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Auditions

This page will serve to include information regarding auditions relevant to both prospective and current/incoming students. Use the links below to navigate through the different sections of this page.

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School of Music Auditions (Prospective Students)

There are two methods by which you can audition for the University of Arizona School of Music:

  • 1) Send a CD/DVD to the Office of Academic Student Services
    • a) This recording must include the performance of two contrasting works
    • b) If you wish to have your audition materials returned, please include a self-addressed envelope
  • 2) Audition in person
    • a) You will need to contact the professor directly to schedule a date and time
    • b) Please see below for more specific audition requirements

Specific Audition Requirements

The purpose of the audition is to leave the School of Music with the best possible overall impression of a student's musical abilities and attitude. Below, you will find a list of helpful hints in preparing for and performing a great audition.

  • 1) Be well-prepared (preparation is the best remedy for any type of anxiety or nervousness)
  • 2) Dress and conduct yourself professionally (remember, we are auditioning the ENTIRE package)
  • 3) In choosing your two contrasting works (technical and lyrical), be sure to select pieces that represent your level of musical accomplishment (you can choose from solos, etudes, and/or orchestral excerpts)
  • 4) Be prepared to play all major scales (you may or may not be asked to play scale(s))
  • 5) Be prepared to play a chromatic scale (make sure you use this opportunity to demonstrate your full range)
  • 6) Be prepared to sight-read
  • 7) If you have a background in jazz, please let us know at the audition and be prepared to demonstrate it either through a jazz etude and/or some improvisation (play-alongs welcome)

Finally, be prepared to receive constructive criticism and suggestions gracefully and non-defensively. Part of the audition consists of an assessment as to how you will fit into the school and work well with professors and other students. If you have any further questions about the audition process, please feel free to contact me via email. Thank you for your interest in the UA Trombone Studio! I hope to hear from you soon!

For more information regarding auditions, admissions, and/or scholarships/financial aid, please visit the School of Music Website.

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Ensemble Auditions (Current/Incoming Students)

Band/Orchestra

Band/Orchestra auditions for the 2008-2009 school year will be held on August 23rd. All auditions will take place in the UA School of Music Room 162. To sign up for an audition time, please visit the UA Bands Website.

No audition is required to participate in Symphonic Band. For more information about this ensemble, please visit the UA Bands Wesbite.

The audition materials for Wind Ensemble, Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra, and Philharmonic Orchestra will consist of the following:

Please be prepared to audition at least 5 minutes before your audition time.

For more information regarding band/orchestra auditions, please visit the UA Bands Website.

Jazz Ensembles

Jazz auditions for the 2008-2009 school year will be held on August 21st and 22nd. Drumset auditions will take place on the evening of August 22nd. All auditions will take place in the UA School of Music Room 106. Everyone EXCEPT percussionists can sign up at any 10-minute increment time between 10:00AM and 12:00PM and between 1:30PM and 5:00PM on either day. To sign up for an audition time, please email Professor Paiewonsky at mpaiewon@email.arizona.edu with your name, instrument, phone number, and top 3 choices for audition times. Percussionists should sign up for an audition time on Friday, August 22nd in the evening on the percussion board in the UA School of Music. For more information regarding drumset auditions, please contact Dr. Norman Weinberg.

For saxophones, trombones, and trumpets, the audition will consist of the following:

Please note, those players auditioning for combos only will not need to prepare the jazz etude(s). Instead, you should prepare three jazz standards.

Guitar, piano, and players should prepare three selections of varying styles and comp while playing alongside Professor Jeff Haskell.

For the drumset auditions, a standard five-piece drumset will be supplied and you can bring your own bass drum pedal if you wish. You will be expected to demonstrate and perform in a variety of musical styles with Professor Haskell playing piano. You should be prepared to play with brushes, “trade fours”, and read a standard big band chart.

Please be prepared to audition at least 5 minutes before your audition time.

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