Ensemble Placement Auditions

Admission into the Lamar University Wind Ensemble and/or Symphonic Band is determined via a relaxed audition process administered at the beginning of the Fall semester. All students who have experience performing in a wind ensemble, symphonic band or concert band in high school/college, regardless of major, are encouraged to schedule an audition.

Note: These auditions are only for seating placement in the Wind Ensemble and/or Symphonic Band. To audition for LU's Jazz Band, The Cardinal Jazz Orchestra, please visit the Jazz Audition Page.  Otherwise, to learn more about joining the Music Department as a Music Major or Music Minor, please visit www.lamar.edu/auditions.

Audition Instructions

Audition instructions vary by section. Please choose an instrument to view detailed information on how the audition process works, what to prepare, and what to expect.

  • Flute

    Participation in the Lamar University Wind Ensemble and/or Symphonic Band is determined based upon a relaxed audition process administered by our flute professor, Dr. Brielle Frost. All flutists who have experience performing in a wind ensemble, symphonic band or concert band, regardless of major, are encouraged to schedule an audition.

    Requirements and instructions for auditioning as an flute performer are located in the Flute/Piccolo Audition Packet. Please contact Dr. Frost if you have any questions on the instructions or any information contained within the audition packet.

    Auditions will take place on Wednesday, August 16. Sign-up sheets will be posted on the large bulletin boards across from the Music Department office on the first floor of the Simmons Music Building by August 1.

    Flute/Piccolo Audition Packet

  • Oboe

    Participation in the Lamar University Wind Ensemble and/or Symphonic Band is determined based upon a relaxed audition process administered by one of our woodwind professors, Dr. Jennifer Iles. (Dr. Iles will be adjudicating all oboe, bassoon clarinet and bass clarinet auditions.) All oboists who have experience performing in a wind ensemble, symphonic band or concert band, regardless of major, are encouraged to schedule an audition.

    Requirements and instructions for auditioning as an oboe performer are located in the Oboe Audition Packet. Please contact Dr. McMahan if you have any questions on the instructions or any information contained within the audition packet.

    Auditions will take place on Wednesday, August 16. Sign-up sheets will be posted on the large bulletin boards across from the Music Department office on the first floor of the Simmons Music Building by August 1.

    Oboe Audition Packet

  • Bassoon

    Participation in the Lamar University Wind Ensemble and/or Symphonic Band is determined based upon a relaxed audition process administered by one of our woodwind professors, Dr. Jennifer Iles. (Dr. Iles will be adjudicating all oboe, bassoon clarinet and bass clarinet auditions.) All bassoonists who have experience performing in a wind ensemble, symphonic band or concert band, regardless of major, are encouraged to schedule an audition.

    Requirements and instructions for auditioning as a bassoon performer are located in the Bassoon Audition Packet. Please contact Dr. McMahan if you have any questions on the instructions or any information contained within the audition packet.

    Auditions will take place on Wednesday, August 16. Sign-up sheets will be posted on the large bulletin boards across from the Music Department office on the first floor of the Simmons Music Building by August 1.

    Bassoon Audition Packet

  • Clarinet

    Participation in the Lamar University Wind Ensemble and/or Symphonic Band is determined based upon a relaxed audition process administered by our clarinet professor, Dr. Jennifer Iles. All clarinetists who have experience performing in a wind ensemble, symphonic band or concert band, regardless of major, are encouraged to schedule an audition.

    Requirements and instructions for auditioning as a clarinet performer are located in the Clarinet Audition Packet. Please contact Dr. Iles if you have any questions on the instructions or any information contained within the audition packet.

    Auditions will take place on Wednesday, August 16. Sign-up sheets will be posted on the large bulletin boards across from the Music Department office on the first floor of the Simmons Music Building by August 1.

    Clarinet Audition Packet

  • Bass Clarinet

    Participation in the Lamar University Wind Ensemble and/or Symphonic Band is determined based upon a relaxed audition process administered by our clarinet professor, Dr. Jennifer Iles. All bass clarinetists who have experience performing in a wind ensemble, symphonic band or concert band, regardless of major, are encouraged to schedule an audition.

    Requirements and instructions for auditioning as a bass clarinetist are located in the Bass Clarinet Audition Packet. Please contact Dr. Iles if you have any questions on the instructions or any information contained within the audition packet.

    Auditions will take place on Wednesday, August 16. Sign-up sheets will be posted on the large bulletin boards across from the Music Department office on the first floor of the Simmons Music Building by August 1.

    Bass Clarinet Audition Packet

  • Saxophone (Alto/Tenor/Baritone)

    Participation in the Lamar University Wind Ensemble and/or Symphonic Band is determined based upon a relaxed audition process administered by our saxophone professor, Rick Condit. All saxophonists who have experience performing in a wind ensemble, symphonic band or concert band, regardless of major, are encouraged to schedule an audition.

    Requirements and instructions for auditioning as a saxophone performer are located in the Saxophone Audition Packet. Please contact Professor Condit if you have any questions on the instructions or any information contained within the audition packet.

    Performers may audition with the saxophone upon which they feel the most comfortable: alto, tenor, or baritone. Regardless of saxophone type, all players will use the same audition packet and follow the same instructions.

    Auditions will take place on Wednesday, August 16. Sign-up sheets will be posted on the large bulletin boards across from the Music Department office on the first floor of the Simmons Music Building by August 1.

    Students interested in performing as a member of LU's Jazz band, The Cardinal Jazz Orchestra, are encouraged to visit the Jazz Audition Page for additional information, instructions and faculty contact information.  Auditioning for the Cardinal Jazz Orchestra will involve different performance excerpts.  Participation in the Cardinal Jazz Orchestra is not a requirement for Music Majors, minors, or other students who perform in other concert or athletic bands.

    Saxophone Audition Packet

  • Horn

    Participation in the Lamar University Wind Ensemble and/or Symphonic Band is determined based upon a relaxed audition process administered by our horn professor, Mr. Max Paulus. All horn players who have experience performing in a wind ensemble, symphonic band or concert band, regardless of major, are encouraged to schedule an audition.

    Requirements and instructions for auditioning as a horn performer are located in the Horn Audition Packet. Please contact Mr. Paulus if you have any questions on the instructions or any information contained within the audition packet.

    Auditions will take place on Wednesday, August 16. Sign-up sheets will be posted on the large bulletin boards across from the Music Department office on the first floor of the Simmons Music Building by August 1.

    Horn Audition Packet

  • Trumpet

    Participation in the Lamar University Wind Ensemble and/or Symphonic Band is determined based upon a relaxed audition process administered by our trumpet professor, Dr. Jared Broussard. All trumpet players who have experience performing in a wind ensemble, symphonic band or concert band, regardless of major, are encouraged to schedule an audition.

    Requirements and instructions for auditioning as a trumpet performer are located in the Trumpet Audition Packet. Please contact Dr. Broussard if you have any questions on the instructions or any information contained within the audition packet.

    Auditions will take place on Wednesday, August 16. Sign-up sheets will be posted on the large bulletin boards across from the Music Department office on the first floor of the Simmons Music Building by August 1.

    Students interested in performing as a member of LU's Jazz band, The Cardinal Jazz Orchestra, are encouraged to visit the Jazz Audition Page for additional information, instructions and faculty contact information.  Auditioning for the Cardinal Jazz Orchestra is a separate process and will involve different performance excerpts. It also requires that students sign-up for an additional audition time.  Participation in the Cardinal Jazz Orchestra is not a requirement for Music Majors, minors, or other students who perform in other concert or athletic bands.

    Trumpet Audition Packet

  • Trombone

    Participation in the Lamar University Wind Ensemble and/or Symphonic Band is determined based upon a relaxed audition process administered by our trombone professor, Dr. Timothy Dueppen. All trombonists who have experience performing in a wind ensemble, symphonic band or concert band, regardless of major, are encouraged to schedule an audition.

    Requirements and instructions for auditioning as a trombone performer are located in the Trombone Audition Packet. Please contact Dr. Dueppen if you have any questions on the instructions or any information contained within the audition packet.

    Auditions will take place on Wednesday, August 16. Sign-up sheets will be posted on the large bulletin boards across from the Music Department office on the first floor of the Simmons Music Building by August 1.

    Students interested in performing as a member of LU's Jazz band, The Cardinal Jazz Orchestra, are encouraged to visit the Jazz Audition Page for additional information, instructions and faculty contact information.  Auditioning for the Cardinal Jazz Orchestra is a separate process and will involve different performance excerpts. It also requires that students sign-up for an additional audition time.  Participation in the Cardinal Jazz Orchestra is not a requirement for Music Majors, minors, or other students who perform in other concert or athletic bands.

    Trombone Audition Packet

  • Bass Trombone

    Participation in the Lamar University Wind Ensemble and/or Symphonic Band is determined based upon a relaxed audition process administered by our trombone professor, Dr. Timothy Dueppen. All bass trombonists who have experience performing in a wind ensemble, symphonic band or concert band, regardless of major, are encouraged to schedule an audition.

    Requirements and instructions for auditioning as a bass trombonist are located in the Bass Trombone Audition Packet. Please contact Dr. Dueppen if you have any questions on the instructions or any information contained within the audition packet.

    Auditions will take place on Wednesday, August 16. Sign-up sheets will be posted on the large bulletin boards across from the Music Department office on the first floor of the Simmons Music Building by August 1.

    Students interested in performing as a member of LU's Jazz band, The Cardinal Jazz Orchestra, are encouraged to visit the Jazz Audition Page for additional information, instructions and faculty contact information.  Auditioning for the Cardinal Jazz Orchestra is a separate process and will involve different performance excerpts. It also requires that students sign-up for an additional audition time.  Participation in the Cardinal Jazz Orchestra is not a requirement for Music Majors, minors, or other students who perform in other concert or athletic bands.

    Bass Trombone Audition Packet

  • Euphonium

    Participation in the Lamar University Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band is determined based upon a relaxed audition process administered by our tuba and euphonium professor, Mr. Victor Gomez. All euphonium players who have experience performing in a wind ensemble, symphonic band or concert band, regardless of major, are encouraged to schedule an audition.

    Requirements and instructions for auditioning as a euphonium performer are located in the Euphonium Audition Packet. Please contact Mr. Gomez if you have any questions on the instructions or any information contained within the audition packet.

    Auditions will take place on Wednesday, August 16. Sign-up sheets will be posted on the large bulletin boards across from the Music Department office on the first floor of the Simmons Music Building by August 1.

    Euphonium Audition Packet

  • Tuba

    Participation in the Lamar University Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band is determined based upon a relaxed audition process administered by our tuba and euphonium professor, Mr. Victor Gomez. All tuba players who have experience performing in a wind ensemble, symphonic band or concert band, regardless of major, are encouraged to schedule an audition.

    Requirements and instructions for auditioning as a tuba performer are located in the Tuba Audition Packet. Please contact Mr. Gomez if you have any questions on the instructions or any information contained within the audition packet.

    Auditions will take place on Wednesday, August 16. Sign-up sheets will be posted on the large bulletin boards across from the Music Department office on the first floor of the Simmons Music Building by August 1.

    Tuba Audition Packet

  • Percussion

    Participation in the Lamar University Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band is determined based upon a audition process designed by our percussion professor, Dr. Francisco Perez. All percussionists who have experience performing in a wind ensemble, symphonic band or concert band, are encouraged to schedule an audition.

    Requirements and instructions for auditioning as a percussionist are located in the Percussion Audition Packet. Please contact Dr. Perez if you have any questions on the instructions or any information contained within the audition packet.

    Auditions will take place on Wednesday, August 16. Sign-up sheets will be posted on the large bulletin boards across from the Music Department office on the first floor of the Simmons Music Building by August 1.

    Percussion Audition Packet

     Jazz Band

    Students interested in performing as a member of LU's Jazz band, The Cardinal Jazz Orchestra, are encouraged to visit the Jazz Audition Page for additional information, instructions and faculty contact information.  Auditioning for the Cardinal Jazz Orchestra is a separate process and will involve different performance excerpts. It also requires that students sign-up for an additional audition time.  Participation in the Cardinal Jazz Orchestra is not a requirement for Music Majors, minors, or other students who perform in other concert or athletic bands.

  • String Bass

    Participation in the Lamar University Wind Ensemble or Symphonic Band is determined based upon a relaxed audition process. All classically trained string bass players who have experience performing in an orchestra, concert band, or wind ensemble, regardless of major, are encouraged to schedule an audition.

    To audition for the Wind Ensemble or Symphonic Band, please email Dr. McMahan for more information.

    Lamar University owns upright basses which are available for student use. Please email Dr. McMahan if you would like to inquire as to using one of these instruments for the audition and/or for participation in the Wind Ensemble or Symphonic Band throughout the year.

    Jazz Band

    Students interested in performing as a member of LU's Jazz band, The Cardinal Jazz Orchestra, are encouraged to visit the Jazz Audition Page for additional information, instructions and faculty contact information.  Auditioning for the Cardinal Jazz Orchestra is a separate process and will involve different performance excerpts. It also requires that students sign-up for an additional audition time.  Participation in the Cardinal Jazz Orchestra is not a requirement for Music Majors, minors, or other students who perform in other concert or athletic bands.

  • Jazz Rhythm Section

    Students interested in performing as a member of LU's Jazz band, The Cardinal Jazz Orchestra, are encouraged to visit the Jazz Audition Page for additional information, instructions and faculty contact information.  Auditioning for the Cardinal Jazz Orchestra is a separate process and will involve different performance excerpts. It also requires that students sign-up for an additional audition time.  Participation in the Cardinal Jazz Orchestra is not a requirement for Music Majors, minors, or other students who perform in other concert or athletic bands.

Scheduling

Auditions will take place on Wednesday, August 16.  Sign-up sheets will be posted on the large bulletin boards across from the Music Department office on the first floor of the Simmons Music Building by August 1.

Audition results, including ensemble and chair assignments, will be posted in the music building and distributed via email after auditions have concluded.

The first rehearsal date/time will be announced via email, as it will differ by ensemble.  Please review the course schedule for regular ensemble rehearsal times.

Additional Information

The audition process is coordinated and facilitated by Dr. McMahan.  All questions, as well as inquiries regarding the use of school instruments, etc. should be sent to him via email. Correspondence will then be routed to the appropriate person(s), if necessary.

After all auditions have completed, the results will be collated and published by Dr. McMahan.  It will be posted on the bulletin board across from the Music Department office in the form of a complete seating order for the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band. The results will also be sent to all auditionees via email.

Any student who does not audition, but is required to do so, will be placed in an ensemble and seated based solely upon the discretion of the adjudicator and/or ensemble directors.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. 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.

  2. How do I enroll in Wind Ensemble or Symphonic Band?

    Students participating in the Lamar University performing ensembles receive one unit of academic credit each semester.  Once audition results have been announced, members will be provided instructions regarding how to enroll for the appropriate course.

  3. 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 arrogant

Contact

Dr. Andrew McMahan
Associate Professor
Director of Bands
(409) 880-8147
amcmahan@lamar.edu