Brass + percussion audition info
All undergraduate applicants must apply to the 51勛圖厙 and complete a College of Music admission application. Undergraduate auditions will not be scheduled until both applications have been received. Graduate students need only complete the graduate application.
Undergraduate brass + percussion
Undergraduate application instructions泭
Graduate application instructions泭
Audition requirements
Audition material is flexible andwhile there is no required repertory listcandidates should choose works that demonstrate their very best in both technical and lyrical playing.
- 釦釵硃梭梗:泭C chromatic scale (two octaves)
- Solo:泭Two contrasting solos or movements from major solo literature (i.e. Haydn, Hummel, Arutunian, Hindemith, Kennan, Stevens, Enesco, etc.)
- Etudes:泭One to two泭etudes from Charlier, Arban, Bousquet, Brandt, Goldman, Bitsch, etc.
- Excerpts:泭Three to four泭standard orchestral excerpts
- It is strongly discouraged that candidates perform any region/all-state etudes.
If you have any questions about repertoire, please contact Ryan Gardner.
Applicants may choose to audition in-person or remotely. To audition remotely, applicants must complete both泭of泭the following:
- Submit a recording
- Register for a Zoom interview with faculty.
More information about the audition process and recording specifications can be found .
Essay prompt泭泭
A short music essay is required with your application. Upload the essay on your status page. Please choose one of the following prompts:泭泭
- Tell us why you would like to be a music major, describe your most powerful musical experience畝nd list your future goals as a musician. Comment on your musical background and share anything else you would like us to know.泭
- Music lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity. -Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference?泭
Degree sheets
Undergraduate application instructions泭
Graduate application instructions泭.
Audition requirements
Trombone
- Major sacles in 2 octaves
- Two contrasting etudes to be selected from Bordogni, Blazhevich, Fink, Kopprasch, etc. One etude should demonstrate technical ability and the other should demonstrate lyrical and expressive qualities. A technical and lyrical standard orchestral excerpt may be substituted for required etudes. Applicants who are interested in the Jazz Emphasis should submit a jazz etude or improvisation.
- Solo or single movement of students choice, to be selected from:
詁硃娶硃喧Andante et Allegro
詁梭硃堝堯梗措勳釵堯Concert Piece No. 5
勞娶棗紳餃硃堯梭Concerto (mvt. 1)
勞喝勳梭鳥硃紳喧Morceau Symphonique
The above list demonstrates the performance level expected for undergraduate study; other works of similar difficulty may be substituted. Applicants are encouraged to include works by under-represented, diverse composers as appropriate.
Bass trombone
- Major scales in 2 octaves
- Two contrasting etudes to be selected from Bordogni, Blazhevich, Fink, Kopprasch, etc. One etude should demonstrate technical ability泭and the other should demonstrate lyrical and expressive qualities. A technical and lyrical standard orchestral excerpt may be substituted for required etudes. Applicants who are interested in the Jazz Emphasis should submit a jazz etude or improvisation.
- Solo or single movement of students choice, to be selected from:
勞硃梭梭勳硃娶餃Six Sonatas (contrasting movements from one sonata)
斑硃釵棗莉Cameos (selected movements)
郭梗莉梗餃梗措Concerto in One Movement
紼硃娶釵梗梭梭棗Sonatas (contrasting movements from one sonata)
紼釵唬硃娶喧聆Sonata
The above list demonstrates the performance level expected for undergraduate study; other works of similar difficulty may be substituted. Applicants are encouraged to include works by under-represented, diverse composers.
Piano accompaniment is optional.
Applicants may choose to audition in-person or remotely. To audition remotely, applicants must complete both泭of泭the following:
- Submit a recording
- Register for a Zoom interview with faculty.
More information about the audition process and recording specifications can be found .
Essay prompt泭泭
A short music essay is required with your application. Upload the essay on your status page. Please choose one of the following prompts:泭泭
- Tell us why you would like to be a music major, describe your most powerful musical experience畝nd list your future goals as a musician. Comment on your musical background and share anything else you would like us to know.泭
- Music lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity. -Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference?泭
Degree sheets
Undergraduate application instructions泭
Graduate application instructions泭.
Audition requirements
Where possible, you are encouraged to include works by historically underrepresented composers in your audition repertoire. Find compendiums and resources from the泭,泭泭and 51勛圖厙s very own泭American Music Research Center.
- 紼棗堝硃娶喧concerto of choice (K. 412, K. 417, K. 447 or K.495), mvmt. 1 exposition
- Contrasting solo work of choice
- Orchestral excerpts (please choose three excerpts from the list below. Excerpts may be downloaded from泭):
- 詁梗梗喧堯棗措梗紳Symphony No. 3, Mvmt. 3 Trio, Hn. 2泭
- 詁梗梗喧堯棗措梗紳Symphony No. 7, Mvmt. 1
- 詁娶硃堯鳥莽Symphony No. 3, Mvmt. 3 Hn. 1
- 紼喝莽莽棗娶眶莽域聆/賊硃措梗梭Pictures at an Exhibition, Promenade, Hn. 1
- 捩娶勳釵梗Symphony No. 1, Mvmt. 3 (Juba Dance) Hn. 1
- 賊硃措梗梭Pavane for a Dead Princess, Hn. 1
- 釦堯棗莽喧硃域棗措勳釵堯Symphony 5, Mvmt. 1 Hn. 1
- R. StraussDon Juan, Hn. 1泭
- 啦釵堯硃勳域棗措莽域聆Symphony No. 4, Mvmt. 1 Hn. 1 and 2
- 兜勳梭梭勳硃鳥莽Star Wars Suite: 2. 泭Princess Leias Theme
Applicants may choose to audition in-person or remotely. To audition remotely, applicants must complete both泭of泭the following:
- Submit a recording
- Register for a Zoom interview with faculty.
If you choose to submit a recorded audition, please complete the requirements for the live audition above. Each component of the recording should be unedited, but the final recording may be a compilation of your best version of each requirement.
More information about the audition process and recording specifications can be found .
Essay prompt泭泭
A short music essay is required with your application. Upload the essay on your status page. Please choose one of the following prompts:泭泭
- Tell us why you would like to be a music major, describe your most powerful musical experience畝nd list your future goals as a musician. Comment on your musical background and share anything else you would like us to know.泭
- Music lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity. -Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference?泭
Degree sheets
Undergraduate application instructions泭
Graduate application instructions泭.
Audition requirements
- Solo work (accompaniment optional)
- Two contrasting solos or etudes, or one piece with contrasting sections. One piece should demonstrate technical ability and the other should highlight lyrical and expressive qualities. Solos should be performed with piano accompaniment if possible (An accompanist can be provided with adequate notice for live auditions by contacting Professor Dunn).
- This repertoire may be selected from the following list (but is not limited to):
- Tuba
- Arnold, Malcolm Fantasy, Op. 102泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭 泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭
- Hartley, Walter S.Suite for Unaccompanied Tuba
- Bach, J.S., arr. Wm. BellAir and Bouree泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭 泭泭泭泭泭泭泭 泭泭泭泭
- Hindemith, PaulSonata for Bass Tuba
- Barat, J. Edouard, arr. Glen SmithIntroduction +泭Dance 泭泭
- Lebedev, Alexi; arr. Allen OstranderConcerto in One Movement
- Broughton, BruceSonata (Concerto)泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭 泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭
- Marcello, Benedetto; trans. Little/NelsonSonata No. I in F
- Capuzzi, Antonio; trans. CatelinetAndante and Rondo
- Marcello, Benedetto; trans. Little/NelsonSonata No. V in C
- Gregson, EdwardConcerto, mvt. 1泭泭泭 泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭
- Nelhybel, VaclavSuite for Tuba and Piano
- Haddad, DonSuite for Tuba 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭
- Vaughan Williams, RalphConcerto for Tuba
- Euphonium
- Barat, Ed.Andante and Allegro 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭泭
- Guillmant, A.Morceau Symphonique
- Capuzzi, A.Andante and Rondo 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭
- Marcello, B.Sonata in F Major
- Curnow, J.Rhapsody for Euphonium 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭
- Mozart, W.Bassoon Concerto
- Tuba
- Etude
- An etude of your choice that demonstrates tone, musicianship泭and technique. The etude may be selected from the following list (but is not limited to):
- Tuba
- Blazhevich泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭
- Kopprasch泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭
- Bordogni/Rochut泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭
- Shoemaker泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭
- Fink泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭
- Tyrell泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭
- Gregoriev泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭
- Euphonium
- Bordogni/Rochut泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭泭
- Slama
- Kopprasch 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭 泭
- Voxman
- Tuba
Applicants may choose to audition in-person or remotely. To audition remotely, applicants must complete both泭of泭the following:
- Submit a recording
- Register for a Zoom interview with faculty.
More information about the audition process and recording specifications can be found .
Essay prompt泭泭
A short music essay is required with your application. Upload the essay on your status page. Please choose one of the following prompts:泭泭
- Tell us why you would like to be a music major, describe your most powerful musical experience畝nd list your future goals as a musician. Comment on your musical background and share anything else you would like us to know.泭
- Music lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity. -Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference?泭
Degree sheets
Undergraduate application instructions泭
Graduate application instructions泭.
Audition requirements泭for performance (BM) +泭music education (BME) majors
All auditionees are required to audition on Snare Drum and Mallets and match pitches by singing. You do not have to be an expert on all percussion but must demonstrate a strong musical background on both snare drum and mallets. However, the more instruments you play well, the higher we will rank you.涅f you have questions, please don't hesitate to email us.泭
In-person percussion auditions are typically 20 minutes. During that time you must play the three required areas (noted below) and read music. You may also play along with the instructors. Please prepare music accordingly.泭
Applicants may choose to audition in-person or remotely. To audition remotely, applicants must complete both泭of泭the following:
- Submit a recording
- Register for a Zoom interview with faculty.
More information about the audition process and recording specifications can be found .
Snare drum - REQUIRED*泭It has four components: rudiments, a rudimental solo, a concert etude and the concert roll
- Play these rudiments in a slow-fast-slow fashion: Single paradiddles, double paradiddles, nine stroke rolls, seven stroke rolls and alternating flams.泭Start at a slow tempo, then accelerate the rudiment to your fastest speed, hold it for five seconds and then decelerate to the original speed. Each rudiment lasts around 25-30 seconds. Smoothly flowing motion and accents are important.
These sites may help:- ,
- One rudimental solo from these books by Charles Wilcoxon: The All-American Drummer泭棗娶 Modern Rudimental Swing Solos. They do not have to be fast, but they should be smooth, without stopping.
- One concert snare drum etude, including multiple-bounce rolls & dynamic control from Anthony Cirones Portraits in Rhythm.
- Demonstrate a concert (multiple bounce) roll--start softly, crescendo to forte, then decrescendo to a soft, smooth roll. This process should last around 20 seconds.泭
Mallets - REQUIRED*泭 Marimba and/or vibraphone is fine.泭Both components are required.泭
- Play the Eb, Ab, A and E major scales for one octave, up and down. You may also play chord arpeggios or minor scales if you want, but these are not required.
- Play solo(s) OR etude(s) from a book for at least three minutes in total length which demonstrate your expressive musicianship.
- You can play two or four mallet pieces, accompanied or unaccompanied, --or a combination! We listen above all for your intelligent musical expression.泭
Your teacher can help choose solos. Consider works by Mitchell Peters, Bill Molenhof, J.S. Bach, Earl Hatch, G. F Handel, G. H. Green, Bart Quartier泭棗娶 Dale Anderson.泭Steve Weiss Music泭棗娶 your local music dealer has these and other good mallet works.
Timpani - You must match pitch by singing but the etude is optional. Both components are required.
- Demonstrate the ability to match pitch with your voice by playing the note Eb on a piano or marimba or vibes and then singing it. Then play G and sing it. Then play and sing the note A.
- Play a two-drum etude from the Goodman, Delecluse or Peters timpani methods (or similar material). Please tune the drums while recording. You may play a three or four drum etude if you wish. Please "lift" the tone out of the drums.泭
If you do not have access to timpani for a recorded audition, that's OK. You do not have to play timpani for your audition (but you will sing for us).
OPTIONAL CHOICES:泭Playing one or more of these options will show us your personal skills. Play one, none, or as many as you wish.泭泭
Drum set (optional)
- Play drum patterns or beats, with some 'fills" (Choose from these styles: swing, samba, bossa-nova, rock, funk, waltz, praise band, shuffle, etc.).
- In a medium swing style, "trade fours with yourself" (also possible: A short written-out or transcribed solo.)
Jazz vibes泭(棗梯喧勳棗紳硃梭)
- Demonstrate knowledge of basic jazz scales and 7th chords or chord progressions
Degree sheets
Audition requirements for Bachelor of Arts majors (BA)
You may audition on just one instrument or several instruments.泭
Choose from any combination of these instruments:泭Marching Percussion, Concert Snare Drum, Drum Set, Marimba/Vibraphone, Timpani泭and/or Jazz Vibraphone.泭
Percussion auditions are typically 20 minutes. During that time you must play your selected area(s) and read music.泭Live auditions (in-person and virtual)泭may also include playing along with the instructors.
A. Marching percussionall components
- If you played snare, timpani, quints (quads) marimba or vibraphone in a high school, DCI, WGI or other marching group, send us a copy of your best recorded performance with them. Be sure to tell us where you are in the video. You must be audible.
- Play your show's marching solo (or group solo part) for us in either a live audition or in a video recording.
- Do an interview with the percussion faculty (in person or virtual) about your musical activities and plans.
B.泭Concert snare drumboth components: Rudiments + a concert etude
- Play these rudiments in a slow-fast-slow fashion: single paradiddles, nine stroke rolls, alternating flams. Start at a slow tempo, then accelerate the rudiment to your fastest speed, hold it there for five seconds and then decelerate to the original speed. Each rudiment lasts around 20-25 seconds. Smoothly flowing motion and accents are important.泭
泭泭泭 - One concert snare drum etude that includes multiple-bounce rolls, flams & dynamic control from Anthony Cirones Portraits in Rhythm.
C. Drum setall components
- Play at least four drum patterns or beats, with some 'fills" (Choose from these styles: swing, samba, bossa-nova, rock, funk, waltz, praise band, shuffle, etc.).
- In a medium swing style, "trade fours with yourself" (OPTIONAL: A short written-out, improvised or transcribed solo.)
- Send us a recording or several recordings of you playing drum set in a live group performance. It can be a school jazz band or combo, a church praise band, any group you've played with, even a marching band. BUT you must be clearly seen, heard and identified in the recording.泭
D. Classical marimba and/or vibraphoneboth components
- Play four major scales with at least 2 sharps or flats for one octave, up and down. You may also play chord arpeggios or minor scales if you want, but these are not required.
- Play solo(s) or etude(s) for at least two minutes in total length which demonstrate your expressive musicianship and accuracy. These may include popular songs or even concert band, percussion ensemble or orchestra parts
A teacher can help choose solos. Steve Weiss Music or a local music store has good mallet solos. If you wish, you may play music written for other instruments like flute or oboe.泭
You can play two-mallet or four-mallet pieces, accompanied or unaccompanied, or a combination! We listen most for your intelligent musical expression.
E. Timpaniboth components
- Demonstrate pitch matching with your voice by playing the note Eb on a piano or marimba or vibes and then singing it. Then play G and sing it. Then play and sing the note A.
- Play a two-drum etude from the Goodman, Delecluse or Peters timpani methods (or similar material).You will tune the drums yourself. Please "lift" the tone out of the drums. You may play a three or four drum etude if you wish.泭
F. Jazz vibesboth components
- Demonstrate knowledge of basic jazz scales up and down AND 7th chords and chord progressions from standard tunes by playing them in arpeggios or block, four-mallet chords.
- Play an improvised solo (of at least one chorus) on a jazz tune. This may be a live performance for or with us, a studio or live recording with a group, or an unaccompanied solo.
Essay prompt泭泭
A short music essay is required with your application. Upload the essay on your status page. Please choose one of the following prompts:泭泭
- Tell us why you would like to be a music major, describe your most powerful musical experience畝nd list your future goals as a musician. Comment on your musical background and share anything else you would like us to know.泭
- Music lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity. -Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference?泭
Degree sheets
Brass + percussionGraduate
Graduate trumpet applicant requirements
Pre-screening recording
A pre-screening video is required for all graduate trumpet applicants.
Required repertoire (pre-screening recording only)
- One movement of a standard concerto or sonata or five to eight minutes from a single-movement work
- One contrasting piece (solo or etude) from the trumpet literature
- Two standard orchestral excerpts
It is important that you record these selections with a high-quality microphone. If you would like to include other pieces of your choice, these will be listened to. Please feel free to submit supporting materials such as a resume or biography but these are not required.
All pre-screening recordings must be submitted online to the泭泭on or before泭December 1. Students are encouraged to upload supporting materials along with their recordings.
Live auditions
Students invited to the in-person auditions will be notified of their acceptance to the auditions by late December.
For the most part, audition material is flexible.泭Candidates should choose works that demonstrate their very best in both technical and lyrical playing.泭Works by diverse composers are encouraged.
Required repertoire (live auditions泭only)
- Honegger泭Intrada泭(MM and DMA applicants), and one contrasting solo from the trumpet literature (MM applicants) or two additional contrasting works including a full concerto (DMA applicants)
- Two etudesselect from Charlier, Bitsch, Smith Top Tones, etc.
- Three standard excerpts
- One excerpt from the following: Bach泭B Minor Mass泭(Credo, m. 29-47), Bach泭Christmas Oratorio泭(No. 64, m. 1-12), Bach泭Magnificat泭(opening) or Mussorgsky/Ravel泭Pictures at an Exhibition泭(Goldenberg and Schmuyle)
- Sight reading:泭Technical (no transposition) and Lyrical (with transposition)
- DMA candidates should be prepared to play for 30 minutes.
Live auditions are泭strongly泭preferred. Students who are unable to travel to 51勛圖厙 for a live audition may submit a high-quality recorded audition. Please see the泭recorded audition guidelines泭for information on submitting a recording.
A live audition is required to qualify for Teaching Assistantships.泭Applicants unable to travel for a live audition should contact Dr. Ryan Gardner. Requirements for a recorded audition are identical to a live audition. Editing within a movement is prohibited. Any indication of editing may disqualify the candidate from admission. The recording (audio/video) must be in a digital format with high quality audio. Please note that while recorded auditions will be given consideration, the best demonstration of your musical ability is through a live audition.泭 Recorded auditions will not be considered for merit-based financial aid.
If the candidate has any questions about repertoire, please contact Dr. Ryan Gardner.
Artist Diploma auditions
For information on auditioning on trumpet for the Artist Diploma program, see the documents below
- Artist Diploma in Solo Performance
- Artist Diploma in Chamber Music Performance
- Artist Diploma in Orchestral Performance
Graduate degree sheets
Graduate trombone audition requirements
A pre-screening recording is required for all graduate trombone applicants.
Pre-screening repertoire
10-15 minutes of music (solo, excerpts, and/or etudes). Pre-screening material can be from the live audition lists, or material of equivalent difficulty.
Live auditions
Tenor trombone
- Solo work(s)
- Two contrasting etudes from the trombone literature (Bordogni, Blazhevich, Kopprash, etc.)
- Three contrasting orchestral excerpts
- Sight reading
- DMA candidates should be prepared to perform 30 minutes of music.
The following list demonstrates the performance level expected for graduate study.泭Other works of similar difficulty may be substituted. Applicants are encouraged to select repertoire from under-represented composers as appropriate.
- BarfieldRed Sky
- BernofskyTwo Latin Dances
- 詁棗堝堝硃B硃梭梭硃餃梗
- 唬硃莽喧梗娶梗餃梗S棗紳硃喧勳紳梗
- 楚滄硃堝梗紳S棗紳硃喧硃
- 勞娶棗紳餃硃堯梭C棗紳釵梗娶喧棗
- 斑硃釵棗莉C棗紳釵梗娶喧棗
- MillsRed Dragonfly
- PeasleeArrows of Time
- RopartzPiece in E-flat minor
Orchestral excerpts: Please select three excerpts from the following list:
- MozartTuba Mirum from Requiem
- BerliozHungarian March
- WagnerRide of the Valkyries
- 賊硃措梗梭B棗梭梗娶棗
- RossiniLa gazza ladra
- RossiniWilliam Tell
- SaintSaensSymphony No. 3 (organ)
- MahlerSymphony No. 3
- BrahmsSymphony No. 1 or No. 4
Optional material: Please feel free to include other material that demonstrates your performance abilitiesjazz, contrasting etudes, unaccompanied literature, etc.
Bass trombone
- Solo work(s)
- Two contrasting etudes from the trombone literature (Bordogni, Blazhevich, Kopprash, etc.)
- Three contrasting orchestral excerpts
- Sight reading
- DMA candidates should be prepared to perform 30 minutes of music.
The following list demonstrates the performance level expected for graduate study (other works of similar difficulty may be substituted).
- BozzaNew Orleans
- CandillariExtremely Close
- CasteredeFantasie Concertante
- Defaye/KnaubDeux Danses
- KoetsierAllegro Maestoso
- LebedevConcerto in One Movement
- 紼勳梭梭莽C硃喧堯硃娶莽勳莽
- 釦梯勳梭梭鳥硃紳C棗紳釵梗娶喧棗
- WhiteTetra Ergon
- WilbornJazz Triptych
汰rchestral Excerpts: Please select three from the following list:
- BeethovenSymphony No. 9
- HaydnThe Creation
- BerliozHungarian March
- WagnerRide of the Valkyries
- WagnerEntry of the Gods into Valhalla
- SchumannSymphony No. 3 (Rhenish)
- RespighiFountains of Rome
- RossiniWilliam Tell
Optional material: Please feel free to include other material that demonstrates your performance abilitiesjazz, contrasting etudes, unaccompanied literature etc.
Recorded auditions
Live auditions are strongly preferred. A recorded audition (live performance or studio recording) may be submitted in place of a live audition. Please see the recorded audition guidelines for information on submitting a recording.
A live audition is required to qualify for Teaching Assistantships. Applicants unable to travel for a live audition should contact their respective faculty member directly. Requirements for a recorded audition are identical to a live audition. Editing within a movement is prohibited. Any indication of editing may disqualify the candidate from admission. The recording (audio/video) must be in a digital format with high quality audio. 沌lease note that while recorded auditions will be given full consideration, the best demonstration of your musical ability is through a live audition.
Artist Diploma auditions
For information on auditioning on trombone or bass trombone for the Artist Diploma program, see the documents below:
- Artist Diploma in Chamber Music Performance (tenor trombone)
- Artist Diploma in Orchestral Performance (tenor trombone and bass trombone)
Graduate degree sheets
Graduate horn applicant requirements
A pre-screening recording is required for all graduate horn applicants
Pre-screening recording requirements
Repertoire
- 紼棗堝硃娶喧Concerto K.419 or K.495 (exposition only)
- Contrasting solo or etude of choice
- The following orchestral excerpts (in the following order in one continuous take):
- R. StraussTill Eulenspiegel, opening horn 1
- 詁娶硃堯鳥莽Symphony 3, mvmt. 3, horn 1
- 釦堯棗莽喧硃域棗措勳釵堯Symphony 5, mvmt., horn 1low tutti
- WagnerShort call from Gotterdammerung
Note: Each component of the recording should be without edit, but the final recording may be a compilation of your best version of each requirement
Live auditions
Materials from pre-screening may be replicated for the live audition.
Repertoire
- Mozart Concerto of your choice (movement 1). Please be prepared to explain a connection between your Mozart selection and your solo work of choice.
- A contrasting solo work of the applicants choice
- The following excerpts:
- 詁梗梗喧堯棗措梗紳Symphony 6, movement 3, horn 1
- 詁娶硃堯鳥莽Symphony 3, movement 3, horn 1
- 釦堯棗莽喧硃域棗措勳釵堯Symphony 5, mvmt. 1 (horn 1low tutti)
- R. StraussEin Heldenleben, opening, horn 1
- Three additional excerpts of the applicants choice
Where possible, you are encouraged to include works by historically underrepresented composers in your audition repertoire. Find compendiums and resources from the , 泭and 51勛圖厙s very own American Music Research Center.
A live audition is required to qualify for Teaching Assistantships.
Graduate degree sheets
Graduate tuba + euphonium applicants audition requirements
Pre-screening recording
Pre-screening recordings are not required for all graduate tuba/euphonium applicants.
Live auditions
Applicants should prepare a full recital. Recital repertoire should represent multiple styles (i.e. Baroque transcriptions, Classical Period, any appropriate sonatas and/or concerti from the 20th/21st centuries, unaccompanied work). All literature should be well considered for the particular degree plan you wish to enter. The audition selections will be chosen from the recital repertoire.
Four or five excerpts from the major orchestral and band literature. Typical first and/or second round selections are acceptable for both tubists and euphoniumists. Please have at least four or five ready to go. Tubists should demonstrate their proficiency on both the bass and contrabass tubas. If the applicant doubles on euphonium and wishes to include it as part of their audition, the applicant should select repertoire based on experience.
Most graduate-level auditions will have a sight-reading component as well. The literature will be selected from both familiar and unfamiliar repertoire.
Recorded auditions
Live auditions are strongly preferred. A recorded audition (live performance or studio recording) may be submitted in place of a live audition. Please see the recorded audition guidelines for information on submitting a recording.
A live audition is required to qualify for Teaching Assistantships. Applicants unable to travel for a live audition should contact their respective faculty member directly. Requirements for a recorded audition are identical to a live audition. Editing within a movement is prohibited. Any indication of editing may disqualify the candidate from admission. The recording (audio/video) must be in a digital format with high quality audio.
Please note that while recorded auditions will be given full consideration, the best demonstration of your musical ability is through a live audition.
Graduate degree sheets
Graduate percussion applicants audition requirements
A pre-screening recording is required for all graduate percussion applicants.
MM pre-screening repertoire
Repertoire will be updated by August 2025.泭 For questions, please contact Associate Teaching Professor Michael Tetrault.泭
A cumulative 3.0 GPA in undergraduate work is required for Merit Based Aid consideration for MM泭Percussion applicants
DMA suggested pre-screening repertoire
Repertoire will be updated by August 2025.泭 For questions, please contact Associate Teaching Professor Michael Tetrault.泭
Live auditions
Students invited to the in-person auditions will be notified of their acceptance to the auditions on or before Jan. 15. Auditions are held in 30-minute time slots, accommodating time for the formal audition, a follow-up interview and a mini-lesson.
Because the audition time is short, you should prepare your selections extremely well, rather than prepare a complete recital program. Memorization is encouraged, but auditions泭will include sight-reading on snare drum and marimba.
We want to see how musically and confidently you can play. The live auditions do not have specific repertoire requirements.泭Please play snare drum, mallets (marimba,泭vibes, and/or xylophone)泭and more.泭Show us your best performance of music to your taste. You may play drum set, jazz improv., orchestral excerpts, multi-perc. set-ups, timpani, hand drums, and jazz or classical transcriptions, etc.泭
Recorded auditions
Live auditions are泭strongly泭preferred. A high quality recording may be substituted if travel distance/cost is prohibitive. Please announce at the beginning of the recording your name and repertoire selections.泭Please see the泭recorded audition guidelines泭for information on submitting a recording.泭泭泭泭泭
A live audition is required to qualify for merit based aid.
Requirements for a recorded audition are identical to a live audition. Editing within a movement is prohibited. Any indication of editing may disqualify the candidate from admission. The recording must be in a digital format with high quality audio. Please note that while recorded auditions will be given full consideration, the best demonstration of your musical ability is through a live audition.