Fall Semester Ensemble Auditions
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We have two bands in the fall semester. Everyone will be placed in a band, but you must audition for placement.
Note: The names of the ensembles have changed for this year.
----Wind Symphony meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1pm - 2:50pm. (Friday rehearsals only when not in conflict with Marching Band.)
----Symphonic Band meets Tuesday and Thursday from 12:30pm - 1:50pm.
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All wind and percussion students receiving a scholarship are required to audition and participate in the ensemble to which they are assigned.
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All music majors (who entered UTA since Fall, 2006) are required to play in a major large ensemble EVERY semester.
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There is a place for everyone. All UTA students are welcome to audition, regardless of major. All students who audition for a fall semester band will be placed in one of the bands. Band and chair placement are determined by your audition results. Students must be registered for their ensemble in order to participate. You may add the appropriate course number after auditions: Wind Symphony is MUSI 0102; Symphonic Band is MUSI 0130.
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
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- 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
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