MEMBERSHIP

All music majors and minors are required to audition, and placements in Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and Sinfonia will be determined by the audition. These ensembles are open to all university students through the formal audition process. 

Students who are not music majors and wish to participate in the Concert Band should click here for more information.

Membership in Sinfonia does not require an audition for non-music majors.

MUSIC MAJORS

Music majors studying privately for 2 or more credits and/or receiving a music scholarship are required to audition and participate. Music minors are also expected to audition as applicable. If you are a new student and have pre-registered for Concert Band, you should still plan to audition for placement.

AUDITION SCHEDULE AND PROCESS

Auditions will take place in person prior to the start of fall classes, between August 16–18. Click Audition Schedule and Requirements to see the specific schedule for your instrument and access the PDF of audition requirements. When you are ready to sign up for your audition time, click Audition Information Form and Sign Up. Complete the online form and click “Next,” then follow the instructions to select your specific audition time. Once you are in the correct calendar, you will need to advance through it to find the day and block of times for your instrument—check it carefully. You must be logged into your iSpartan account to complete this process. Please sign up for the earliest available time slot.

LARGE ENSEMBLE PREFERENCE — WINDS and PERCUSSION

In the online form you will state your preferences for ensemble placement on the Information Form discussed above. Every attempt will be made to fairly consider student requests. Students receiving School of Music scholarships or graduate assistantships are occasionally required to participate in a particular ensemble as a part of that agreement. Final ensemble placements are determined through consultation between the performance faculty and conductors.

REGISTERING FOR CREDIT

After the audition results and assignments are posted, make sure you are registered for the correct ensemble and course number (300 level for undergraduates, 600 level for graduates).

FIRST MEETINGS OF ALL ENSEMBLES

Audition results will be posted at the beginning of the first week of classes. The first meetings of all UNCG bands and orchestras will occur during the week of August 19. Look for more information from the conductor of the ensemble to which you are assigned.

AUDITION ADVICE

While these are very basic things, please keep the following in mind:

There are two elements in music which are completely objective to the listener, namely rhythm and intonation. Good rhythm and intonation must be the foundation of your preparation. Subjective areas may include tone quality and color, interpretation, and articulation choices.

Dynamics are vital elements of music but are subject to interpretation. The character of the music that you are portraying will dictate the proper volume and the direction of the phrases.

As you make your choices for tempo and phrasing, use the metronome to help establish a desired tempo. Refer to recordings as possible and use a metronome creatively to help form an interpretation.

Recording your audition materials is extremely helpful. The opportunity to objectively listen for rhythmic continuity, intonation, tempo choices, interpretation, and sound is extremely valuable in monitoring your progress.