University of Texas Arlington

UTA Bands
Concert Audition Information



 

Spring Semester Ensemble Auditions - Please read carefully

  • Audition Schedule for the 2010 Spring semester concert ensembles for all current UTA students:
    Woodwinds: Monday, November 30
    Brass: Wednesday, December 2
    Percussion: Tuesday, December 1
    New students and transfers who will not be on campus until January may audition at this time or in early January, before classes begin.

  • You DO NOT have to major in music to play in band. We have three bands in the Spring semester and everyone who auditions is placed in a band, provided you have previous high school or college band experience.

  • Sign-up for an audition time in the band office beginning November 16.

  • We have three bands in the Spring semester. Everyone will be placed in a band, but you must audition for placement.
    NO STUDENT IS PERMITTED TO PLAY IN A BAND WITHOUT AN AUDITION.
    ----Wind Symphony meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1pm - 2:50pm.
    ----Symphonic Winds meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1pm - 2:50pm.
    ----Symphonic Band meets Tuesday and Thursday from 12:30pm - 1:50pm.

  • All wind and percussion students receiving a scholarship are required to audition and participate in the ensemble to which they are assigned.

  • All music majors are required to play in a major large ensemble EVERY semester.

  • Students must be registered for their ensemble in order to participate.

Audition Music

There are three parts to the audition—prepared excerpts, scales and sight-reading:

Instruments

UTA can provide instruments to students playing in band. There is a $25 rental charge per semester. Call or email for more information: dstotter@uta.edu or 817-272-2442

Scholarship Auditions

Scholarship funds are available for talented students of all majors. Scholarship recipients are required to play each semester in the concert ensemble to which they are assigned. Email dstotter@uta.edu or call 817-272-2442 to schedule an appointment.

Questions?

Call the band office at 817-272-2533

Email the band office at bandofc@uta.edu

Email Dr. Stotter at dstotter@uta.edu

How to Audition

While these are very basic things, please keep in mind the following:

What to do:

- Present a professional image (you get only one chance to make a first impression)
- Take control of the situation (plan what you are going to play and do)
- Dress for the occasion
- Be on time and warmed up
- Make sure your instrument and reeds are working properly
- Leave your case outside the room
- Have your instrument out and ready
- Introduce yourself
- Get the committee’s attention
- Speak clearly
- Look people in the eye
- Know correct pronunciations of composers and compositions
- Demonstrate your ability, facility and sensitivity \
- Communicate if you have a legitimate problem (long before the audition)

What Not to Do:

- Do not wear shorts, jeans, hats, etc.
- Do not make excuses or apologies (for anything)
- Do not draw attention to problems (the committee may not notice)

What Not to Say:

- I haven’t warmed up.
- I haven’t had a chance to practice.
- I didn’t know . . .
- I just got this horn.
- What should I play?
- What would you like to hear?
- I didn’t have my instrument/sticks/etc.
- I didn’t bring any music.
- Nobody told me . . .

Audition Execution:

- Give yourself plenty of time to do everything (i.e. get up early, have a leisurely meal, arrive early)
- Avoid overpracticing, which may cause nerve problems and fatigue
- Warm up well and practice audition material under tempo
- At the site, warm up alone and don’t listen to other players
- Play to your own standards; don’t try to guess how the committee would like something performed
- Take some risks; communicate the music’s message
- Maintain a positive appearance even if you do not think you played well
- Evaluate the audition experience