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Band, Orchestra, IME - Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion Auditions - School of Music
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Band, Orchestra, IME – Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion Auditions

Winds and Percussion - Band and Orchestra Auditions

We invite you to join our many offerings of ensembles with Music at Illinois. Two separate auditions are offered. Read below to determine the appropriate audition for you to take.

ADVANCED AUDITION: Woodwinds-Brass-Percussion

For placement in the following upper-level ensembles:

  • Illinois Wind Symphony (Rehearsals: MW 1:00-3:50 PM)
  • Symphony Orchestra (Rehearsals: TR 2:00-4:30 PM)
  • Wind Orchestra (Rehearsals: TR 1:00-2:50 PM)
  • Philharmonia Orchestra (Rehearsals: MW 3:00-4:50 PM)
  • Illinois Modern Ensemble (Rehearsals: MW 4:00-5:50 PM)

Eligibility

The Advanced Audition is required for all woodwind, brass and percussion BMUS, BME, BMA, MM, and DMA music majors in the School of Music who are required to register for a major ensemble as part of their degree program.

BA in Music and BS (CS+Music) majors and all non-music majors with all-state level profile, are highly encouraged to take the advanced audition!

Advanced Audition – Woodwind-Brass-Percussion Schedule

  • Download the audition excerpts for your instrument
  • Sign-up for your audition below
  • Flute | December 8 | 3:00 – 5:30 PM Harding 141
  • Oboe | December 12 | 10:00 – 1:00 PM Harding 141
  • Bassoon | December 9 | 11:00 – 1:00 PM Harding 141
  • Clarinet | December 10 | 4:00 – 7:30 PM Harding 141
  • Saxophone | December 9 | 5:00 – 7:30 PM Harding 141
  • Horn | December 14 | 12:00 – 2:30 PM Harding 141
  • Trumpet | December 12 | 1:00 – 4:00 PM Harding 141
  • Trombone | December 9 | 1:00 – 4:00 PM Music Building Recording Studio
  • Tuba & Euphonium | December 15 | 1:00 – 4:00 PM Harding
  • Percussion | December 15 | 1:00 – 4:00 PM Harding 141

Be sure to arrive at least 10 minutes early and bring your fall class schedule with you!

Spring 2026 Ensemble Results

Advanced Audition Questions?  Email Professor Barry L. Houser: bhouser2@illinois.edu

STANDARD AUDITION: Woodwinds-Brass-Percussion

Hindsley Symphonic Band (Rehearsals: TR 3:00-4:50 PM)
University Band (Rehearsal: Mondays 7:00-8:50 PM)
Campus Band (Rehearsal: Wednesdays 7:00-8:50 PM)

Eligibility

Currently enrolled U of I students and community members are welcome to audition. All majors are welcome!

STANDARD auditions take place in the Harding Band Building

Standard Audition Schedule

Auditions windows are listed below by section. Check your instrument, audition dates and window of time. For Music Majors who play the Advanced Audition and do not get placed in an Advanced ensemble, you will be placed in Hindsley Symphonic Band. All auditionees will need to register upon arrival at the Harding Band Building using the QR code posted in the Harding Band Building!

  • Tuesday, January 20, 2026
    1. Flute | 2:30-4:30 PM or 7:00-9:00 PM in the Harding Band Building
    2. Oboe | 2:30-4:30 PM or 7:00-9:00 PM in the Harding Band Building
    3. Bassoon | 2:30-4:30 PM or 7:00-9:00 PM in the Harding Band Building
    4. Clarinet | 2:30-4:30 PM or 7:00-9:00 PM in the Harding Band Building
    5. Saxophone | 2:30-4:30 PM or 7:00-9:00 PM in the Harding Band Building
    6. Percussion | 2:30-4:30 PM or 7:00-9:00 PM in the Harding Band Building
      • Register upon arrival to the Harding Band Building using the QR code posted in the Band Office.
  • Wednesday, January 21, 2025
    1. Trumpet | 3:30-5:30 PM or 7:00-9:00 PM in the Harding Band Building
    2. Horn | 3:30-5:30 PM or 7:00-9:00 PM in the Harding Band Building
    3. Trombone | 3:30-5:30 PM or 7:00-9:00 PM in the Harding Band Building
    4. Tuba and Euphonium | 3:30-5:30 PM or 7:00-9:00 PM in the Harding Band Building
      • Register upon arrival to the Harding Band Building using the QR code posted in the Band Office.

Standard Audition Materials – Woodwind & Brass

  1. Two major scales of your choice, one octave, ascending and descending
  2. A chromatic scale demonstrating your full range, ascending only
  3. A 3-5 minute prepared excerpt, solo, or etude that demonstrates your lyrical and technical playing. This can be one piece of music or segments from multiple pieces or etudes.

Standard Audition Materials – Percussion

  1. Scales (Mallets):
    • Two major scales of your choice, one octave, ascending and descending
    • Chromatic scale, two octaves, ascending and descending
  2. Excerpts (Download PDF file)

Spring 2026 Ensemble Results

Standard Audition Questions?  Email Dr. Kim Fleming: kflem@illinois.edu

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