Large ensembles offer performance opportunities for both music majors and non-majors. Music majors and students enrolled in applied instrumental lessons or on a music scholarship must join a major ensemble, as required by the School of Music handbook. Auditions are open to all University students and can fulfill the Silver Core 7 requirement for non-music majors.
Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion Auditions: All wind and percussion sections for these ensembles will audition for Spring 2026. We will use an online video submission process. Videos will be accepted until Friday, Jan. 9, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. PST.
For printed copies or accessibility accommodations, please email band@unr.edu.
Prepare the following videos:
Music majors/minors: must complete two contrasting selections of your choosing for placement in Wind Ensemble, Concert Winds or Orchestra.
Any student on music scholarship: must complete two contrasting selections of your choosing for placement in Wind Ensemble, Concert Winds or Orchestra.
Non-music majors auditioning for Concert Winds only may choose one excerpt to complete.
These selections must be recorded after Dec. 1, 2025. 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 and the title and composer of the selection on each video.
Then, complete the following submission steps.
Ensemble announcements will be made prior to Jan. 16, 2026. We anticipate holding rehearsals during the first week of the semester. You will have until Friday, Jan. 26, 2026, to adjust your schedule based on your placement.
For other questions regarding the audition materials or preparation, please contact Spencer Hannibal-Smith, Operations Manager for University Bands at shannibalsmith@unr.edu.
Location: Hall Recital Hall (use the backstage entrance on the first floor of the University Fine Arts building)
Monday, Aug. 25, 2025
Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025
Auditions will be held the first few days of the semester. Auditionees will sign up for an audition time that suits their schedule. Contact Jason Altieri, Orchestra Conductor at jaltieri@unr.edu for details.
Fall 2025 auditions are closed. Please check back in the Spring 2026 semester for spring audition materials.
For printed copies or accessibility accommodations, please email band@unr.edu.
Ensembles available for students interested in singing at University of Nevada, Reno include the Chamber Chorale and the Concert Choir. Singers should sign up for a placement hearing which can also serve as an audition for Chamber Chorale if desired.
For more information see Auditions Process below and Ensemble Information. You can also contact Beth Gibbs, Ph.D., Director of Choral Activities at bgibbs@unr.edu.
Auditions will be held the first few days of the semester. Digital access to the audition sign-up sheet will be posted outside the Choral Rehearsal Room, UFA 143. If you are enrolled in an ensemble, you will receive this access via email.
For the audition, all students should prepare 16-measures of a solo to be sung a cappella. The song can be of any style and does not have to be memorized. Other elements of the audition include a range check, tonal memory exercises, and sight singing.
The audition will consist of a sight-reading excerpt and a tune of your choice. For more information contact Josh Reed, Jazz Area Coordinator at jreed23@unr.edu.
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.