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: Large ensembles are open to all students and fulfill Silver Core 7 requirements for non-music majors. Music majors, students enrolled in applied instrumental lessons, and scholarship recipients are required to participate in a major ensemble. Auditions are blind. Candidates will be assigned a number and audition behind a screen on a first-come, first-served basis. Attend your instrument's assigned time; attend overflow/conflict slots only if necessary.
Ensembles:
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 Wind audition excerpts
For printed copies or accessibility accommodations, please email band@unr.edu.
For all auditioning for Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and Concert Winds (music majors, minors, and non-majors):
For non-majors/minors auditioning for Concert Winds only:
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.
DOWNLOAD REQUIRED STRINGS AUDITION EXCERPTS
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.