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Undergraduate application instructions
Graduate application instructions

Audition requirements

Audition material is flexible and—while there is no required repertory list—candidates should choose works that demonstrate their very best in both technical and lyrical playing.

• Scale: C chromatic scale (two octaves)
• Solo: Two contrasting solos or movements from major solo literature (i.e. Haydn, Hummel, Arutunian, Hindemith, Kennan, Stevens, Enesco, etc.)
• Etudes: One to two etudes from Charlier, Arban, Bousquet, Brandt, Goldman, Bitsch, etc.
• Excerpts: Three to four standard orchestral excerpts
• It is strongly discouraged that candidates perform any region/all-state etudes.

If you have any questions about repertoire, please contact Ryan Gardner.

Applicants may choose to audition in-person or remotely. To audition remotely, applicants must complete both of the following:

1. Submit a recording
2. Register for a Zoom interview with faculty.

More information about the audition process and recording specifications can be found .

Essay prompt  

A short music essay is required with your application. Upload the essay on your status page. Please choose one of the following prompts:  

• Tell us why you would like to be a music major, describe your most powerful musical experience and list your future goals as a musician. Comment on your musical background and share anything else you would like us to know. 
• “Music lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity.” -Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference? 

Degree sheets

Trumpet studio     
Brass + percussion page

Undergraduate application instructions
Graduate application instructions .

Audition requirements

Trombone

1. Major sacles in 2 octaves
2. Two contrasting etudes to be selected from Bordogni, Blazhevich, Fink, Kopprasch, etc. One etude should demonstrate technical ability and the other should demonstrate lyrical and expressive qualities. A technical and lyrical standard orchestral excerpt may be substituted for required etudes. Applicants who are interested in the Jazz Emphasis should submit a jazz etude or improvisation.
3. Solo or single movement of student’s choice, to be selected from:
   ����������—Andante et Allegro
   ����������𱹾�����—Concert Piece No. 5
   �Ұ��DzԻ岹���—Concerto (mvt. 1)
   �ҳܾ��������Գ�—Morceau Symphonique
   The above list demonstrates the performance level expected for undergraduate study; other works of similar difficulty may be substituted. Applicants are encouraged to include works by under-represented, diverse composers as appropriate.

Bass trombone

1. Major scales in 2 octaves
2. Two contrasting etudes to be selected from Bordogni, Blazhevich, Fink, Kopprasch, etc. One etude should demonstrate technical ability and the other should demonstrate lyrical and expressive qualities. A technical and lyrical standard orchestral excerpt may be substituted for required etudes. Applicants who are interested in the Jazz Emphasis should submit a jazz etude or improvisation.
3. Solo or single movement of student’s choice, to be selected from:
   �Ҳ�������������—Six Sonatas (contrasting movements from one sonata)
   �������Dz�—Cameos (selected movements)
   ���������—Concerto in One Movement
   �Ѳ������������—Sonatas (contrasting movements from one sonata)
   �ѳ��䲹���ٲ�—Sonata
   The above list demonstrates the performance level expected for undergraduate study; other works of similar difficulty may be substituted. Applicants are encouraged to include works by under-represented, diverse composers.

Piano accompaniment is optional.

Applicants may choose to audition in-person or remotely. To audition remotely, applicants must complete both of the following:

1. Submit a recording
2. Register for a Zoom interview with faculty.

More information about the audition process and recording specifications can be found .

Essay prompt  

A short music essay is required with your application. Upload the essay on your status page. Please choose one of the following prompts:  

• Tell us why you would like to be a music major, describe your most powerful musical experience and list your future goals as a musician. Comment on your musical background and share anything else you would like us to know. 
• “Music lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity.” -Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference? 

Degree sheets

Trombone studio     
Brass + percussion page

Undergraduate application instructions
Graduate application instructions .

Audition requirements

Where possible, you are encouraged to include works by historically underrepresented composers in your audition repertoire. Find compendiums and resources from the ,  and ����������ý�Ļ���Ʒ’s very own American Music Research Center.

1. �Ѵdz�������—concerto of choice (K. 412, K. 417, K. 447 or K.495), mvmt. 1 exposition
2. Contrasting solo work of choice
3. Orchestral excerpts (please choose three excerpts from the list below. Excerpts may be downloaded from ):
   • �����ٳ�DZ����—Symphony No. 3, Mvmt. 3 Trio, Hn. 2 
   • �����ٳ�DZ����—Symphony No. 7, Mvmt. 1
   • �������󳾲�—Symphony No. 3, Mvmt. 3 Hn. 1
   • �ѳܲ����ǰ��������/�鲹�����—Pictures at an Exhibition, Promenade, Hn. 1
   • �ʰ�������—Symphony No. 1, Mvmt. 3 (Juba Dance) Hn. 1
   • �鲹�����—Pavane for a Dead Princess, Hn. 1
   • ����Dz��ٲ���DZ�������—Symphony 5, Mvmt. 1 Hn. 1
   • R. Strauss—Don Juan, Hn. 1 
   • �ճ��󲹾���DZ������—Symphony No. 4, Mvmt. 1 Hn. 1 and 2
   • �¾�������������—Star Wars Suite: 2.  Princess Leia’s Theme

Applicants may choose to audition in-person or remotely. To audition remotely, applicants must complete both of the following:

1. Submit a recording
2. Register for a Zoom interview with faculty.

If you choose to submit a recorded audition, please complete the requirements for the live audition above. Each component of the recording should be unedited, but the final recording may be a compilation of your best version of each requirement.

More information about the audition process and recording specifications can be found .

Essay prompt  

A short music essay is required with your application. Upload the essay on your status page. Please choose one of the following prompts:  

• Tell us why you would like to be a music major, describe your most powerful musical experience and list your future goals as a musician. Comment on your musical background and share anything else you would like us to know. 
• “Music lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity.” -Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference? 

Degree sheets

Horn studio     
Brass + percussion page

Undergraduate application instructions
Graduate application instructions .

Audition requirements

1. Solo work (accompaniment optional)

• Two contrasting solos or etudes, or one piece with contrasting sections. One piece should demonstrate technical ability and the other should highlight lyrical and expressive qualities. Solos should be performed with piano accompaniment if possible (An accompanist can be provided with adequate notice for live auditions by contacting Professor Dunn).
• This repertoire may be selected from the following list (but is not limited to):
  • Tuba
    • Arnold, Malcolm —Fantasy, Op. 102                                    
    • Hartley, Walter S.—Suite for Unaccompanied Tuba
    • Bach, J.S., arr. Wm. Bell—Air and Bouree                          
    • Hindemith, Paul—Sonata for Bass Tuba
    • Barat, J. Edouard, arr. Glen Smith—Introduction + Dance   
    • Lebedev, Alexi; arr. Allen Ostrander—Concerto in One Movement
    • Broughton, Bruce—Sonata (Concerto)                            
    • Marcello, Benedetto; trans. Little/Nelson—Sonata No. I in F
    • Capuzzi, Antonio; trans. Catelinet—Andante and Rondo
    • Marcello, Benedetto; trans. Little/Nelson—Sonata No. V in C
    • Gregson, Edward—Concerto, mvt. 1                                
    • Nelhybel, Vaclav—Suite for Tuba and Piano
    • Haddad, Don—Suite for Tuba                                          
    • Vaughan Williams, Ralph—Concerto for Tuba
  • Euphonium
    • Barat, Ed.—Andante and Allegro                                     
    • Guillmant, A.—Morceau Symphonique
    • Capuzzi, A.—Andante and Rondo                                    
    • Marcello, B.—Sonata in F Major
    • Curnow, J.—Rhapsody for Euphonium                            
    • Mozart, W.—Bassoon Concerto

1. Etude

• An etude of your choice that demonstrates tone, musicianship and technique. The etude may be selected from the following list (but is not limited to):
  • Tuba
    • ​Blazhevich                             
    • Kopprasch               
    • Bordogni/Rochut                   
    • Shoemaker               
    • Fink                                       
    • Tyrell                                             
    • Gregoriev                   
    • Euphonium
    • Bordogni/Rochut                    
    • Slama
    • Kopprasch                              
    • Voxman

Applicants may choose to audition in-person or remotely. To audition remotely, applicants must complete both of the following:

1. Submit a recording
2. Register for a Zoom interview with faculty.

More information about the audition process and recording specifications can be found .

Essay prompt  

A short music essay is required with your application. Upload the essay on your status page. Please choose one of the following prompts:  

• Tell us why you would like to be a music major, describe your most powerful musical experience and list your future goals as a musician. Comment on your musical background and share anything else you would like us to know. 
• “Music lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity.” -Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference? 

Degree sheets

Tuba + euphonium studio     
Brass + percussion page

Undergraduate application instructions
Graduate application instructions .

Audition requirements for performance (BM) + music education (BME) majors

All auditionees are required to audition on Snare Drum and Mallets and match pitches by singing. You do not have to be an expert on all percussion but must demonstrate a strong musical background on both snare drum and mallets. However, the more instruments you play well, the higher we will rank you. If you have questions, please don't hesitate to email us. 

In-person percussion auditions are typically 20 minutes. During that time you must play the three required areas (noted below) and read music. You may also play along with the instructors. Please prepare music accordingly. 

Applicants may choose to audition in-person or remotely. To audition remotely, applicants must complete both of the following:

1. Submit a recording
2. Register for a Zoom interview with faculty.

More information about the audition process and recording specifications can be found .

Snare drum - REQUIRED* It has four components: rudiments, a rudimental solo, a concert etude and the concert roll

• Play these rudiments in a slow-fast-slow fashion: Single paradiddles, double paradiddles, nine stroke rolls, seven stroke rolls and alternating flams. Start at a slow tempo, then accelerate the rudiment to your fastest speed, hold it for five seconds and then decelerate to the original speed. Each rudiment lasts around 25-30 seconds. Smoothly flowing motion and accents are important.
  These sites may help:
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1. One rudimental solo from these books by Charles Wilcoxon: The All-American Drummer or Modern Rudimental Swing Solos. They do not have to be fast, but they should be smooth, without stopping.
2. One concert snare drum etude, including multiple-bounce rolls & dynamic control from Anthony Cirone’s Portraits in Rhythm.
3. Demonstrate a concert (multiple bounce) roll--start softly, crescendo to forte, then decrescendo to a soft, smooth roll. This process should last around 20 seconds. 

Mallets - REQUIRED*  Marimba and/or vibraphone is fine. Both components are required. 

1. Play the Eb, Ab, A and E major scales for one octave, up and down. You may also play chord arpeggios or minor scales if you want, but these are not required.
2. Play solo(s) OR etude(s) from a book for at least three minutes in total length which demonstrate your expressive musicianship.
3. You can play two or four mallet pieces, accompanied or unaccompanied, --or a combination! We listen above all for your intelligent musical expression. 
   Your teacher can help choose solos. Consider works by Mitchell Peters, Bill Molenhof, J.S. Bach, Earl Hatch, G. F Handel, G. H. Green, Bart Quartier or Dale Anderson. Steve Weiss Music or your local music dealer has these and other good mallet works.

Timpani - You must match pitch by singing but the etude is optional. Both components are required.

1. Demonstrate the ability to match pitch with your voice by playing the note Eb on a piano or marimba or vibes and then singing it. Then play G and sing it. Then play and sing the note A.
2. Play a two-drum etude from the Goodman, Delecluse or Peters timpani methods (or similar material). Please tune the drums while recording. You may play a three or four drum etude if you wish. Please "lift" the tone out of the drums. 
   If you do not have access to timpani for a recorded audition, that's OK. You do not have to play timpani for your audition (but you will sing for us).

OPTIONAL CHOICES: Playing one or more of these options will show us your personal skills. Play one, none, or as many as you wish.  

Drum set (optional)

1. Play drum patterns or beats, with some 'fills" (Choose from these styles: swing, samba, bossa-nova, rock, funk, waltz, praise band, shuffle, etc.).
2. In a medium swing style, "trade fours with yourself" (also possible: A short written-out or transcribed solo.)

Jazz vibes (optional)

1. Demonstrate knowledge of basic jazz scales and 7th chords or chord progressions

Degree sheets

Audition requirements for Bachelor of Arts majors (BA)

You may audition on just one instrument or several instruments. 

Choose from any combination of these instruments: Marching Percussion, Concert Snare Drum, Drum Set, Marimba/Vibraphone, Timpani and/or Jazz Vibraphone. 

Percussion auditions are typically 20 minutes. During that time you must play your selected area(s) and read music. Live auditions (in-person and virtual) may also include playing along with the instructors.

A. Marching percussion—all components

1. If you played snare, timpani, quints (quads) marimba or vibraphone in a high school, DCI, WGI or other marching group, send us a copy of your best recorded performance with them. Be sure to tell us where you are in the video. You must be audible.
2. Play your show's marching solo (or group solo part) for us in either a live audition or in a video recording.
3. Do an interview with the percussion faculty (in person or virtual) about your musical activities and plans.

B. Concert snare drum—both components: Rudiments + a concert etude

1. Play these rudiments in a slow-fast-slow fashion: single paradiddles, nine stroke rolls, alternating flams. Start at a slow tempo, then accelerate the rudiment to your fastest speed, hold it there for five seconds and then decelerate to the original speed. Each rudiment lasts around 20-25 seconds. Smoothly flowing motion and accents are important. 
      
   
2. One concert snare drum etude that includes multiple-bounce rolls, flams & dynamic control from Anthony Cirone’s Portraits in Rhythm.

C. Drum set—all components

1. Play at least four drum patterns or beats, with some 'fills" (Choose from these styles: swing, samba, bossa-nova, rock, funk, waltz, praise band, shuffle, etc.).

2. In a medium swing style, "trade fours with yourself" (OPTIONAL: A short written-out, improvised or transcribed solo.)

3. Send us a recording or several recordings of you playing drum set in a live group performance. It can be a school jazz band or combo, a church praise band, any group you've played with, even a marching band. BUT you must be clearly seen, heard and identified in the recording. 

D. Classical marimba and/or vibraphone—both components

1. Play four major scales with at least 2 sharps or flats for one octave, up and down. You may also play chord arpeggios or minor scales if you want, but these are not required.
2. Play solo(s) or etude(s) for at least two minutes in total length which demonstrate your expressive musicianship and accuracy. These may include popular songs or even concert band, percussion ensemble or orchestra parts
   A teacher can help choose solos. Steve Weiss Music or a local music store has good mallet solos. If you wish, you may play music written for other instruments like flute or oboe. 
   You can play two-mallet or four-mallet pieces, accompanied or unaccompanied, or a combination! We listen most for your intelligent musical expression.

E. Timpani—both components

1. Demonstrate pitch matching with your voice by playing the note Eb on a piano or marimba or vibes and then singing it. Then play G and sing it. Then play and sing the note A.
2. Play a two-drum etude from the Goodman, Delecluse or Peters timpani methods (or similar material).You will tune the drums yourself. Please "lift" the tone out of the drums. You may play a three or four drum etude if you wish. 

F. Jazz vibes—both components

1. Demonstrate knowledge of basic jazz scales up and down AND 7th chords and chord progressions from standard tunes by playing them in arpeggios or block, four-mallet chords.
2. Play an improvised solo (of at least one chorus) on a jazz tune. This may be a live performance for or with us, a studio or live recording with a group, or an unaccompanied solo.

Essay prompt  

A short music essay is required with your application. Upload the essay on your status page. Please choose one of the following prompts:  

• Tell us why you would like to be a music major, describe your most powerful musical experience and list your future goals as a musician. Comment on your musical background and share anything else you would like us to know. 
• “Music lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity.” -Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference? 

Degree sheets

Percussion studio     
Brass + percussion page