Audition slots can be signed up for online, using the SignUp Genius service. A link to the signup page is usually posted on our website (under Auditions), as well as on our Facebook page (Sycamore Bands). Additionally, the link is distributed via School of Music mailings sometime during the summer. Auditions are usually the Sunday and Monday of the first week of classes, with results being posted late Monday night or early Tuesday morning, at the latest.

Audition music for entry into the Wind Orchestra and/or the Wind Symphony is typically posted on our website under Auditions sometime before summer begins. Music can also be distributed by studio professors, and can be found in the main School of Music office (if open). For any further questions on materials, please contact your studio professor directly.

Sometimes non-major students wait until the second semester of their freshmen year, or until their sophomore year to audition; we would strongly recommend against this as a viable strategy. There are rarely spots available in the middle of the season for many of the concert ensembles, and members accepted in the Fall typically play for the entire season (Fall and Spring), meaning that waiting until the spring or until your sophomore year to audition puts you at a significant disadvantage, competing against all of the returning members as well as the incoming class of freshmen, in addition to not having played your instrument for a year. If you are a music major, you do not have this option: You MUST audition for an ensemble your first semester.

Sometimes non-major students wait until the second semester of their freshmen year, or until their sophomore year to audition; we would strongly recommend against this as a viable strategy. There are rarely spots available in the middle of the season for many of the concert ensembles, and members accepted in the Fall typically play for the entire season (Fall and Spring), meaning that waiting until the spring or until your sophomore year to audition puts you at a significant disadvantage, competing against all of the returning members as well as the incoming class of freshmen, in addition to not having played your instrument for a year. If you are a music major, you do not have this option: You MUST audition for an ensemble your first semester.

How you dress in academic and professional situations (like an audition) says a lot about you. For better or worse, an impression is formed each and every time you enter a room. While we like to think that only results matter, the truth is...if two people have similar levels of playing ability in an audition, and one of them shows up wearing a suit/dress/shirt & tie, and the other shows up in jeans and a t-shirt, most often the perceived professionalism of the first person is going to win out. Is it fair? Maybe, maybe not...but that is reality, and that is life. So...in other words....dress professionally for your audition, and maximize your chances to do well. Besides...when you look professional, you can't help but feel professional...and that may boost your confidence enough to help your audition.