Ensemble Audition Information

Fall 2026 Symphonic Band Auditions/Instructions:

Audition music for Fall 2026 has been posted below.  Please prepare the excerpts for your instrument.  At this point, it has not been determined if auditions will be “LIVE” or video recorded.  More information will be posted later in July. 

All woodwind, brass, and percussion music majors MUST complete an audition in order to be considered for the Symphonic Band.

Additional information:

Sight-reading WILL be included in this set of auditions. 

Scales should be performed in a consistent manner regarding articulation, rhythm and with a steady tempo. Play all scales two or more octaves if possible.  This helps the faculty to assess your tone, pitch control, and technique in all registers. 

Students wishing to play piccolo, bass clarinet, tenor saxophone or baritone saxophone will have an opportunity to indicate their interest on the audition form.  All clarinets will audition on B-flat soprano clarinet and those wishing to also audition on bass clarinet may do so.   All saxophones will audition on alto saxophone. Assignments for piccolo, tenor and baritone saxophone will be made in consultation with Dr. Alvarez, Dr. Cipolla, the student, and the ensemble conductors.

All auditions will be evaluated by your studio teacher, Dr. Schallert, and Dr. McCurry.

Additional Questions?  Contact Dr. Schallert at gary.schallert@wku.edu

 

 

 

Flute/Piccolo	Oboe	Bassoon	Clarinet
Bass Clarinet	Saxophone	Horn	Trumpet
Trombone	Bass-Trombone	Euphonium	Tuba
Percussion

 

AUDITION INFORMATION

 

        Auditions:               Auditions for the 2025-26 season will take place on MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 -or- THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25.

 

                 Time:               Auditions Begin at 6:00p and continue until there are no auditionees in line.

 

          Location:               WKU Music Hall (Meet in Upper Lobby)

 

               Class:               MUS 377 – SPRING 2026

                           You MUST register for the class in Spring 2025 to be eligible for pep band.

                           This is a bi-semester class beginning in October and continuing through March.

 

Audition Requirements             
• Two Major Scales of Your Choice (memorized)
         Choose from (concert pitch):  Bb, Eb, Ab, F, or C

• Prepared Piece

 

            Sign-up:               First Come, First Serve in Audition Rooms, show up at 6:00p

 

PreparedPieces:
Prepared pieces can be found at the following link.  CLICK HERE

               *If you are auditioning for Trumpet/Trombone 1, you must audition on the Trumpet/Trombone 1 Part.
               *All other parts will be assigned following auditions.

                                      

                                       DRUMSET AUDITIONS – Please prepare the following:

• Fight Song
• Two in the Middle
• Examples of the following styles (listening examples in parenthesis):
  • Latin Groove (Oye Como Va)
• Hard / Fast Rock (The Pretender) (Land of 1000 Dances)
• Slow Rock (Bully)
• Swing/Shuffle (Sweet Caroline)
• Fast Rock – Halftime – Fast Rock Sequence
• Your best “rock-out” drum set feature that will show your ability to fill

 

 

Spirit Pep Band members will be compensated for each game played. Splitting of the Spirit Pep Band will be determined once auditions have been completed.  Selected members will receive $30 per game in which they performed.  Travel opportunities are unknown at this time; however, a point system will be in place to determine travel eligibility should we be given the opportunity.  More information will be provided in the course syllabus. 

 

Questions? Contact Dr. McCurry – matthew.mccurry@wku.edu

Please visit the DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC website for up-to-date information regarding audition days and requirements.

WKU Department of Music

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