Band Auditions


We try to accommodate every student who wants to participate in Band,
so the audition process is really more of a placement.


Audition Requirements 2026-27

Students audition once every year: in the Fall or in the Spring (for those who didn't play in the Fall). 
You can chose between an in-person placement audition or a video audition (either way, the audition material is the same): 

In-person audition:  sign up for an in-person audition time here (the audition will be in my office, 303 Southwick)

Video audition:  You'll find a Placement Audition assignment in BrightSpace or you can use the UVM File Transfer Service to send me the file. 
                        In either case, please save the video in either .mov (Apple) or .mp4 (Windows and Android) format to make it easier for me to view. 
                        View more detailed instructions here.  Please submit the video as soon as you can, but definitely by Monday, September 7 (Labor Day) at midnight.


You should play 3 scales, a chromatic scale, and a short etude/solo:

1. The following scales (NOT concert scales, so start on your C, Eb, and G) in at least 2 octaves whenever possible (the more octaves you do, the better your score will be) - you can play the scales in any rhythm, but there is a suggested one below:
        C Major
        E-flat Major
        G Major
        Chromatic scale of your choice (full octaves only)
        NOTE:  If you're making a video, please tell me which scale you're playing before you play it and don't forget to introduce yourself!

Suggested rhythm:      

 

2. Short etude (found below as PDF files) + audio files (keep in mind these are MIDI generated sounds and I've set them at "practice tempo" so you can play them faster if you'd like....; also, the aiff files are higher quality but won't play on Android devices without a third-party app)
       
Flute                     Flute mp3

Oboe                    Oboe mp3

Clarinet                Clarinet mp3

Bass Clarinet       Bass Clarinet mp3

Bassoon              Bassoon mp3

Alto Sax               Alto Sax mp3

Tenor Sax            Tenor Sax mp3

Bari Sax               Bari Sax mp3

Trumpet               Trumpet mp3

Horn                     Horn mp3

Trombone            Trombone mp3

Euphonium          Euphonium mp3

Baritone (treble clef)       Baritone.mp3

Tuba            

Percussion            Snare Drum mp3        Timpani mp3          Mallets mp3

Notes

  1. Sometimes the etude is for multiple instruments, so if there is a note(s) out of your range, please feel free to adjust up or down an octave.
  2. Percussion - you are welcome to play both etudes or just the snare or mallet piece; the important thing is to demonstrate your ability/experience on that instrument so I give you part assignments that work for you.