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*, Production Technician*

*Some instruments/skills have special or particular audition/score requirements. See the Rubric section below or contact us for more details.

The first half of the audition is prepared music. Wind instruments require at least three selections of contrasting styles/genres, not to exceed five (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 four selections performed on a drum set with backing tracks. Keyboard requires at least four pieces: one or more on solo piano and at least two with backing tracks, preferably demonstrating non-piano sounds (organ, clavinet, synthesizer, etc.). Guitar and bass players should prepare at least four pieces performed with backing tracks. Vocal requires three to six selections performed with 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 receive six excerpts, which vary by instrument but may include: concert band, chamber ensemble, simple meter march, compound meter march, swing, and commercial.   

Percussionists receive eight selections, two drum set charts, two concert snare excerpts, two marching snare excerpts, and two mallet passages.  Keyboard, guitar, and bass players receive five selections, three performed with backing tracks, two without. Vocalists receive four karaoke-style pieces and one acapella.   

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

The audition is graded using a rubric with six categories scored from 0-6 points, which add up to 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 SSG Ryan Dupuis to get the grading rubric for your specific instrument.