Brass: Trumpet, Euphonium, French Horn, Trombone, Tuba 

Woodwinds: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone 

Rhythm: Percussion (drum set/mallets/auxiliary), Keyboard, Guitar, Electric Bass

Other: Voice

The first half of the audition is Prepared Music. Wind instruments require at least 3 selections of contrasting styles/genres, not to exceed 5 minutes. This can include, but is not limited to: solo/concerto repertoire, orchestral/band excerpts, jazz/funk charts, chamber music, or anything else which demonstrates your abilities.  You should play the most difficult music that you can play well to achieve the highest score. If you aren’t sure what to prepare, we can help with suggestions. 

Rhythm instruments have slightly different requirements. Percussion requires at least 4 selections performed on a drum set with backing tracks. Keyboard requires at least 4 pieces: 1 or more on solo piano and at least 2 with backing tracks, preferably demonstrating non-piano sounds (organ, clav, synth, etc.). Guitar and bass requires at least 4 pieces with backing tracks. Vocal requires 3 to 6 selections with a microphone, sound system, and backing tracks. All rhythm section auditions require commercial music (Pop, Rock, Jazz, Blues, Latin, etc.) as a selection.

The second half of the audition is Quickly Prepared music. You will receive a packet of music to learn 24 hours before your audition time. Once you receive the music, you have until your audition time to prepare it. Read, listen to, and practice or whatever methods work best for you. This section is intended to more closely simulate a real-world scenario. 

Wind instruments have 6 excerpts, which vary by instrument but may include: concert band, chamber ensemble, simple meter march, compound meter march, swing, and commercial.   

Percussion has 8 selections, 2 drum set charts, 2 concert snare excerpts, 2 marching snare excerpts, and 2 mallet passages.  Keyboard, guitar, and bass have 5 selections, 3 with backing tracks, 2 without. Vocal has 4 karaoke-style pieces and 1 a cappella.   

We can provide a suggested reading list or some examples if needed to give an idea of what to expect. Contact the SGT Dupuis to get all the instrument-specific information you need.

The audition is graded using a rubric with 6 categories scored from 0-6 points, which add up to a total score with a maximum value of 36. The categories and performance criteria vary depending on the instrument. A score of at least 18 overall points is required to pass the audition to enter the band, except for oboe, bassoon, and voice which require a 24. Please contact SGT Ryan Dupuis to get the grading rubric for your specific instrument.