Concert Band Auditions


Audition Policy

Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion (WBP) ensemble placement auditions are held the first week of classes in the fall and spring semesters. Auditions are required for placement in Wind Orchestra, Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band (spring semester only), and Symphony Orchestra. Audition sign-ups are posted outside of the band office, 124 Murphy Hall, one week prior to the start of classes. Auditions consist of the required excerpts (download below) and sight-reading. Students should refer to the specific requirements of their degree plan for clarification of ensemble participation. 

All WBP scholarship recipients are required to audition and be available to play in Wind Orchestra, Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band (spring semester only), and Symphony Orchestra. Students are expected to keep their schedules completely conflict-free until after the audition results have been posted. Any WBP undergraduate or master’s degree student who is enrolled in applied lessons on their instrument must audition for ensemble placement.


Auditions required for placement

Wind Orchestra

  • BAND 402/702 - MWF 1:00-2:50 in 130 Murphy (Dr. Smith, conductor)

Wind Symphony

  • BAND 403/703 - T/H 3:30-5:20 in 118 Murphy (Dr. Melissa Sawyer, conductor)

Symphony Orchestra

  • ORCH 400/700 - T/H 3:30pm-6:20pm in 130 Murphy (Professor Creston Herron, conductor)

University Band, available with or without audition

  • BAND 406/706 - T/H 6:00-7:20 in 118 Murphy (Professor Sharon Toulouse, conductor)

Audition Schedule

Auditions for Fall 2026 ensemble placement are held in Swarthout Recital Hall with the exception of percussion.

Audition sign-up will be at the Band Office, 124 Murphy Hall, by mid-August. Rehearsals begin the second week of classes.

Monday, August 2411:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.Horn
 2:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.Trombone
Tuesday, August 2511:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.Tuba & Euphonium
 2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.Trumpet
 11:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Percussion (110 Murphy Hall)
Wednesday, August 2611:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.Saxophone
 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.Oboe
 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.Bassoon
Thursday, August 272:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.Clarinet
Friday, August 2811:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.Flute

Audition Excerpts

Winds, Brass, and Percussion audition excerpts for the fall of 2026 are listed below.

Flute 
Clarinet 
Oboe 
Bassoon 
Saxophone 
Trumpet 
Horn 
TromboneBass Trombone
Euphonium 
Tuba 
Percussion