Ensemble Auditions
Department of Music
This page includes information on audition materials for Wind Symphony, Symphonic
Band, and Symphony Orchestra (for non-string players; prospective string players of
UWSO will get an email directly from Dr. Griffith).
Dear Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion Students,
Welcome to (or back to) UW! Hopefully your summer has been productive, inspiring,
and restful. Please read the following audition materials carefully to ensure you
are prepared in the fall:
- Joint auditions for all woodwind, brass, and percussion students will be heard by
Dr. Griffith and Dr. Schlomer the weekend before classes begin. Studio teachers may
attend.
- All music majors, music minors, and music scholarship recipients must play an audition,
regardless of the ensemble and will be assigned to an ensemble by Dr. Griffith and
Dr. Schlomer.
- Non-music majors who wish to play in any ensemble other than Campus Band are required
to audition for Symphony Orchestra, Wind Symphony, or Symphonic Band and will be encouraged
to enroll in specific ensemble. Participation in ensembles is not guaranteed for non-music
majors other than students on music scholarships.
- Campus Band is the only instrumental ensemble that does NOT require an audition. However,
while it is for credit, it does not fulfill the ensemble requirements for music scholarships.
- All auditions are merit-based on the day of the audition; make every effort to play
your best that day.
- Audition materials will consist of:
- scales (at least one octave and in a comfortable range) (incoming freshman will play
one major scale of their choice. For returning students, directors will choose from
12 major or minor scales)
- required excerpts will be posted on the music website in July or emailed to players
of certain instruments. Students will receive an email notification when they are
downloadable.
- solo/excerpt repertoire of choice that includes both lyrical and technical playing.
(students looking for audition material can use the Wyoming All-State materials found
HERE)
- Woodwind and Brass students must choose solo/etude repertoire that include concise
examples of lyrical playing as well as technical playing(approximately 4 minutes total).
Percussion auditions materials will be chosen and posted by Dr. Wheelock.
- All Wind, Brass, and Percussion positions in Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band will
be re-auditioned for second semester at the beginning of November, with reassignments
for second semester posted shortly after. In the rare case that there is an opening
in Symphony Orchestra at semester, those auditions will coincide with the Wind Symphony
and Symphonic Band auditions.
