Winds and Percussion - Band and Orchestra Auditions
We invite you to join our many offerings of ensembles with Music at Illinois. Two separate auditions are offered. Read below to determine the appropriate audition for you to take.
ADVANCED AUDITION: Woodwinds-Brass-Percussion
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 are required to register for a major ensemble 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 highly encouraged to take the advanced audition!
Advanced Audition – Woodwind-Brass-Percussion Schedule
- Download the audition excerpts for your instrument
- Sign-up for your audition below – times and sign ups will be added mid-Summer
- Flute | TBD
- Oboe | TBD
- Bassoon | TBD
- Clarinet | TBD
- Saxophone | TBD
- Horn | TBD
- Trumpet | TBD
- Trombone | TBD
- Tuba and Euphonium | TBD
- Percussion | TBD
Be sure to arrive at least 10 minutes early and bring your fall class schedule with you!
Fall 2025 Ensemble Results
Advanced Audition Questions? Email Professor Barry L. Houser: bhouser2@illinois.edu
STANDARD AUDITION: Woodwinds-Brass-Percussion
Hindsley Symphonic Band (Rehearsals: TR 3:00-4:50 PM)
University Band (Rehearsal: Mondays 7:00-8:50 PM)
Campus Band (Rehearsal: Wednesdays 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
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, August 25, 2025
- Flute | 2:30-4:30 PM or 7:00-9:00 PM in the Harding Band Building
- Oboe | 2:30-4:30 PM or 7:00-9:00 PM in the Harding Band Building
- Bassoon | 2:30-4:30 PM or 7:00-9:00 PM in the Harding Band Building
- Clarinet | 2:30-4:30 PM or 7:00-9:00 PM in the Harding Band Building
- Saxophone | 2:30-4:30 PM or 7:00-9:00 PM in the Harding Band Building
- 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, August 27, 2025
- Trumpet | 3:30-5:30 PM or 7:00-9:00 PM in the Harding Band Building
- Horn | 3:30-5:30 PM or 7:00-9:00 PM in the Harding Band Building
- Trombone | 3:30-5:30 PM or 7:00-9:00 PM in the Harding Band Building
- Tuba and Euphonium | 3:30-5:30 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
- Two major scales of your choice, one octave, ascending and descending
- A chromatic scale demonstrating your full range, ascending only
- 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
- Scales (Mallets):
-
- Two major scales of your choice, one octave, ascending and descending
- Chromatic scale, two octaves, ascending and descending
- Excerpts (Download PDF file)
Fall 2025 Ensemble Results
Standard Audition Questions? Email Dr. Kim Fleming: kflem@illinois.edu