Wind Ensemble

Audition Information — Fall 2020

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, concert band auditions (Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band) will be conducted via video this semester. Video recordings of your audition will be uploaded to YouTube as an unlisted link. See below for more instructions.

Auditionee must play TWO contrasting sections of music and scales as listed:

• One fast section to demonstrate technical ability AND one slow section to demonstrate lyricism.
  • (Auditionee may also prepare either two solo pieces of contrasting styles or one that includes both fast and slow sections.)
  • Saxophones: To be considered for Wind Ensemble, you need to perform the excerpts as assigned by our artist teacher of saxophone, Dr. Michael Hernandez. Email him at michaelnhernandez@gmail.com to get the excerpts.
  • Percussion: Contact our artist teacher of percussion, Divesh Karamchandani, to be considered for Wind Ensemble.
• Chromatic Scale - full range of instrument

Total video should be no longer than 8 minutes of playing.

Upload your video to YouTube as unlisted then share the link on this audition form. If you need help on this, you can read more on the YouTube Help section on privacy settings.

Results for Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band will be posted online via social media and the website.

Fill Out Your Audition Form

(Have your video recorded and uploaded already!)

The form and video is due Tuesday, August 18 at 5 PM.

Directed by Dr. David Vickerman, the Wind Ensemble is comprised of the finest woodwind, brass, and percussion students in the School of Music and Dance. Dr. Vickerman consistently seeks to expose his students and audiences to the highest quality of music written for wind instruments, ranging from Renaissance masters to the most recent prizewinning composers. Through the rehearsal and performance of a diverse repertoire, students are exposed to a wide variety of compositional techniques, rehearsal processes and expressive possibilities. The Wind Ensemble programs are performed in both the fall and spring semesters. In addition to four on-campus concerts, the Wind Ensemble regularly tours throughout California and the Western states, and has regularly performed at the California Music Educators State Conference and at the College Band Directors National Conference.

Music Majors focusing on classical performance must participate in either Wind Ensemble or Symphonic Band as a major ensemble. Auditions are held at the beginning of each semester and are open to all majors (see below). Students will sight-read and perform a prepared piece. Their performance level will determine their chair placement and whether they participate in Wind Ensemble or Symphonic Band. Instruments are available to students who pay the $30 use fee each semester. Scholarship awards are based upon performance level and the needs of the School. There is no additional cost to the student for local and regional band travel and tours.