Large Ensemble Audition Info
Boise State Music is pleased to offer a variety of large ensembles that provide professional-level performance opportunities and are comprised of the finest wind, brass, percussion and string players on campus. Any Boise State student can participate, regardless of major, and all are welcome.
In the following sections, you will find audition information for string, wind, brass and percussion players interested in joining Symphonic Winds, All-Campus Concert Band, Jazz Orchestra or the Boise State Symphony Orchestra.
String Auditions
The Boise State Symphony Orchestra’s season consists of four major orchestral concerts and participation in All-Departmental activities such as the Annual Holiday Concert, opera, and musical, as well as sponsoring the Annual Concerto-Aria Competition Concert.
All string majors and minors, plus any other student interested in auditioning for the Symphony Orchestra, should prepare the complete audition packet of excerpts and be prepared for sight reading. If the 1st violin excerpts seem too difficult, a student may audition with the 2nd violin excerpts.
String Audition Dates and Times
Orchestra auditions will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2024. Violin auditions will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and viola, cello, and bass auditions will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Click here to sign up for an audition time
Auditions will be done behind a screen for a committee of Boise State faculty from each of the respective instrumental areas. Under extenuating circumstances, auditions may sometimes be done by recording prior to scheduled dates. Please contact Professor Purdy for further information.
- A 2-minute solo of your choice.
- Marked excerpts. All marked excerpts for your instrument should be prepared as close to tempo as possible. It behooves you to listen to recordings of each of these pieces and work with your private teacher on the various elements of these excerpts that will make for a successful audition.
Specific questions can be answered by the orchestra’s musical director, Professor Purdy.
Woodwind, Brass and Percussion Auditions
All woodwind, brass, and percussion majors and minors, plus any other Boise State student interested in auditioning for Symphonic Winds and Symphony Orchestra, should prepare the complete audition packet of excerpts and be prepared for sight reading.
Non-music majors solely interested in auditioning for the All-Campus Concert Band may prepare just the solo excerpt #1 and prepare for sight reading.
Audition Procedures
All students of a specific instrument will arrive at the designated time and draw numbers for audition order. Students will be identified by their specific number during the audition process. Auditions will be blind, adjudicated by at least two faculty members, and proctored by a non-adjudicating party. The audition process is the primary factor used to determine part and ensemble assignments in conjunction with scholarship and other obligations.
Woodwind, brass, and percussion results will be posted online by Sunday, Aug. 25, at 5:00 p.m. All students should keep all rehearsal times available (Symphonic Winds, Symphony Orchestra, and All-Campus Concert Band) until results are posted.
For percussion auditions, students can request access to instruments for practice prior to the audition by contacting Dr. Milan well in advance of the audition at kramermilan@boisestate.edu
Fall 2024 Audition Dates and Times
August 20th
Trumpet, 12:00 p.m., rm. B125
Flute, 12:00 p.m., rm. C200
Alto Sax, 1:45 p.m., rm. B125
Oboe, 2:00 p.m., rm. C200
Bassoon, 2:35 p.m., rm. C200
Tenor Sax, 2:50 p.m., rm. B125
August 21st
Percussion, 4:30 p.m., rm. B125
August 22nd
Tenor Trombone, 1:15 p.m., rm. B125
B-flat Soprano Clarinet, 1:15 p.m., rm. C200
Bass Trombone, 2:15 p.m., rm. B125
B-flat Bass Clarinet, 2:30 p.m., rm. C200
Euphonium, 2:40 p.m., rm. B125
Horn, 3:00 p.m., rm. C200
Tuba, 3:20 p.m., rm. B215
Ensemble Rehearsal Schedule
All Campus Band
- MUS-ENS 122/322/522: Instrumental Rehearsal Hall B125
- Fall: T 6-:8:30p
- Spring: T 6-8:30p
Symphonic Winds
- MUS-ENS 120/320/520: Instrumental Rehearsal Hall B125
- Fall: T/Th 1:30-3:20p
- Spring: M/W/F 1:30-3:20p
Symphony Orchestra
- MUS-ENS 150/350/550: Instrumental Rehearsal Hall B125
- Fall: M/W 2:30-4:20 p.m. and Friday 2:30-3:20 p.m.
- Spring: T/Th 1:30-3:45 p.m.
Jazz Orchestra Auditions
Auditions for the Boise State Jazz Orchestra and Combo are separate and occur on the first Tuesday of classes at 3:30 pm, with callbacks on the first Thursday of classes if needed. For more information on Jazz Orchestra audition requirements, dates, times and repertoire, please visit the following link.