Band Audition Information, Fall 2013
** Please sign-up for the earliest available time, if possible. We wish to avoid a situation where several empty spaces are vacant and we are forced to wait for someone signed up an hour or more after the last person.
** Relax and play to the best of your ability. We want you to succeed!!
Flutes: Please let us know if you are proficient on piccolo.
Clarinets: Please let us know if you are proficient and willing to perform on bass clarinet. You are welcome to audition on the Bb Bass Clarinet. We also need to know if you can perform on Eb soprano clarinet.
Saxophones: Please indicate all saxophones on which you are proficient and willing to perform. Also let us know if you are open to bass clarinet.
----Wind Symphony meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1pm - 2:50pm.
UTA may be able provide instruments to students playing in band, depending on availability. There is a $25 rental charge per semester. Email Dr. Stotter for more information: dstotter@uta.edu
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 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
