Instrumental Auditions

Membership in all the concert bands is based on a live audition with a band director.

• If you are an incoming student, your audition should be completed BEFORE your new student conference so you can register for the correct class. The afternoon prior to you conference often works best for students traveling to campus.
• If you are a current TAMU student, your audition should be completed BEFORE you register for classes so you can register for the correct class.

To Audition:

1. Fill in the appropriate audition form: Wind Symphony, Symphonic Winds, Symphonic Band, Concert Band

(or you can email Mr. Brandon Laird at [email protected] )

2. You will be contacted by the director of the ensemble to set up an audition time at the Music Activities Center.
3. For the audition, you will need to select and perform material that includes two contrasting excerpts which exhibit both technical facility and lyrical qualities. Students should prepare approximately two minutes of each style. You will also sight-read a selection.*Percussion auditions consists of one excerpt each on Snare Drum, Mallet Percussion, and Timpani. You will also sight-read selections on all three instruments as part of the audition.*

You will be auditioning for multiple groups with one audition. Placement is based on openings in each group and audition performance.

To speak with a director by phone, please call our main number, 979.845.3529 and leave a message that includes your name, call back number, instrument played and what ensemble you are interested in. The appropriate director will call you back within 2 business days.

Membership in all the jazz ensembles is based on a live auditions with the director.

• If you are an incoming student, your audition should be completed BEFORE your new student conference so you can register for the correct class. The afternoon prior to you conference often works best for students traveling to campus.
• If you are a current TAMU student, your audition should be completed BEFORE you register for classes so you can register for the correct class.

1. Email the Director of Jazz Ensembles: Jazz Ensembles – [email protected]

2. You will be contacted by the director of the ensemble to set up an audition time at the Music Activities Center.

For the audition:

• • Wind players should prepare 4 Major scales in concert Bb, F, Eb and Ab through the comfortable range of the instrument. Students should prepare one medium swing tempo or faster selection and one ballad or Latin style selection. Students may use region jazz etudes, melodies from standard jazz tunes, or transcribed jazz solos that demonstrate style, musicality and technique on the instrument. For lead player auditions, one piece may be performed to a play along accompaniment to include improvisation.
  • Guitar / Piano players should prepare major scales covering the range of the instrument and demonstrate 4 basic chord types: major, minor, augmented, and diminished. Students should prepare 2 jazz tunes demonstrating melody and comping techniques in 2 contrasting jazz styles. One or both pieces may be performed to a play along accompaniment to include improvisation.
  • Bass players must be proficient reading bass music and chord progressions. Bass players should prepare major scales through the range of the instrument. Students should also prepare two choruses of a blues selection or one chorus of a 32 bar jazz standard utilizing walking quarter note bass lines. The audition will also include sight-reading a quarter note bass line and a more rhythmically challenging funk bass line.
  • Drummers should have some previous fundamental drum set experience or training. Students should be prepared to demonstrate specific drumming abilities for playing time and improvising fills in various styles of jazz music including medium or up–tempo swing, basic Latin, and rock or funk. The audition will also include sight-reading a simple big band style kick chart.
  • You will also receive a sight-reading selection via email very shortly before your audition time.

To speak with a director by phone, please call our regular number, 979.845.3529 and leave a message that includes your name, call back number, instrument played and what ensemble you are interested in. The appropriate director will call you back within 2 business days.

How Do I Audition?

Orchestra placement and seating are based on ability level. Auditions are typically held in the summer in conjunction with the New Student Conferences (NSC). It is usually best to schedule your audition the day before your NSC begins. To schedule an audition, fill out the following Audition Request Form.  

For the Audition… You will prepare two musical selections of your own choosing—one technical, one lyrical. Each selection should be about 2 minutes long. Most students will prepare a solo repertory piece or a region orchestra auditions etude they performed in high school. There will also be a short sight-reading piece. 

Note: To be considered for Chamber Orchestra, you will need to schedule your audition prior to August 1). 

For more information about Texas A&M University Orchestras, click here.