Auditions and Chair Placements

Concert Instrumental Ensemble Audition and Placement information

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

    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). 

  • Audition and placement materials for Jazz 1, Pioneer Jazz Orchestra, and Jazz Combo

    Anyone wishing to audition for Combo and Jazz 1 will also need to play the Gershwin jazz standard, "Summertime". You can play this in any key and 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) Summertime is optional for auditioning for the Pioneer Jazz Orchestra.

    Additional Information

    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. 8 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 Summertime in the key and tempo of your choice. Summertime is required for auditioning for the jazz combo and Jazz 1 and optional for Pioneer Jazz Orchestra. 

    Required excerpt "Strike Up The Band" by George Gershwin and "Just Friends" by John Klenner. 

    • Saxes play from measure 131–161 for SUTB and 41–65 for JF
    • Trumpets play from measure 131–161 for SUTB and 41–65 for JF
    • Trombones play from measures 131–161 for SUTB and 41–65 for JF
    • Piano play from measures 163 to the end for SUTB and 73–105 for JF
    • Bass play from measures 163 to the end for SUTB and 201–241 for JF
    • Drums play from measure 147–199 for SUTB and 289 to the end for JF
    • Guitar play from measures 49–67 for SUTB and 289 to the end for JF
    • Vibraphone/Xylophone play from measures 49–67 for SUTB and Guitar 289 to the end for JF

    The sight-reading portion of the audition will be taken from the big band standard "The Big Dipper" by Thad Jones. 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. 

    If you have any questions, please contact David Cooper at cooperd@uwplatt.edu. 

  • Audition and placement materials for Symphonic Wind Ensemble

    Please find audition material for your instrument below:

    * 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:

    1. Ask a band teacher in your city/town if you could have access to use their instruments and make the video.
    2. Wait until you get to campus and get access to the instruments there and make the video.
    3. Do a live audition (details on how to do this will be communicated later).

    For questions, please contact Matt Gregg at greggm@uwplatt.edu.

    1. Audition and placement materials for University Band

      Please find placement material for your instrument below:

    2. Audition and placement materials for Symphony Orchestra

      University of Wisconsin-Platteville will be conducting auditions occurring every semester for strings. These auditions will help determine where a student should be seated in each major concert cycle, as well as admission status into the ensemble for non-music majors and community members.

      What is a seating placement audition?

      A seating placement audition allows for Professor Maddaleno to place you within the orchestra where you will be challenged, learn, yet feel good and comfortable about your performance within the ensemble.

      • Arrive 15 minutes prior to your call time, and you may wait or warm up in a nearby practice room. Auditions may be running ahead or behind schedule, please be flexible.
      • Audition committee may ask at any point for you to replay an excerpt, with the possibility of asking for it differently (i.e., a bit faster, more articulated, etc.) You may not be asked to play all excerpts.

        Please find placement material for your instrument below:

        How do I prepare for an audition?

        Auditions can be stressful for even the most tenured musician, but the more experience you have with auditions, exams, concerts, and interviews, the easier future ones become.

        • Listen to reference recordings with your part or score in hand. All parts and scores can be found on IMSLP. Please check your audition packet for links to recordings and scores.
        • Start practicing now! Being well prepared will give you more calmness and confidence on the day of the auditions. Regular practice in smaller amounts is more effective than cramming the night before.
        • Get a full night's sleep, eat a healthy meal, and hydrate properly before your audition.
        • Double check your audition time, giving yourself time to travel, set up, warm up and get in the mental mindset. If you are unsure of the room location, you may visit the building prior to your audition to get your physical bearings.

        What if I'm nervous? How do I get in the mentality of performance?

        Being nervous is completely normal, and shows you care about doing your best. You can channel that nervous energy into focused energy by visualizing the audition or a performance beforehand, completing breathing exercises, doing light physical exercise, as well as asking your friends and teachers for tips. If you become overwhelmed, take a minute to breathe, and remind yourself that the committee is rooting for you to do your best, and excited for you to share your music.

        During the audition, breathe, smile, and have fun. This is your opportunity to share your musical story with us. No matter what happens, keep being present in the music and the moment.

        I just finished my audition, now what?

        Congratulations! You did it! Take 5-15 minutes to reflect and write down what went well and what could improve for next time. This reflection period will allow you to grow as a musician, future professional, and human.

        Once auditions are completed, an email will be sent to the orchestra as well as seating chart on the first day of rehearsals. Any questions may be referred to maddalenom@uwplatt.edu.