Auditions
Admission into the Cal Poly concert band program for winter and spring is determined through a relaxed audition process administered at the end of the fall quarter. All students who have experience performing in a wind ensemble or symphonic band, regardless of major, are encouraged to schedule an audition.
It is common for new students to be nervous about their first audition. However, Cal Poly has a long tradition of serving performers from all musical backgrounds. There are members of the Wind Ensemble and Wind Orchestra with a wide range of ability and experience levels, including many that never performed an audition until their first quarter as a university student. The directors strive to accomodate all students and will work hard to make sure that you feel comfortable and relaxed during your audition.
Audition Schedule
- Wednesday, December 7 from 5:00 to 9:00 pm
Audition Information
To sign-up for an audition, please visit the small bulletin board outside room 214A in the Music Building. If you are unavailable between 5:00 and 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 7, due to your class schedule, please contact Professor Woodruff.
Each audition is ten minutes in length and takes place in room 214A (Music Building). During this appointment, the director will spend a few minutes asking some basic “get-to-know-you” questions and then will listen to the performance component of the audition. This single audition determines each student's ensemble placement (in either the Wind Ensemble or the Wind Orchestra) as well as his/her chair placement.
For the performance component of the audition, students are asked to have a selection which showcases a proficiency in lyrical playing as well as something which exhibits technical ability. However, this is not required. We are more than happy to hear you play a short excerpt from any source. It can be from a solo, an etude, a method book, or piece of band music. (Although there are no required excerpts for the winter/spring audition cycle, you are welcome to choose selections from the materials distributed for fall auditions.)
School Instruments
Cal Poly maintains an inventory of high-quality instruments for use by students. This is especially useful for performers of the larger (or more expensive) instruments such as tuba, euphonium, and bassoon; however, it is also a great resource for great players who relied on high-quality, school-owned instruments while in high school.
Students who need an instrument for auditions should contact Professor Woodruff as soon as possible. An instrument will be provided for the audition, and then permanently checked-out for those students selected to participate in one of the concert bands. (Note: Students who need to use a school instrument are encouraged to sign-up for one of the later audition appointments in order to have as much practice time as possible on their new instrument.)
Schedule
Audition results, including ensemble and chair assignments, will be distributed via email within a few days after the final audition.
Rehearsals will begin on Monday, January 9.
Frequently Asked Questions
- I have been playing for years, but I have never performed an audition. Do you have any advice?
It is very common for new students to perform their very first audition here at Cal Poly. We are a very welcoming program, and are interested in meeting players at all levels of experience and ability. The audition packets are designed to provide an excerpt appropriate for every performer, from those who have taken lessons throughout high school to those talented and motivated players who only performed in their school band.
If you are new to auditioning, the best advice would be to choose excerpts that are good for you. Also, make sure that you have taken time to practice (the greatest source of anxiety during auditions is a lack of preparation; if you are prepared, you will be a lot less nervous!) Finally, remember that the person hearing your audition genuinely wants for you to succeed and do well. The goal of an audition is to learn about you as a person and as a performer; it is not intended to be stressful or intimidating.
- What should I wear for the audition?
There are no requirements with regard to attire during auditions. However, presenting a good image of yourself does have a positive impact upon the person hearing your audition. Our advice would be to go the middle route: clean casual or business casual with good personal grooming and hygiene.
- Where can I practice?
The Music Building has several practice rooms on the first floor. Generally speaking, these rooms are available for use by all students. As you might imagine, it gets fairly busy in the practice rooms during the academic work day; however, if you come by early in the morning or late in the evening, you should have no trouble finding an available practice room. (Please note that the Music Building is open until approximately 10:00 p.m. most nights.)
You may also use these rooms to warm-up prior to your audition. If none are available before your audition, please see one of the directors in room 214A and they will find you an alternative location.
- What are my chances of being accepted for admission into one of the concert bands for winter and spring quarters?
It is no secret that gaining a spot in the Wind Orchestra/Wind Ensemble as a new member is more challenging now than it is for students who audition in September. The reason for this is because we do not require current members to re-audition after the fall quarter, so that means there is limited availability on how many new players we can accept.
However, we alwyas have a few students who are unable to continue due to class conflicts, etc. So, except in some rare circumstances, we often have one or more spots available in all sections. Certainly, the directors do everything possible to accomodate and include as many new students as possible.
If you have additional questions on this topic, please do not hesistate to ask during your audition.
- Do you have any general audition advice?
Generally speaking, the best advice is to “be yourself” and “be prepared”. Although very simple and straightforward, if you can manage to fulfill both those ideals, you will have a wonderful audition.
Eric Hoover, Past President of the National Flute Association, also provided some general advice that would benefit anyone performing an audition (from middle school to the professional level.)
- Practice with a metronome
- At the site. . .warm-up alone and do not listen to other players
- Think highly of your playing. If you don't respect your musicianship, no one else will
- Demonstrate your ability to communicate musically
- Maintain a positive appearance even if you do not play well
- Demonstrate that you are a good colleague as well as a good musician
- Show confidence without being cocky
Final Thoughts
If you have not already done so, please fill out our Online Interest Form. This form will provide us with the information necessary to keep you informed regarding such things as audition logistics, scheduling, and other important news about the Wind Ensemble and Wind Orchestra.
Students new to Cal Poly are also encouraged to read through this document, which contains additional information regarding our band program.