Auditions and Chair Placements
Concert Instrumental Ensemble Audition and Placement information
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Who needs to audition?
All instrumental music majors MUST play the audition materials, regardless of which band you wish to participate in.
Any non-music major who wishes to be placed in Symphonic Wind Ensemble.
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Who needs to do a chair placement?
Anyone who wishes to play in the Orchestra string section, University Band, and Symphony Band (and is not an instrumental music major).
If you are an instrumental music major, you are required to play the audition materials, regardless of the band you wish to participate in. You DO NOT need to play the chair placement requirements.
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How/where/when do you audition or play your chair placement?
We are asking everyone submit a video file by September 5.
After practicing, record a video of yourself playing the audition or chair placement music. Please include the following information in your video:
- Name
- Instrument
- Secondary Instrument (if you have one)
- Year in school
- Major/Minor
- Ensemble(s) you are auditioning for (or chair placement)
You can simply use your phone to create the video. You may practice and record yourself as many times as you wish, then submit the recording(s) you are most satisfied with.
- How to make a YouTube video
- Send the video link to Matthew Gregg, Director of Bands, at greggm@uwplatt.edu.
If you want to be in multiple ensembles and play different instruments in each of those ensembles, you will need to submit multiple videos (do not put a string chair placement and a Symphony Band tuba chair placement on same video, for example).
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Jazz
Audition and placement materials for Jazz 1, Pioneer Jazz Orchestra, and Jazz Combo
Thank you for your interest in the Pioneer Jazz Program. We will be auditioning for 2 large ensembles and a jazz combo on Thursday, Sept. 5 from Noon to 5 p.m. Our audition for large ensembles will consist of required material that is available on this page, sight reading which will be supplied at the audition, and improvisation on the tune Take the A Train. Take the A Train is required for auditioning for the jazz combo and Jazz 1 and optional for Pioneer Jazz Orchestra.
The sight-reading portion of the audition will be taken from the big band standard "Moten Swing" by the Count Basie Orchestra. I highly suggest you listen to recordings of that tune and try to play along with the main melodies to help familiarize yourself with the sight reading.
Anyone wishing to audition for Combo and Jazz 1 will also need to play the Ellington jazz standard, "Take the A Train". You can play this at any tempo you wish but I highly suggest you learn the melody by ear listening to any of the countless recordings available. (sheet music will NOT be provided! but accompaniment will be provided) Those wishing to audition for combo should be prepared to improvise a chorus or two on Take the A Train as well. Improvising is optional for everyone else. This (A Train) step is optional for auditioning for the Pioneer Jazz Orchestra.
If you have any questions, please contact David Cooper at cooperd@uwplatt.edu.
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Symphonic Wind Ensemble
Audition and placement materials for Symphonic Wind Ensemble
Please find audition material for your instrument below:
- Flute
- Oboe
- Clarinet
- Bass Clarinet
- Bassoon
- Saxophone
- Horn
- Trumpet
- Tenor Trombone
- Bass Trombone
- Euphonium
- Tuba
- Percussion*
* Percussionists
We realize that most of you do not have a set of timpani or any type of mallet instrument in your home! You may certainly record the snare drum portion using a practice pad, and if you happen to have all the instruments you need…go for it. If you do not have all the instruments, here are your options:
- Ask a band teacher in your city/town if you could have access to use their instruments and make the video.
- Wait until you get to campus and get access to the instruments there and make the video.
- Do a live audition (details on how to do this will be communicated later).
For questions, please contact Matt Gregg at greggm@uwplatt.edu.
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Symphony Band and University Band
Audition and placement materials for University Band and Symphony Band
Please find placement material for your instrument below:
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Symphony Orchestra