Frequency:  

Strings audition once each year, prior to the start of the Fall Semester. String players who missed fall auditions may schedule an audition for the Spring Semester.  

Winds and Percussion audition prior to each semester (Fall and Spring) 

Who Auditions: 

All UW – Madison students are eligible to audition for these ensembles, regardless of degree path.  

Additionally, auditions are required for: 

• All UW-Madison undergraduate music majors with a classical focus degree in woodwind, brass, percussion, and strings. 

• All UW-Madison music majors who have been awarded a scholarship while pursuing a classical focus degree in woodwind, brass, percussion, and strings. 

• All Summer Music Clinic Tuition Waiver recipients. 

Audition Materials: 

• Listen to multiple recordings of the piece or movement, with and without your part and/or the score.  

• Pay close attention to detail on the excerpt—tempo, dynamics, etc. 

• Play the excerpt for other people before your audition. Ask them for feedback. 

• Communicate musically—play idiomatically, expressively, and with musicality. 

• Play to your own high standards. Don’t second-guess yourself or assume how the judges may want something performed. Remember: the judges want you to do your best and succeed. 

Day of Audition 

• Give yourself plenty of time before your audition—wake up early, eat a meal, travel time, find the right room, warm up, etc. 

• There will be warm-up space available at the audition location. 

• Avoid fatigue—do not over practice; but do ensure you are adequately warmed-up. 

• Stay calm and have fun. Enjoy your performance! 

The Audition Process 

• Arrive early and check in with the proctor on arrival.  Allow adequate time to get checked in and warmed up. 

• Have your instrument out and ready to play at least 5 minutes before your scheduled time. 

• Leave your coat, case, etc. outside the audition room.  

• The audition for Concert Band/Symphony Orchestra/Wind Ensemble is a blind audition.

• You will be behind a screen, unable to see the judges.

• A proctor will escort you into the audition room.

• Do not speak once you have entered the audition room.  You may whisper any questions you have to the proctor, or, if needed, exit the room to speak with the proctor.  

• The CONCERT BAND ONLY audition is not blind—you will be able to see and interact with the judge.