Ensemble auditions
Large ensembles offer performance opportunities for music majors and non-majors. Students enrolled in applied instrumental lessons and/or on music scholarship are required to enroll in a major ensemble per the School of Music handbook. Auditions for all ensembles are open to all University students regardless of major, non-music majors may satisfy the Silver Core 7 requirement in large ensembles.
Wind Ensemble, Concert Winds, and Orchestra
Orchestra, Wind Ensemble and Concert Winds. Music majors, music minors and non-music majors should prepare the required excerpts for the audition which will be for placement in Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, or Concert Winds. Be sure to listen to the excerpts so that you have a good understanding of the performance practice and context.
Concert Winds only. Non-music majors or minors only need to select one of the required excerpts, which will be for placement in Concert Winds.
Download required audition excerpts
To request accessible excerpt versions or printed excerpt versions, send an email to band@unr.edu.
All wind and percussion sections for these ensembles will audition for Spring 2024. We will use an online video submission process.
Prepare the following videos:
- Two Scales of your choice that best demonstrate your range. (two octaves)
- Required excerpts. Music majors/minors and non-music majors auditioning for Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra should complete two short contrasting selections of your choosing; non-music majors auditioning for Concert Winds may choose one excerpt to complete.
These selections must be recorded after December 1, 2023. Submitting a video recorded prior to this date may be considered Academic Dishonesty per University guidelines. Selections could potentially include recent jury pieces or other works from lessons at the end of the semester.
Clearly announce your name on each video.
Submission steps
- Complete this information form: Spring Audition Information Form
- Submit audition videos: Please clearly announce your name and instrument on each video. Upload video(s) to this link: Audition Video Submission Form
Ensemble announcements will be made prior to 1/16. We anticipate holding rehearsals during the first week of the semester. You will have until Friday, 1/26 to adjust your schedule based on your placement.
For other questions regarding the audition materials or preparation, please contact Spencer Hannibal-Smith, staff assistant University Bands at shannibalsmith@unr.edu>
Videos will be accepted until Tuesday, January 9th at 11:59pm PST.
Choral auditions
Music majors, music minors, and non-music majors interested in any choral ensemble will need to audition. The audition will consist of a range check, sight singing excerpt, and SATB score reading. Students are not required to prepare a vocal solo.
Auditions will be held the first few days of the semester. Auditionees will sign up for an audition time that suits their schedule. The sign-up sheet will be posted outside the Choral Rehearsal Room, UFA 143.
Auditionees will sign up for an audition time.
Jazz ensembles and Combo auditions
The audition will consist of a sight-reading excerpt and a tune of your choice.
If you’d like to be in a combo or soloist with the band, please plan to improvise in your audition. Backing tracks will be provided. Drums, piano, and guitar amps will be provided. Bassists, please plan to play acoustically.
Students that wish to audition must sign up for an audition time.