding Band Building using the QR code posted in the Harding Band Office 140.

  • Tuesday, January 21, 2025
    1. Flute | 2:30-4:30 PM or 7:00-9:00 PM in the Harding Band Building
    2. Oboe | 2:30-4:30 PM or 7:00-9:00 PM in the Harding Band Building
    3. Bassoon | 2:30-4:30 PM or 7:00-9:00 PM in the Harding Band Building
    4. Clarinet | 2:30-4:30 PM or 7:00-9:00 PM in the Harding Band Building
    5. Saxophone | 2:30-4:30 PM or 7:00-9:00 PM in the Harding Band Building
    6. Percussion | 2:30-4:30 PM or 7:00-9:00 PM in the Harding Band Building
      • Register upon arrival to the Harding Band Building using the QR code posted in the Band Office.
  • Wednesday, January 22, 2025
    1. Trumpet | 2:30-4:30 PM or 7:00-9:00 PM in the Harding Band Building
    2. Horn | 2:30-4:30 PM or 7:00-9:00 PM in the Harding Band Building
    3. Trombone | 2:30-4:30 PM or 7:00-9:00 PM in the Harding Band Building
    4. Tuba and Euphonium | 2:30-4:30 PM or 7:00-9:00 PM in the Harding Band Building
      • Register upon arrival to the Harding Band Building using the QR code posted in the Band Office.

Standard Audition Materials – Woodwind & Brass

  1. Two major scales of your choice, one octave, ascending and descending
  2. A chromatic scale demonstrating your full range, ascending only
  3. A 3-5 minute prepared excerpt, solo, or etude that demonstrates your lyrical and technical playing. This can be one piece of music or segments from multiple pieces or etudes.

Standard Audition Materials – Percussion

  1. Scales (Mallets):
    • Two major scales of your choice, one octave, ascending and descending
    • Chromatic scale, two octaves, ascending and descending
  1. Excerpts (Download PDF file)
    • Mallets: beginning to letter B
    • Timpani: beginning to m. 25
    • Snare: Lines 1-7

Spring 2025 Ensemble Results

Standard Audition Questions?  Email Dr. Kim Fleming: kflem@illinois.edu

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