Band and Orchestra Auditions - Woodwinds, Brass and Percussion
Two auditions are offered. Read below to determine the appropriate audition for you to take.
ADVANCED AUDITION
Tuesday, January 17, 2023
For placement in the following ensembles:
Symphony Orchestra (TH 1:00-3:50 PM)
Philharmonia Orchestra (MW 3:00-4:50 PM)
Illinois Wind Symphony (MW 1:00-3:50 PM)
Wind Orchestra (TR 1:00-2:50 PM)
Eligibility
The Advanced Audition is required for all woodwind, brass and percussion BM, BMA, BME, MM, and DMA music majors in the School of Music who must participate in a major ensemble each semester as part of their degree program. BA in Music and BS (CS+Music) majors, plus any non-music majors with all-state level profile, are encouraged to audition for the upper ensembles!
Students not placed by the advanced audition will be asked to play the standard audition. Music Majors will use the excerpts; non-majors may use 3-5 minutes of their own choosing as listed below.
Audition Process
- Download the audition excerpts for your instrument.
- Sign-up for an audition time.
- Flute Audition Sign-up | Smith Recital Hall
- Oboe Audition Sign-up | Smith Recital Hall
- Bassoon Audition Sign-up | Smith Recital Hall
- Clarinet Audition Sign-up | Tryon Festival Theatre
- Saxophone Audition Sign-up | Tryon Festival Theatre
- Horn Audition Sign-up | Tryon Festival Theatre
- Trumpet Audition Sign-up | Foellinger Great Hall
- Trombone Audition Sign-up | Smith Recital Hall
- Tuba & Euphonium Audition Sign-up | Foellinger Great Hall
- Percussion Audition Sign-up | Foellinger Great Hall
Auditionees will be asked to complete a paper form upon arrival at the audition. Be sure to arrive at least 10 minutes early and have your class schedule handy!
STANDARD AUDITION
For non-majors for placement in:
Hindsley Symphonic Band (TR 3:00-4:50 PM)
University Band (M 7:00-8:50 PM)
Campus Band (W 7:00-8:50 PM)
Eligibility
Currently enrolled students and community members are welcome to audition. All majors are welcome!
Audition Process
Prepare audition materials listed below.
Show up at Harding Band Building on
- Wednesday, January 18, 2:30-4:30pm or 7-9pm (woodwinds and percussion)
- Thursday, January 19, 2:30-4:30pm or 7-9pm (brass)
Audition Materials
- 2 major scales of your choice, one octave, ascending and descending
- A chromatic scale demonstrating your full range, ascending only
- And 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.
Questions? Email music-pe@illinois.edu