Ensemble Auditions

All students are encouraged to join our ensembles and dramatic stage productions, regardless of level, major, or year in school. Symphonic Band, University Choir, and Viking Band do not require an audition; all other ensembles do.

For more information about voice or dramatic stage productions, visit the WWU Voice page.

NOTE: Music majors, scholarship recipients, and those enrolled in applied lessons must complete an ensemble audition for placement into the appropriate ensemble.

A view of the concert hall from the audience during a performance.

Ensemble Information

The WWU Viking Band is a large pep band. The Viking Band plays at all home WWU Volleyball and 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. 

Any WWU student may join the Viking Band! 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 three bands: Symphonic Band, Symphonic Winds, and Wind Symphony.

Non-music majors/minors may enroll in Symphonic Band (MUS 272) without an audition.

Symphonic Winds and Wind Symphony require an audition. It may be possible to join mid-year, contact Professor Paul Bain for more information.

Music majors, minors, and music scholarship recipients are required to complete an ensemble audition for assignment into one of the three bands.

Our bands currently meet at the following times. Please note that these schedules are subject to change.

  • Symphonic Band, MUS 272: W 6:00-7:50 pm
  • Symphonic Winds, MUS 372: T/Th 4:00-5:50 pm
  • Wind Symphony, MUS 472: T/Th, 2:00-3:50 pm

Read more about bands at WWU!

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) without an audition.

Concert Choir and Advanced Treble Chorale require an audition. It may be possible to join mid-year, contact Dr. Angela Kasper for more information.

All three choirs meet the “major ensemble” requirement for music majors, minors, and music scholarship recipients. An audition is required for assignment into the appropriate choir.

Our choirs currently meet at the following times. Please note that these schedules are subject to change.

  • University Choir, MUS 271: M/W/F, 2:00-2:50 pm
  • Advanced Treble Chorale, MUS 371: M/W/Th/F, 1:00-1:50 pm
  • Concert Choir, MUS 471: M/T/W/Th/F, 12:00-12:50 pm
  • Western Voices, MUS 283: T/Th, 2:00-2:50 pm (fall quarter only)

Read more about choirs at WWU!

We offer two big bands, four jazz combos, and a vocal jazz group with various combinations of instrumentalists and vocalists. All jazz ensembles require an audition. It may be possible to join mid-year. Contact Professor Kevin Woods for information about Jazz Combos and Dr. Richard Hodges regarding Vocal Jazz Ensemble.

Participation in a jazz ensemble does not meet the “major ensemble” requirement for music majors, minors, and music scholarship recipients.

Our jazz ensembles currently meet at the following times. Please note that these schedules are subject to change.

Big Bands

  • Jazz Big Band I, MUS 474: M/W/F, 3:00-3:50 pm
  • Jazz Big Band II, MUS 274: M/W/F, 2:00-2:50 pm

Jazz Combos

  • Jazz Combo I, MUS 475: T/Th, 12:00-12:50 pm
  • Jazz Combo II, MUS 475: T/Th, 11:00-11:50 pm
  • Jazz Combo III, MUS 275: W, 1:00-1:50 pm
  • Jazz Combo IV, MUS 275: F, 1:00-1:50 pm

Vocal Jazz

  • Vocal Jazz, MUS 284: T/Th 4:00-5:20 pm

Read more about jazz ensembles!

We offer the Western Symphony Orchestra and the String Sinfonia.

Both ensembles require an audition. It may be possible to join mid-year, please contact Dr. Ryan Dudenbostel and Dr. James Ray for more information. 

Both ensembles meet the “major ensemble” requirement for music majors, minors, and music scholarship recipients. An audition is required for assignment into the appropriate ensemble.

Our ensembles currently meet at the following times. Please note that these schedules are subject to change.

  • Symphony Orchestra, MUS 473: M/W/F, 12:00-1:20 pm
  • String Sinfonia, MUS 273: M/W/F, 1:30-2:50 pm

Read more about orchestras at WWU!

We offer the following small and chamber ensembles at various times of the year. Students will be considered for brass, woodwind, string, and mixed chamber groups based on their band and/or ensemble auditions. Please explore our small and chamber group offerings! See Browse Classes for course information.

  • Guitar Ensemble, MUS 282
  • Bassoon Ensemble, MUS 281
  • Flute Ensemble, MUS 281
  • Percussion Ensemble, MUS 281
  • NowHearThis! (New Music Ensemble), MUS 485
  • Woodwind, brass, string chamber groups, and mixed ensembles, MUS 281

Yes, students must register for their assigned ensemble(s) 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.

Trombone section during band rehearsal.

Ensemble Auditions

Ensemble Auditions are held each year in September. Mid-year auditions may be possible, please contact the ensemble director for more information. Academic year 2024-2025 auditions will occur on September 23 and 24, 2024. The audition request form will open on September 3, 2024.

Audition Checklist

  1. Review Ensemble Audition Information 
  2. Prepare Audition Requirements
  3. Submit Ensemble Audition Form (starting 9/3/24)

Ensemble Auditions Information

Audition Sign-Up

Sign-up for in-person auditions and submission of video auditions begins on 9/3/2024 through the Ensemble Audition Form located at the bottom of this page. 

Results and Attendance

Audition results will be sent to students' WWU email.

  • Bands, Choirs, Orchestras: Results will be sent by the end of day on 9/24/2024. Be prepared to attend your ensemble(s) the first week of classes.
  • Jazz: Results will be sent by the end of the first week of classes. Be prepared to attend your ensemble the second week of classes.

Course Enrollment

Students must register for the ensemble course after receiving their ensemble assignment.

Auditioned vs. Non-Auditioned Ensembles

Symphonic Band, University Choir, and Viking Pep Band do not require an audition; all other ensembles do.

NOTE: All music majors, music scholarship recipients, and students enrolled in applied lessons are required to complete an ensemble audition for placement into the appropriate ensemble.

In-Person Auditions

All in-person auditions will take place in the Performing Arts Center (PA/PAC).

The audition schedule for each instrument is listed below. Students can audition on multiple instruments. Request a specific audition time by submitting the Ensemble Audition request form. The form opens for submissions on 9/3/2024.

NOTE: You must prepare Audition Requirements for your instrument(s) in advance of your audition time.

Strings & Harp

  • Monday, 9/23/2024
  • 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, PAC Concert Hall (PA-155). Enter via the backstage entrance on Lower Level 1 (LL1).

Brass, Percussion, Winds

Instrument DateTime Room
BassoonMonday, 9/23/20245:00 pm to 9:00 pmConcert Hall, PAC 155
ClarinetMonday, 9/23/20245:00 pm to 9:00 pmConcert Hall, PAC 155
OboeMonday, 9/23/20245:00 pm to 9:00 pmConcert Hall, PAC 155
FluteTuesday, 9/24/20243:00 pm to 5:00 pmConcert Hall, PAC 155
SaxophoneMonday, 9/23/20245:00 pm to 7:00 pmPAC 024
PercussionMonday, 9/23/20248:30 am to 11:00 amPAC 012
HornTuesday, 9/24/20249:00 am to 3:00 pmConcert Hall, PAC 155
TrumpetTuesday, 9/24/20249:00 am to 3:00 pmConcert Hall, PAC 155
TromboneTuesday, 9/24/20249:00 am to 3:00 pmConcert Hall, PAC 155
Tuba/EuphoniumTuesday, 9/24/20249:00 am to 3:00 pmConcert Hall, PAC 155

Choral hearings (auditions) will take place from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm on Monday, 9/23/2024, in PAC 16 (LL2).

Request a specific audition time by submitting the Ensemble Audition request form. The form opens for submissions on 9/3/2024.

NOTE: You must prepare Audition Requirements in advance of your audition time.

Please contact Dr. Angela Kasper with questions or concerns about choir auditions.

Jazz Combos & Big Bands: Auditions will take place 9/23, 24, & 25/2024, in PAC 110 (LL1).

  • Monday, 9/23/2024, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm & 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday, 9/24/2024, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm & 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday, 9/25/2024, 9:00 am to 11:00 am & 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Vocal Jazz Ensemble: Auditions will take place from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm on Tuesday, 9/24/2024, in PAC 16 (LL2).

Request a specific audition time by submitting the Ensemble Audition request form. The form opens for submissions on 9/3/2024.

NOTE: You must prepare Audition Requirements for your instrument(s) in advance of your audition time.

Please contact Professor Kevin Woods with questions about Jazz Combos and Big Bands. Contact Dr. Richard Hodges with questions about Vocal Jazz Ensemble.

Video Auditions

Video auditions are accepted as shared links to YouTube or Vimeo and are due by end of day on 9/13/2024. Submit your video in the form at the bottom of this page and make sure the Sharing settings on your video allow us to view it.

String and brass players during an orchestra concert.

Audition Requirements

Band and Orchestra Requirements 2024

Excerpts

Students must prepare the audition requirements assigned to their instrument(s). Excerpts are available for download via the links below. In addition, be sure to download the How to Prepare Audition Excerpts PDF to help you prepare for your audition.

Brass, Percussion, & Winds - Ensemble Audition Excerpts

Strings & Harp - Ensemble Audition Excerpts

Questions

Based on their band and orchestra auditions, students will be considered for brass, woodwind, string, and mixed chamber groups. Students who did not audition in September may contact the area coordinator directly for potential mid-year admittance into an ensemble.

Students can email the following directors to inquire about joining other small ensembles.

Choir Requirements 2024

 At your hearing, you will be required to:

  • Sing a song of your choice, accompanied or acapella. An accompanist may be available upon request.
  • You will be given a series of pitches and must sing back what you hear.
  • Sightread a simple melody. 

Please contact Dr. Angela Kasper with questions or concerns about choir auditions.

Jazz Requirements 2024

Prepare the following:
  • .Sonny Rollins' Doxy (download below).
  • 2-octave major scales in Bb and F. 
  • Sight reading.
  • Students may choose to improvise on Doxy.

Those wanting to be section lead players may also be asked to demonstrate sound/range.  Saxophonists will be asked about additional instruments played (flute, clarinet, bass clarinet etc.) 

PDFs and MP3 Download

Download Doxy PDFs and backing track MP3. The download includes the following keys C, Bb, Eb, and music in bass clef.

Please contact Professor Kevin Woods with questions or concerns about jazz auditions.

Prepare the following:
  • Performance of the melody from Sonny Rollins' Doxy (download below).
  • A full chorus with Freddie Green style chord comping on Sonny Rollins' Doxy (download below).
  • Two 2-octave major scales in the keys of your choosing.
  • Sight reading of both melody and chords.
  • Students may choose to improvise on Sonny Rollins' Doxy.
PDFs and MP3 Download

Download Doxy PDFs and backing track MP3. The download includes the following keys C, Bb, Eb, and music in bass clef.

Please contact Professor Kevin Woods with questions or concerns about jazz auditions.

Prepare the following:
  • Performance of the melody from Sonny Rollins' Doxy (download below).
  • 1 Chorus comping on Sonny Rollins' Doxy.
  • Two 2-octave major scales in the keys of your choosing.
  • Sight reading of both melody and chords.
  • Students may choose to improvise on Sonny Rollins' Doxy.
PDFs and MP3 Download

Download Doxy PDFs and backing track MP3.

Please contact Professor Kevin Woods with questions or concerns about jazz auditions.

Prepare the following:

  • A performance of the melody from Sonny Rollins' Doxy (download below).
  • A walking bass/bassline chorus on Sonny Rollins' Doxy.
  • Two 2-octave major scales in the keys of your choosing.
  • Sight reading of both melody and chords.
  • Students may choose to improvise on Sonny Rollins' Doxy.
PDFs and MP3 Download

Download Doxy PDFs and backing track MP3The download includes the following keys C, Bb, Eb, and music in bass clef. 

Please contact Professor Kevin Woods with questions or concerns about jazz auditions.

 

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 ask a drummer to play along with a horn player.

Please contact Professor Kevin Woods with questions or concerns about jazz auditions.

Jazz Big Bands & Combos

Prepare the following:
  • Sonny Rollins' Doxy (download below).
  • Two major scales of choice.
  • Sight reading.
  • Students may choose to improvise on Sonny Rollins' Doxy.
PDFs and MP3 Download

Download Doxy PDFs and backing track MP3The download includes the following keys C, Bb, Eb, and music in bass clef.

Please contact Professor Kevin Woods with questions or concerns about jazz auditions. 

Vocal Jazz Ensemble

Prepare the following:
  • A check of vocal range.
  • Pitch memory check (5 notes played on the piano and sung back on neutral syllable).
  • Two prepared pieces of contrasting style (an accompaniment track is fine) - a slow ballad, and a jazz tune in swing time.
  • Be prepared to discuss your prior experience in singing vocal jazz.

 

String section during an orchestra concert.

Ensemble Audition Form

Fill out the form below to request an ensemble audition. If you are auditioning for multiple instruments, please submit multiple forms.

If you are submitting this form on the audition day, you must first sign up on the physical form outside the audition room, and then submit the online form to confirm your spot.

 

Webform

Required fields are marked with an asterisk (*).

Status message

Auditions for 2024-25 ensembles are complete. If you have questions about joining an ensemble, please email music@wwu.edu.

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

Looking for more information?

If you have any questions, we're happy to find you an answer. Call the Music Department Office 360-650-3130, or view the directory of faculty and staff.