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Brass & Woodwind Auditions

Audition Schedule & Available Positions

Before auditioning, applicants must have already submitted an INTENT TO AUDITION FORM, following which audition materials are sent out beginning in mid-March. Further details about the audition packet are on the Auditions page.

Applicants should either call Fred McInnis or the Band Office to schedule a live audition, or submit an audio recording of their audition. An audition consists of playing the required material (including major and chromatic scales and a musical excerpt) as well as any other exercises or etudes they would like to include. Positions are awarded as qualified players audition, and applicants will be contacted after their audition has been reviewed.

First priority tapes must be received by May 1st. Announcements of membership and financial awards will be sent beginning June 1st. Additional audition tapes will be accepted until the band is completely staffed, but those who audition late have a much smaller chance of getting a spot. Filling all positions may extend to the middle or end of June for a few sections. However, most sections are extremely competetive. We urge prospective members to audition as soon as possible.

Audition Instructions

If you choose to make a recording for your audition, you can send CDs, DVDs, or cassette tapes. Please do not send microcassettes or other recordable media. Begin the recording with announcement of name and instrument, then announce what exercise you'll be playing first. You may play the material listed below in any order of your choosing:

Play required scales ( from sheet) at tempos indicated. Announce each scale before you play.
Perform selections from Marching Band arrangement as marked. Announce where beginning each excerpt (as marked by parentheses).
Perform any etude or solo that would demostrate technical and musical proficiency on your instrument. Announce the piece and composer. (Optional, but highly recommended—especially for the very competitive woodwind positions.)

Questions & Concerns

If you have any questions about brass or woodwind auditions, or are concerned about whether your recording has been received, please feel free to contact Fred McInnis directly. (Send email)