Fall 2026 Concert Ensemble Audition Information

Dear Instrumental Student,

We hope you are enjoying the summer and looking forward to the fall semester at Missouri State University. As we prepare for the upcoming year, we would like you to be aware of the audition procedures for the MSU instrumental ensembles. Learning to audition is an important part of the educational process for every music student. In order for you to maximize this opportunity, we expect you to prepare the audition material to the best of your ability. Please be aware that part assignments and seating for the year will largely be based on the results of these fall auditions.

Auditions will be heard by the instrumental conducting faculty and applicable studio faculty; this process makes alternative audition times difficult to schedule. If it is impossible for you to make the assigned instrumental block, an approval must be made in advance of the audition day. Saturday make-up audition times must be approved in advance. Auditions at the end of the fall semester will be held primarily for those openings created by graduation or student teaching. However, in sections where fall auditions are extremely competitive, the conductors may require a new audition for the spring semester.

Placement and part assignments for the following ensembles will be determined by the conductors and studio faculty. If you are unable to participate in the ensemble that you are placed into, you will not be moved to another ensemble.

• Symphony Orchestra (TTh 3:00-4:50pm)
• Wind Ensemble (MWF 2:00-3:15pm)
• Wind Symphony (TThF 2:00-3:15pm)

 All music majors must participate in a large ensemble each semester of their degree program.

We are very excited about the upcoming academic year. As always, if you have any questions, or if we can be of service in any way, feel free to contact one of us. Enjoy the rest of the summer!

Brad Snow, Director of Bands

Yi-Ping Chen, Director of Orchestral Studies

Matthew Boswell, Associate Director of Bands

GENERAL INFORMATION

Auditions are held for all students who wish to perform in a concert ensemble during the fall semester (Wind Ensemble, University Symphony and Wind Symphony).  Descriptions for each ensemble are available on the respective ensemble pages. Below is the necessary information regarding audition times and audition material. If you have questions, please email Dr. Snow. 

SIGN UP FOR AUDITION TIME

All students must sign up for an audition time during the assigned instrumental block.

Brass, Woodwind and Percussion: Online sign-up will be available from August 1-9. After August 9, you will need to stop by the Band Office in Wehr Band Hall to signup.

Print and bring this Student Information Form with you to your audition.

AUDITION TIMES (Brass, Woodwind & Percussion)

AUDITION MATERIAL

Please prepare all excerpts to the best of your ability. If you are unable to perform an excerpt at the indicated metronome marking, please play at a tempo that you can be successful. Recordings for all excerpts can be found online via a simple google or youtube search.

Students will audition with two exercises (lyrical and technical).

• Flute Audition Excerpts
• Oboe Audition Excerpts
• Bassoon Audition Excerpts
• Clarinet Audition Excerpts  (All clarinet players must audition on B-flat clarinet.  If you are interested in playing bass clarinet, you'll also need to sign-up for a bass clarinet audition.)
• Bass Clarinet Audition Excerpts 
• Saxophone Audition Excerpts (All saxes audition on alto.)
• Horn Audition Excerpts
• Trumpet Audition Excerpts
• Trombone Audition Excerpts
• Bass Trombone Audition Excerpts
• Euphonium Audition Excerpts
• Tuba Audition Excerpts
• Percussion Audition Excerpts

QUESTIONS

If you have questions regarding excerpts or the audition process for Brass, Woodwinds or Percussion, please email Dr. Snow.