Ensembles & Ensemble Auditions
Welcome to the Ensembles and Ensemble Auditions page!
At WWU, we believe that every student can be a musician and encourage all students to join our ensembles, regardless of level, major or year in school. With a variety of options, such as concert bands, orchestras, choirs, jazz bands, and small ensembles, you're sure to find the perfect fit. Note that non-music majors/minors can join Symphonic Band and University Choir without an audition.
If you're also interested in voice studies or performing in operas, visit the WWU Voice page.
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Ensemble Information
The Western Washington University Viking Band is a large pep band consisting of both music majors and non-music majors. The Viking Band plays at all home WWU Volleyball, WWU Men's and Women's Basketball Games at Carver Gym, creating an energetic and positive environment for students and fans by supporting our teams with high-energy music and loud cheering.
All students of WWU are able to join the Viking Band! The Viking Band is not exclusive to students majoring in music but is open to students of any major/minor. Drumline members will be expected to complete a short audition at the start of the academic year. There is no audition for brass or woodwinds.
Read more about Viking Band and how to join!
We offer Symphonic Band and Wind Symphony. Non-music majors/minors may enroll in Symphonic Band (MUS 272) without an audition. Music majors, minors, and music scholarship recipients must complete a band audition for placement in either Wind Symphony or Symphonic band. Mid-year placement may be possible into Wind Symphony, please contact Professor Paul Bain for more information.
Our ensembles currently meet at the following times. Please note that these schedules are subject to change and will be updated in the class search tools prior to registration.
- Symphonic Band: TTh, 4:00 pm - 5:50 pm
- Wind Symphony: TTh, 2:00-3:50 pm
We offer three large choirs and one small chamber group. Our large choirs consist of Concert Choir (SATB), Advanced Treble Chorale (SA), and University Choir (SATB). Our small chamber group, Western Voices, is typically 16 to 18 voice (SATB) and meets in the fall quarter only.
Non-Music Majors/Minors may enroll in University Choir (MUS 271) at any time throughout the academic year. Advanced Treble Chorale and Concert Choir require an audition and typically call for a year-long commitment unless graduating before the end of the academic year.
Our ensembles currently meet at the following times.
- Advanced Treble Chorale, MUS 371: MWThF, 1:00-1:50 pm
- Concert Choir, MUS 471: MTWThF, 12:00-12:50 pm
- University Choir, MUS 271: MWF, 2:00-2:50 pm
- Western Voices, MUS 283: TR, 2:00-2:50 pm (fall quarter only)
We offer two large big bands, four to five jazz combos, and a vocal jazz group with various combinations of instrumentalists and vocalists. All jazz ensembles require an audition which takes place the first week of the academic year in September. It may be possible to join mid-year, contact Professor Woods for more information.
Our ensemble currently meet at the following times. Please note that these schedules are subject to change and will be updated in the class search tools prior to registration. The following information is subject to change.
- Jazz Big Band I, MUS 474: MWF, 2:00-2:50 pm
- Jazz Big Band II, MUS 274: MWF, 3:00-3:50 pm
- Jazz Combo I, MUS 475: MWF, 4:00-4:50 pm
- Jazz Combo II, MUS 475: MWF, 5:00-5:50 pm
- Jazz Combos III, IV, V: MUS 275, TBD
- Vocal Jazz, MUS 284: TTh 3:00-4:20 pm
We offer Symphony Orchestra and String Sinfonia. All students must audition for placement during the annual fall ensemble auditions in September. It may be possible to join mid-year, please contact Dr. Ryan Dudenbostel and Dr. James Ray for more information.
Our ensembles currently meet at the following times. Please note that these schedules are subject to change and will be updated in the class search tools prior to registration.
- Symphony Orchestra: MWF, 12:00-1:20 pm
- String Sinfonia: MWF, 1:30-2:50 pm
We currently offer the following small ensembles at various times of the year! Please explore our small and chamber group offerings!
- Guitar Ensemble, MUS 282: MWF 4:00-4:50 pm
- Bassoon Ensemble, MUS 281: TBA
- Flute Ensemble, MUS 281: W 2:00-2:50 pm
- Percussion Ensemble, MUS 281: TBA
- NowHearThis!
- Woodwind, brass, string chamber groups, and mixed ensembles, MUS 281: TBA
All students must register for an ensemble to participate. The only exception is Viking Band, which is not offered as a course. Each course is repeatable for credit and may be used towards graduation requirements such as upper-division (300 and 400-level courses), electives, and the 180 credits required to graduate from WWU.
Students cannot enroll in auditioned ensembles until after Ensemble Auditions have concluded. To plan your schedule ahead of time, we suggest students either hold time slots in their schedule for their preferred ensemble or be willing to shift their schedule after placement. Please note, placement into your preferred ensemble is not guaranteed.
Further Exploration
Interested in Voice Studies or Opera Productions?
Ensemble Audition Information
Welcome to our annual Ensemble Auditions! Auditions are held each year in September for new and continuing students. Mid-year auditions may be possible, please contact the director for more information.
Auditioned vs. Non-Auditioned Groups
Symphonic Band, University Choir, or Viking Pep Band are open to all WWU students without an audition. All other ensembles require an audition. All music majors, music scholarship recipients, and students in WWU private lessons must complete an ensemble audition for placement, regardless of interest in the non-auditioned groups.
Live and Video Auditions
Live Audition Dates: TBA in July
Live auditions will be held in the Performing Arts Center the weekend before and on weekdays leading up to the start of the fall academic term. Live audition dates and requirements will be posted in July. Sign-up for live audition time slots open on September 1st.
Video auditions are accepted only for instrumentalists who need to use a borrowed or rented instrument before coming to WWU. Videos will be submitted through the audition form as shared links to Youtube/Vimeo videos and due by September 15.
Results and Course Enrollment
All audition results for concert band, choir, and orchestra will be sent via email after 5:00 pm the day before the academic year begins. To plan your schedule ahead of time, we suggest students either hold time slots in their schedule for their preferred ensemble or be willing to shift their schedule after placement. Please note, placement into your preferred ensemble is not guaranteed.
Audition results for jazz big bands and combos will be sent via email by the end of the first week of the fall quarter. Students will have time to add this to their schedule.
24-25 AY Students
Prospective 2024-2025 AY students will complete auditions in September 2024. All audition details will be posted on this website in July each year.
Audition Forms
Live-audition sign-up and video audition acceptance begin on September 1, 2023. A link will be posted here.
Instrument Rentals
Instruments are available to rent for students enrolled in ensembles! The quarterly fee depends on the type of instrument and will range between $40-60.
Speak to the ensemble conductor first, then request an instrument!
Music Lockers
Lockers are available on a first-come, first-served basis starting in September each year. Read more about music lockers.
Band and Orchestra Requirements
Please contact Dr. Paul Bain with questions or concerns about band auditions. Please contact Dr. Ryan Dudenbostel and Dr. James Ray with questions or concerns about orchestra/strings and harp auditions.
| Instrument | Date | Time | Room |
| Strings/Harp | 9/19 | 8:30-5:00 pm | Concert Hall |
| Percussion | 9/19 | 1:00-4:00 pm | PAC 24 "Band Room" |
| Saxophone | 9/19 | 11:00 am-12:31 pm | PAC 24 "Band Room" |
| Oboe | 9/19 | 5:30-6:05 pm | Concert Hall |
| Bassoon | 9/19 | 6:15-6:43 pm | Concert Hall |
| Clarinet | 9/19 | 7:00-8:17 pm | Concert Hall |
| Flute | 9/20 | 3:00-4:03 pm | Concert Hall |
| Horn | 9/20 | 8:30-9:26 am | Concert Hall |
| Trumpet | 9/20 | 9:26-10:57 am | Concert Hall |
| Trombone | 9/20 | 10:57-12:14 pm | Concert Hall |
| Tuba/Euph. | 9/20 | 12:14-12:56 pm | Concert Hall |
Use the Performing Arts Center Map to review the room locations. Use the WWU campus maps to locate the PA/PAC on north campus. More details will be sent to students via email after they submit the Large/Chamber Ensemble Audition Form.
Brass, Percussion, Woodwind
All music majors, music minors, music scholarship recipients, and those in private lessons at WWU must complete an audition.
Non-music majors/minors interested in Symphonic Band do not need to audition and can register through Web4U. This only applies to non-music major/minor students who are not in applied lessons or music scholarship recipients. Percussion non-music majors/minors interested in Symphonic Band only should submit the Percussion Survey to assist in part assignments.
Strings and Harp
All students must audition to be placed into String Sinfonia or Symphony Orchestra. This includes non-music majors/minors, music majors, music minors, and music scholarship recipients.
Jazz
Students who also want to audition for jazz ensembles should see the jazz ensemble requirements. Please note, that music majors, music scholarship recipients, and students enrolled in applied lessons at WWU must complete a band or orchestra audition to meet their status requirements.
Brass, Percussion, Woodwind
To audition for band and orchestra, students should prepare audition requirements assigned to their instrument through the link below.
Review winds, brass, and percussion audition requirements in this shared folder, and download the "How to prepare excerpts" pdf.
Strings and Harp
To audition for Symphony Orchestra and/or String Sinfonia students should prepare the audition materials assigned to their instrument through the link below. Students who complete the orchestra audition materials will be automatically considered for both ensembles.
Review the string audition requirements in this shared folder, and download the "How to prepare excerpts" pdf.
Students will be considered for brass, woodwind, string, and mixed chamber groups based on their band and orchestra auditions. Students who missed auditions can contact the area coordinator directly for more information. An official audition may not be required.
Students can email the following directors to inquire about joining other small ensembles.
- Flute Choir: Lisa McCarthy
- Percussion Ensemble: Patrick Roulet
- Guitar Ensemble: Eli Schille-Hudson
- Small and Chamber Music Page
Choir Requirements
Please contact Dr. Angela Kasper with questions or concerns about choir auditions.
Choral hearings will be held on September 19 and 20 between 9:00 am - 5:00 pm in PAC 16 the "choir room."
Use the Performing Arts Center Map to review the room location on Lower Level 2 (LL2). Use the WWU campus maps to locate the PA/PAC on north campus. More details will be sent to students via email after they sign up for a live choral hearing.
A choral hearing is required for all students to be placed into Concert Choir or Advanced Treble.
Additionally, all music majors, minors in lessons, and all voice scholarship recipients must complete a choral hearing to be placed in a voice studio, regardless of choir group interest.
Non-music majors/minors not participating in voice lessons can enroll in University Choir without completing a choral hearing.
Choral Hearing Requirements
- Sing a song of your choice, accompanied or acapella. A pianist will be provided for live hearings.
- Given a series of pitches, sing back what you hear.
- Sightread a simple melody.
A hearing is not required to join University Choir unless you are a music major or taking private voice lessons at WWU.
If you are a music major or taking private lessons, please see the hearing requirements in the section above.
University Choir, MUS 271
Jazz Requirements
Please contact Professor Kevin Woods with questions or concerns about jazz auditions.
A audition is required for all jazz ensembles.
Some students may need to complete a band, choir, or orchestra audition to meet their status as a music major, music scholarship recipient, or co-requisite to applied lessons. See the "who must audition" under choir or band/orchestra.
All jazz auditions will be held in PAC 023 on Lower Level 2 (LL2).
Use the Performing Arts Center Map to review the room locations. Use the WWU campus maps to locate the PA/PAC on north campus. More details will be sent to students via email after they submit the Large/Chamber Ensemble Audition Form.
Prepare the following:
- Dizzy Gillespie’s A Night in Tunisia (download below)
- 2-octave major scales in Bb and F
- Sight reading
Those wanting to be section lead players may also be asked to demonstrate sound/range. Saxophones will be asked about doubles (flute, clarinet, bass clarinet, etc…)
Improvisation
Students may choose to improvise on Dizzy Gillespie’s A Night in Tunisia.
A Night in Tunisia Download
Download the A Night in Tunisia PDF and backing track MP3. The download includes the following keys C, Bb, Eb, and music in bass clef.
Prepare the following:
- Performance of the melody from Dizzy Gillespie’s A Night in Tunisia (download below)
- A full chorus with Freddie Green style chord comping on Dizzy Gillespie’s A Night in Tunisia (download below)
- Two 2-octave major scales in the keys of your choosing
- Sight reading of both melody and chords
Improvisation
Students may choose to improvise on Dizzy Gillespie’s A Night in Tunisia.
A Night in Tunisia Download
Download the A Night in Tunisia PDF and backing track MP3. The download includes the following keys C, Bb, Eb, and music in bass clef.
Prepare the following:
- Performance of the melody from Dizzy Gillespie’s A Night in Tunisia (download below)
- 1 Chorus comping on Dizzy Gillespie’s A Night in Tunisia (download below)
- Two 2-octave major scales in the keys of your choosing
- Sight reading of both melody and chords
Improvisation
Students may choose to improvise on Dizzy Gillespie’s A Night in Tunisia.
A Night in Tunisia Download
Prepare the following:
- A performance of the melody from Dizzy Gillespie’s A Night in Tunisia (download below)
- A walking bass/bassline chorus on Dizzy Gillespie’s A Night in Tunisia (download below)
- Two 2-octave major scales in the keys of your choosing
- Sight reading of both melody and chords
Improvisation
Students may choose to improvise on Dizzy Gillespie’s A Night in Tunisia.
A Night in Tunisia Download
Download the A Night in Tunisia PDF and backing track MP3.The download includes the following keys C, Bb, Eb, and music in bass clef.
Voice-Can be copied from HORNS
Prepare the following:
- The following grooves at the following tempos: Swing, Funk/Straight 8th, Bossa Nova, 3/4 Waltz - Quarter note = 90, 120, 180, 220.
- A solo piece for drumset or a solo transcription may be played.
- Sight-read simple excerpts from a big band chart.
We may be asked a drummer to play along with a horn player.
The following requirements are for vocalists who want to audition for a jazz big band and combos. Vocal jazz will have an audition process during the first or second week of the term.
Prepare the following:
- Dizzy Gillespie’s A Night in Tunisia (download below)
- Two major scales of choice
- Sight reading
Improvisation
Students may choose to improvise on Dizzy Gillespie’s A Night in Tunisia.
A Night in Tunisia Download and Lyrics
Download the A Night in Tunisia backing track MP3.
Vocal Jazz
The WWU Vocal Jazz Ensemble is an auditioned group of 12-16 singers that perform a cappella and accompanied works in jazz and popular styles.
Audition requirements will be posted during the first week of term with auditions happening the second week of school.
Lyrics
The moon is the same moon above you
Aglow with it's cool evening light
But shining at night, in Tunisia
Never does it shine so bright
The stars are aglow in the heavens
But only the wise understand
That shining at night in Tunisia
They guide you through the desert sand
Words fail, to tell a tale
Too exotic to be told
Each night's a deeper night
In a world, ages old
The cares of the day seem to vanish
The ending of day brings release
Each wonderful night in Tunisia
Where the nights are filled with peace
Each wonderful night in Tunisia
Written by: Frank Paparelli, John Gillespie, John Dizzy Gillespie
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Frequently Asked Questions
Students will not be able to enroll in auditioned ensembles until after placement results have been emailed to students. Each course is repeatable for credit and may be used towards graduation requirements such as upper-division (300 and 400-level courses), electives, and the 180 credits required to graduate from WWU.
Students may register for University Treble and Tenor/Bass choirs at any time through Web4U. Non-majors and minors may enroll in Symphonic Band at any time through Web4U without an audition.
Yes! Practice rooms are located on LL1 and LL2 of the Performing Arts Center and are first-come, first-serve. Priority is given to students enrolled in ensembles and lessons and majors and minors between 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. At this time reservations are not needed.
Ensembles rehearse in the Performing Arts Center, in the Concert Hall, the choir room (PAC 16), our band room (PAC 24), and in smaller classrooms if needed for chamber, jazz combos, and sectionals.
Yes! Students are welcome to join University Choir and Symphonic Band any quarter throughout the year. Those that prefer to join jazz ensembles, Concert Choir, Advanced Treble, Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra, or String Sinfonia should reach out the directors for information about joining mid-year.
- Jazz: Kevin Woods
- Band: Christopher Bianco
- Choirs: Tim Fitzpatrick and Angie Kasper
- Orchestras: Ryan Dudenbostel
Yes! Private lessons are open to all students at WWU who have previous experience on their instrument or voice. Placement in studios is on a space-available basis after all majors have been scheduled. Some studios may require an official audition to be considered. Please contact the instructor or area coordinator if you are interested in taking lessons. Note that there is an applied lesson fee for these courses. It may also be possible to take lessons on a more informal basis (not for-credit) from a music student. Please contact the applied instructor for student recommendations.
Yes! We offer low-cost instrumental rentals through our instrumental library. For more information regarding instrumental rentals, please email the instrumental library (Instrument.Library@wwu.edu). The instrument library is not regularly active during summer intersession and may not respond until closer to the start of the fall term. We cannot guarantee instrument rentals for ensemble auditions.
Questions or Concerns?
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
Department of Music
Performing Arts Center 273
Mailstop 9107
516 High Street
Bellingham, WA, 98225
(360) 650-3130
Music@wwu.edu
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