Ensembles & Ensemble Auditions

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 currently 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. 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.

• Symphonic Band, MUS 272: T/Th, 4-5:50 pm
• Wind Symphony, MUS 472: T/Th, 2-3:50 pm

Read more about bands at WWU!

We currently 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. Please note that these schedules are subject to change.

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

Read more about choirs at WWU!

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

Big Bands

• Jazz Big Band I, MUS 474: MWF, 3-3:50 pm
• Jazz Big Band II, MUS 274: MWF, 2-2:50 pm

Jazz Combos

• Jazz Combo I, MUS 475: MWF, 4-4:50 pm
• Jazz Combo II, MUS 475: MWF, 5-5:50 pm
• Jazz Combos III, IV, V: MUS 275 - see Browse Classes each quarter.

Vocal Jazz

• Vocal Jazz, MUS 284: T/Th 3:00-4:20 pm

Read more about jazz ensembles!

We currently 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.

• Symphony Orchestra, MUS 473: MWF, 12:00-1:20 pm
• String Sinfonia, MUS 273: MWF, 1:30-2:50 pm

Read more about orchestras at WWU!

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.

Excerpts

To complete a band and/or orchestra audition, students should prepare the audition requirements assigned to their instrument through the link below. Please also download the How to Prepare Audition Excerpts PDF to help you prepare for your audition.

Brass, Perc. Winds - Ensemble Audition Excerpts

Strings & Harp - Ensemble Audition Excerpts

Questions

• Band: Please contact Dr. Paul Bain with questions or concerns about band auditions.
• Orchestra: Please contact Dr. Ryan Dudenbostel and Dr. James Ray with questions or concerns about orchestra/strings and harp auditions.

Symphonic Band

An audition is not required to join the Symphonic Band (MUS 272) unless you are a music major, a music scholarship recipient, or taking private lessons at WWU. 

Chamber Music

Based on their band and orchestra auditions, students will be considered for brass, woodwind, string, and mixed chamber groups. 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: Mehrdad Gholami
• Percussion Ensemble: Patrick Roulet
• Guitar Ensemble: Eli Schille-Hudson
• Small and Chamber Music Page

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.

Please contact Dr. Paul Bain with questions or concerns about band auditions.

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.

Please contact Dr. Ryan Dudenbostel and Dr. James Ray with questions or concerns about orchestra/strings and harp auditions.

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. 

All live auditions will be held in the Performing Arts Center (PA/PAC) located on North Campus across the PAC Plaza from the Viking Union. For auditions in the Concert Hall, students should enter backstage from Lower Level 1 (LL1). Use the PAC Map to locate audition rooms.

Strings & Harp

• Monday, September 25
• 8:30 am-5 pm, PAC Concert Hall. Students should plan to enter from the backstage entrance on Lower Level 1 (LL1).

Brass, Percussion, Winds

 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. 

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

• Monday, September 25
• 9 am - 8 pm
• PAC 16 "Choir Room" on Lower Level II

Students should be prepared to enter from the doors next to PAC 047. Use the PAC Map to locate rooms. All live auditions will be held in the Performing Arts Center (PA/PAC) located on North Campus across the PAC Plaza from the Viking Union.

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

A choral hearing is required for all students (regardless of major) who wish to be considered for Concert Choir or Advanced Treble Chorale. 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.

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

A hearing is not required to join University Choir (MUS 271) 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.

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

An 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.

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

• September 25-27
• 9 am - 5:30 pm
• PAC 110

All jazz auditions will be held in Performing Arts Center 110 on Lower Level 1 (LL2). Use the PAC Map to find the audition room.

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

Prepare the following:

• Mile Davis's Solar (download below)
• 2-octave major scales in Bb and F 
• Sight reading
• Students may choose to improvise on Solar.

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…) 

PDF and MP3 Download

Download Solar PDF 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 Miles Davis's Solar (download below)
• A full chorus with Freddie Green style chord comping on Miles Davis's Solar (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 Miles Davis's Solar.

PDF and MP3 Download

Download Solar PDF 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 Miles Davis's Solar (download below)
• 1 Chorus comping on Miles Davis's Solar 
• Two 2-octave major scales in the keys of your choosing
• Sight reading of both melody and chords
• Students may choose to improvise on Miles Davis's Solar.

PDF and MP3 Download

Download Solar PDF 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 Miles Davis's Solar (download below)
• A walking bass/bassline chorus on Miles Davis's Solar 
• Two 2-octave major scales in the keys of your choosing
• Sight reading of both melody and chords
• Students may choose to improvise on Miles Davis's Solar.

PDF and MP3 Download

Download Solar PDF 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:

• 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.

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

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:

• Miles Davis's Solar (download below)
• Two major scales of choice
• Sight reading
• Students may choose to improvise on Miles Davis's Solar.

PDF and MP3 Download

Download Solar PDF 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. 

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.

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.

Read more about practice rooms!

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.

Read about building hours!

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.

Read more about all WWU Student Opportunities

Yes! We offer low-cost instrumental rentals through our instrumental library. Review instrument rental information.

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.