Instrumental Ensemble Auditions (Strings, Winds, Brass and Percussion)

All undergraduate string, wind and percussion students must appear for large ensemble auditions. Please prepare all audition materials thoroughly for your audition.

Learning the Music

For any band or orchestral excerpts, please listen to representative recordings to learn the appropriate style, tempo and dynamics for the passage. Performing these aspects of the music correctly is a large part of the audition. Learning the music by listening critically to multiple versions of the excerpts will help you grow as a musician and will reflect positively on your audition placement. Playing the right notes but in the wrong style or wrong tempo sends a different message to the audition panel. Listen and analyze before you practice.

Fall 2025 auditionees: Details for blind audition procedures can be found below. Woodwind, brass and string students are no longer required to register for an individual slot, instead being assigned an audition time upon arrival for their instrument's block of time.

Audition Day

Please make every effort to audition during the timeframe designated for your instrument. Doing so gives you the best opportunity for the conductors to accurately assess your skills. Professional attire is expected. Bring a copy of your class schedule to the auditions. Our conductors may ask for it if needed. Be prepared to play early if requested to do so.

Brass and Woodwind Ensemble Music

String Ensemble Music

In addition to the excerpts below, string players should prepare a solo of their choice.

Percussion Ensemble Music

Percussion ensemble audition information and music can be found in the Percussion Studio Handbook.

Ensemble Audition Schedule

Ensemble auditions are held blind. Prior to your designated timeslot (listed below), please arrive early to draw a number to determine performance order. Auditions will be held behind a screen to ensure an even playing field for all auditionees. Your number will be called when it is time for you to perform your audition.

This audition process will not require registration in order to attend.

Woodwind and Brass

Woodwind and brass auditions prior to the fall 2025 semester will be held on Sunday, August 24 in Music Building room 155. Woodwind and brass audition blocks can be found below:

Instrument Time
Trumpet 9-10:15 a.m.
Horn 10:15-11:15 a.m.
Trombone 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Tuba 2-2:30 p.m.
Euphonium 2:30 - 3 p.m.
Clarinet 3:15-4 p.m.
Oboe and Bassoon 4-4:45 p.m.
Saxophone 5-5:45 p.m.
Flute 6:30-8:30 p.m.

String

String auditions prior to the fall 2025 semester will be held on Sunday, August 24 in our Recital Hall.

Instrument Time
Cello 10-11 a.m.
Viola 11 a.m.-noon
Bass 1-1:45 p.m.
Violin 1:45-3:30 p.m.

To register for your percussion ensemble audition, please follow the instructions as listed in the Percussion Studio Handbook or please contact Greg Beyer, Ph.D. at gbeyer@niu.edu.

Ensemble Schedule

If you are interested in chamber music ensembles, please contact your studio faculty member and Brigid Findley at bcrawford@niu.edu for more details regarding registration and ensemble placement.

Ensemble Date Time
MUSE 330/630: Wind Symphony Monday/Wednesday 2-3:40 p.m.
MUSE 331/631: Wind Ensemble Tuesday/Thursday 2-3:50 p.m.
MUSE 331/631: Wind Ensemble Monday/Wednesday 1-1:50 p.m. (sectionals)
MUSE 360/660: NIU Philharmonic Monday/Wednesday 2-3:50 p.m.
MUSE 360/660: NIU Philharmonic Tuesday/Thursday 4-4:50 (sectionals)
MUSE 315/615: String Ensemble Monday/Wednesday 1-1:50 p.m.
MUSE 315/615: String Ensemble Tuesday/Thursday 1-1:50 p.m.
MUSE 316/616: Woodwind Ensemble Monday/Wednesday 1-1:50 p.m.
MUSE 316/616: Woodwind Ensemble Tuesday/Thursday 1-1:50 p.m.
MUSE 316/616: Woodwind Ensemble (section 3) Flute Choir Friday Noon-1 p.m.
MUSE 317/617: Brass Ensemble Monday/Wednesday 1-1:50 p.m.
MUSE 317/617: Brass Ensemble Tuesday/Thursday 1-1:50 p.m.
MUSE 317/617: Brass Ensemble (section 3) Trombone Choir Friday Noon-1:50 p.m.
MUSE 318/618: Percussion Ensemble Monday/Wednesday Noon-12:50 p.m.
MUSE 318/618: Percussion Ensemble Monday/Wednesday Noon-12:50 p.m.
MUSE 318/618: Percussion Ensemble Tuesday/Thursday Noon-12:50 p.m.
MUSE 320/620: Keyboard Ensemble TBD TBD
MUSE 365/665: Campus String Orchestra Monday 7:30-10 p.m.

Contact Us

Music Building
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - noon
1 - 4:30 p.m.
815-753-1551
music@niu.edu

Austyn V. Menk
Music Admissions Coordinator
815-753-6306
avmenk@niu.edu

Request Information

Visit

Apply