Fall 2023 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 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 in and part assignments for the following ensembles will be determined by the upcoming auditions.

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

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

Christopher Kelts, 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. Online sign-up is available from August 1-13. Beginning August 14, you will need to stop by the Band Office in Wehr Band Hall to sign up. 

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

AUDITION MATERIAL

All wind and percussion students will be utilizing provided audition excerpts, in most cases there are two contrasting excerpts.

AUDITION TIMES

Instrument Audition Date & Time Select Audition Appointment
Double Reeds Wednesday 8/16 -- 11:30am-12:00pm Sign up at the Band Office in Wehr
Flutes Wednesday 8/16 -- 12:00-1:30pm Sign up at the Band Office in Wehr
Clarinets Wednesday 8/16 -- 1:30-3:00pm Sign up at the Band Office in Wehr
Saxophones Wednesday 8/16 -- 5:15-6:15pm Sign up at the Band Office in Wehr
Low Brass Thursday 8/17 -- 11:30am-2:00pm Sign up at the Band Office in Wehr
Trumpets Thursday 8/17 -- 2:00-3:30pm Sign up at the Band Office in Wehr
Horns Thursday 8/17 -- 5:15-6:15pm Sign up at the Band Office in Wehr
Percussion Saturday 8/19 -- 1:00-2:30pm Sign up at the Band Office in Wehr
Make up (if needed & with approval) Saturday 8/19 -- 11:00am-12:00pm

 (must be approved before scheduling)

Sign up at the Band Office in Wehr

AUDITION EXCERPTS