Concert Band Auditions – Spring 2024

Auditions for concert bands (Wind Ensemble, Symphony Band) will occur on Saturday, January 6 - Monday, January, 8, 2024 (please see the sidebar for date information specific to your instrument). We encourage all instrumentalists to sign up and audition for placement in one of our two auditioned concert bands! 

Auditions for Wind Ensemble and Symphony Band will be blind with the panel not being able to see the auditionee/vice versa.

Wind Ensemble 

The USA Wind Ensemble rehearses on Monday and Wednesday from 11:15AM-1:10PM, and Friday from 11:15-12:05PM in the Laidlaw Rehearsal Room. The USA Wind Ensemble conducted by Dr. Will Petersen, Director of Bands. 

     Dr. Will Petersen: wpetersen@southalabama.edu

Symphony Band

The USA Symphony Band is conducted by Dr. Robert Abend, Associate Director of Bands. The Symphony Band rehearses on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00AM-12:15PM.

     Dr. Robert Abend: robertabend@southalabama.edu

 

Auditions are open to both non-majors and majors!  We encourage everyone to audition!

Note on Audition Excerpts

  • All excerpts should be prepared
  • Music majors and minors must leave ensemble times for Wind Ensemble AND Symphony Band open.  You cannot specify what ensemble you would prefer to play in – you are placed based off of audition results.  Conflicts for minors will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

Spring 2024 Audition PDFs

Flute/Piccolo

Oboe

Bassoon 

Clarinet

Bass Clarinet

Saxophone - ALL

Trumpet

Horn

Trombone and Bass Trombone

Euphonium

Tuba

Double Bass

Percussion

 

Jazz Ensemble

The USA Jazz Ensemble meets on Tuesday and Thursday from 2:00PM-3:15PM is directed by Dr. Arie VandeWaa.  Auditions for Jazz Ensemble occur during the first week of class in the Laidlaw Performing Arts Center.  See below for audition information including sign-up and repertoire requirements!

Auditions will be held in the Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, Room 1103 on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 from 2:00PM-3:15PM.  Please make sure to sign up for a specific audition time on Dr. VandeWaa's office door (LPAC 1103).

Jazz Ensemble Spring 2024 Audition Packet

University Band (Spring Only)

Non-majors who are interested in a one-night a week concert band experience are encouraged to sign up for University Band (MUO137). The University Band meets on Wednesday afternoons from 4:00-6:00PM The focus of the ensemble is on standard literature for the concert band. This ensemble is also open for anyone in the university community, including faculty and staff, by simply registering for the course (at either the .5 or 1 hour level). Additionally, there is no audition requirement for participation, however you must have participated in your high school band program for at least 2 years or have equivalent proficiency. More information on the University Band can be obtained by calling the Department of Music at (251) 460-6136 or email Dr. Clayton Maddox at claytonmaddox@southalabama.edu.  A short seating placement audition will occur at the second class meeting.  

You can find out more about USA's other performance opportunities by visiting the Department of Music website or contacting us at (251) 460-6136.