Auditions
Join your Pack! Review the audition requirements for each of our performance groups below and be sure to save room in your course schedule for dance or music.
At NC State, students of any major can participate in a performance group. Auditions for dance companies and most music ensembles take place during the first two weeks of classes. Auditions for the marching band and the wind ensemble are held virtually over the summer. Find your audition below.
Think and Do the Audition
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Choirs
When and Where
- August 18-22, 2025 │ Time: TBD (Sign-up)
- Dr. Leaf’s studio │ Price Music Center, Room 214
Expectations
Choir auditions are open to all NC State students in any major. Please complete this audition form (fillable PDF) and either email it to Dr. Leaf at njleaf@ncsu.edu the day prior to your audition or print it out and bring it with you to your audition.
Each audition is about ten minutes long and consists of vocalizing, singing a familiar song, music reading, and other basic choral skill evaluation. Those auditioning do not need to prepare a song in advance.
Course Enrollment
ALL PROSPECTIVE CHOIR STUDENTS
- All prospective choir students should register for MUS 111 University Singers and sign-up for an audition.
- MUS 111 meets TTH │ 3-4:15 p.m.
- Learn how to enroll
- Singers interested in being considered for Chamber Singers should let Dr. Leaf know at their audition.
- Any needed schedule adjustments based on the audition results will be addressed when the auditions are complete.
ALL RETURNING CHOIR STUDENTS
- All returning choir members must re-audition every fall semester for voice placement but do not need to re-audition in the spring.
- Returning members of University Singers can register for MUS 111.
- Returning members of State Chorale can put MUS 115 in their shopping cart.
- Singers interested in being considered for Chamber Singers should let Dr. Leaf know at their audition.
- Any needed schedule adjustments based on the audition results will be addressed when the auditions are complete.
Questions
Please email Dr. Leaf at njleaf@ncsu.edu with any questions about choir auditions or if there are no audition times available on the calendar.
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Dance
Dance Companies/Repertory Audition
- August 22, 2025 │ 3-6 p.m.
- Carmichael Gym, Dance Studio 2307
Join the academic dance company directors for a joint audition for Terrain Dance Project, Panoramic Dance Project, State Dance Company, as well as the DAN 305 Repertory course. You will learn phrases from the repertory of each dance company, and also participate in improvisation and dance-making. Although you will participate in the whole audition, when you register you will be able to indicate the company or companies you prefer. Please wear exercise clothing such as sweatpants, leggings, t-shirts, tank tops, etc.
DANCE AUDITION ORIENTATION
Welcome Week Dance Audition Orientation
- Thursday August 21, 2025 │ 5:30-6:45 p.m.
- Carmichael Gym, Dance Studio 2307
Do you want to learn about the academic dance companies at NC State? Are you planning to audition? Join the dance faculty from the Department of Performing Arts and Technology to learn details about each of the three companies—Terrain Dance Project, Panoramic Dance Project, and State Dance Company—as well as the Repertory Class. A combined audition will follow on Friday, August 22, from 3 to 6 p.m. It is not mandatory to attend this orientation to participate in the audition.
Student Choreographers Audition
- August 25, 2025 │ 4:30-6 p.m.
- Carmichael Gym, Dance Studio 2307
Student Choreographers from the course DAN 428 are seeking dancers for their pieces. Choreographers will rehearse at different times throughout the week and their final pieces will be performed in either the Department of Performing Arts and Technology’s Fall Concert in Stewart Theatre in November, or a more informal concert in Thompson Hall in early December. Please wear exercise clothing such as sweat pants, leggings, t-shirts, tank tops, etc.
Questions?
If you have any questions please reach out to either Amy Beasley albeasle@ncsu.edu or Tara Mullins tzmullin@ncsu.edu.
More Details and Contact Info
Directions to the studio
There are two ways to get to dance studio 2307:
From the North Entrance (the more common route)
Enter through the North Entrance across from Talley Student Union. You will be entering on the second floor of the facility. However, the second floor of the Wellness and Recreation Center does not connect to the second floor of Carmichael Gym West. You will need to take the stairs or elevator to the first floor and walk west past the locker rooms to Carmichael Gym West. Then, take those stairs or elevator up to the second level.
Through the West Entrance (the shorter route)
Enter through the Carmichael Gym West entrance, located off of Cates Avenue across from Alexander Residence Hall. You will be on the third floor of the building and will need to take the stairs or elevator down to the second level.
Dance Companies
Not sure which company is right for you? Learn about each option as well as our Dance Performance and Repertory course below.
PANORAMIC DANCE PROJECT (DAN 310)
The Panoramic Dance Project is dedicated to creating and performing culturally inspired dance works in styles including African, hip-hop, Latin, tap and jazz.
| GENERAL SCHEDULE | ||
|---|---|---|
| Mondays and Wednesdays | 5:30-7:20 p.m. | |
| Saturdays | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | We will not rehearse every Saturday. |
Questions?
Please email Christa Oliver at christaoliver@ncsu.edu with any questions about Panoramic auditions.
STATE DANCE COMPANY (DAN 311)
The State Dance Company is dedicated to creating and performing process-focused, research-based dance works in styles including modern, contemporary, modern jazz and dance theatre.
| GENERAL SCHEDULE | ||
|---|---|---|
| Mondays and Wednesdays | 1:15-4:15 p.m. | The exact days/times depend on casting. |
| Fridays | 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | Mandatory |
Questions?
Please email Tara Mullins at tzmullin@ncsu.edu with any questions about State Dance Company auditions.
TERRAIN DANCE PROJECT (DAN 315)
Terrain Dance Project is dedicated to the creation and performance of choreographed and improvised dance works in nontraditional spaces, including dance film projects.
| GENERAL SCHEDULE | ||
|---|---|---|
| Tuesdays and Thursdays | 3-4:50 p.m. | |
| Wednesdays | 4:30-7:30 p.m. | The exact times depend on casting. |
Questions?
Please email Amy Beasley at albeasle@ncsu.edu with any questions about Terrain auditions.
| *Co-requisites for the dance companies: either DAN 285 Advanced Dance Techniques or a level II technique class. |
DANCE REPERTORY AND PERFORMANCE COURSE (DAN 305)
Students who wish to gain performance experience without the commitment of joining a company, or while training their way towards auditioning for a company will greatly benefit from the DAN 305 course.
| GENERAL SCHEDULE | |
|---|---|
| Tuesdays and Thursdays | 3-4:15 p.m. |
| *Note: For students hoping to enroll in the Spring semester course, you may audition via video submissions at a later date of the upcoming Fall semester. |
Questions?
Please email Brianna Forbes baforbe2@ncsu.edu with any questions about auditions for the DAN 305 course.
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Jazz
When and Where
- August 19-22 and 25, 2025 │ Time: TBD (sign-up)
- Dr. Parker’s office │ Price Music Center, Room 210
Open Jam/Audition Clinic
This audition clinic/jam session will allow any student interested in jazz to bring their instrument and gain a better understanding of the audition process. We will spend time going over the audition music and then have an open jazz jam session for anyone wanting to play.
- Friday, August 15, 2025 │ 4:30-6 p.m.
- Price Music Center, Room 101
Expectations and Audition Materials
Each audition will last approximately 10 minutes and will consist of sight reading, all major scales, basic improvisation over blues, rhythm changes (or tune of your choice) and one prepared etude (see below).
Backing tracks are provided for the prepared etude for both slower and faster tempos (either tempo is acceptable for your audition)
Please list your instrument when you sign-up and bring audition music to your audition.
MP3 Backing Tracks
Faster
- Fall 2025 NC State Jazz Backing Track – Winds (FASTER).m4a
- Fall 2025 NC State Jazz Backing Track – PN-GT (FASTER).m4a
- Fall 2025 NC State Jazz Backing Track – DRUMS (FASTER).m4a
- Fall 2025 NC State Jazz Backing Track – BASS (FASTER).m4a
Slower
PDFs for Each Instrument
- Fall ’25 Jazz Audition – Trumpet.pdf
- Fall ’25 Jazz Audition – Trombone.pdf
- Fall ’25 Jazz Audition – Tenor.pdf
- Fall ’25 Jazz Audition – Piano.pdf
- Fall ’25 Jazz Audition – Guitar.pdf
- Fall ’25 Jazz Audition – Bass Trombone.pdf
- Fall ’25 Jazz Audition – Bass and Drums.pdf
- Fall ’25 Jazz Audition – Alt&Bari.pdf
Questions
Have questions about our jazz ensembles or upcoming jazz auditions? We encourage you to review the NC State Jazz Ensembles FAQ sheet.
Please contact Dr. Wes Parker at jwparker@ncsu.edu with any additional questions about jazz ensemble auditions.
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Athletic Bands
All Prospective Members of The Band
All students who are planning to audition for the marching band should complete the following:
- Fill out this prospective member audition form.
- Enroll in MUS 131 to establish the space in your schedule.
- MUS 131 meets MWF │ 3:35-5:25 p.m.
- Learn how to enroll
- Find details and expectations for your specific audition below.
| Varsity Pep Band auditions will take place in the first week of the spring semester by appointment only. Email Dr. Garcia at pdgarcia@ncsu.edu to schedule your audition appointment. |
BRASS AND WOODWIND
When and Where
- Video Submission Deadline: June 30, 2025
| NOTE: It is preferred that all prospective brass and woodwind players audition by submitting a video. However, a live option is available for any students who don’t have access to an instrument at this time. Email Paul Garcia at pdgarcia@ncsu.edu to schedule a live audition if necessary. |
Expectations
Please submit the following on your audition video:
- Chromatic scale of at least two octaves: Play from your lowest comfortable note to your highest comfortable note to demonstrate range.
- Up to two minutes of prepared music: Please prepare a solo, etude, or excerpt that best displays your tone quality and technical ability.
- Major scales with arpeggios: Please prepare four major scales with arpeggios. Play these in the format that is most familiar to you.
Please follow these steps to submit your video audition:
- The video should be a single, unedited take; no clips or fades, no audio enhancement or filtering.
- You must be visible and seen playing your instrument in the video.
- Please share the video by uploading it to this Google Drive folder.
- Please include your name and instrument in the title of the video. This is the preferred method of delivery.
- If you have issues uploading your video to the folder, you can upload it to YouTube as an unlisted video. Please make sure to have the appropriate privacy settings so we can access it. Please include your name and instrument in the video title and send the link to Dr. Garcia at pdgarcia@ncsu.edu.
Questions
Please email Paul Garcia at pdgarcia@ncsu.edu with any questions about brass and woodwind auditions.
DRUMLINE
When and Where
- Video Submission Deadline: June 7, 2025 by 11:59 p.m.
- Those who missed the video submission deadline may audition in person during band camp. Contact Forrest Budway at zfbudway@ncsu.edu for more information.
Expectations
Review the audition information in the drumline audition packet. A link for video submissions can be found within the packet, as well as all of the basic exercises and required excerpts for prospective members.
- Those auditioning on bass drum — please disregard the “8s Up/Down + Down/Up” instructions in the Bass Drum Specific Exercises section of the audition packet.
Questions
Please email Forrest Budway at zfbudway@ncsu.edu with any questions about drumline auditions.
COLOR GUARD
Please email Paul Garcia at pdgarcia@ncsu.edu with any questions about NC State’s Color Guard.
Questions
Please email Dr. Paul Garcia at pdgarcia@ncsu.edu with any general questions about marching band auditions. We look forward to meeting you!
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Orchestras
When and Where
Fall 2025
- August 18 and 20, 2025 │ Time: TBD (Sign-up)
- Price Music Center, Room 120
Spring 2026
- January 12 and 14, 2026 │ Time: TBD (Sign-up)
- Price Music Center, Room 120
When signing up for a time to audition for the NC State/Raleigh Civic Orchestras, please include in the description what instrument you will be auditioning on. If there are no available audition spots or you are a community player who does not have a Google calendar, please email Dr. Peter Askim at paaskim@ncsu.edu.
Please note this fall 2025 marks the beginning of our new Red and White Orchestra (MUS 295). String players who audition for the NC State/Raleigh Civic Orchestras but are not accepted are invited to join. Although auditions are not required for this ensemble, students must have had at least one year of lessons or performance experience on their instrument.
Expectations
- Prepare a solo or orchestral excerpt of your choice; generally about five minutes or less of music. Solos could be pieces studied in private lessons, an all-state solo or standard repertoire for your instrument. The piece or excerpt should show your playing at its best. No accompaniment is needed.
- Scales: two scales of your choice, three octaves if possible. String players should play one scale with spiccato bowing.
Questions
Please email Dr. Peter Askim at paaskim@ncsu.edu with any questions about orchestra auditions.
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Symphonic Band
Welcome
If you’ve played your instrument for at least one year, welcome to the symphonic band! There is no audition required for you to join.
Course Enrollment
Be sure to register for MUS 135.
Please note: MUS 135 course fills up quickly!
- MUS 135 meets TTH │ 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Learn how to enroll
We look forward to meeting you on the first day of class!
Questions
Please email Chris Branam at csbranam@ncsu.edu with any questions about the symphonic band.
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Wind Ensemble
When and Where
- Video Submission Deadline: July 11, 2025
- Video submission requirements and instructions are listed below.
It is preferred that all prospective members audition by submitting a video. However, a live option is available for any students who don’t have access to an instrument at this time.
- The live auditions will take place upon your arrival on campus.
- Please email Dr. Garcia at pdgarcia@ncsu.edu to set up your live audition if necessary.
Adjustments to the overall results will be made, as needed, once the live auditions are complete.
Course Enrollment
All students planning to audition for the wind ensemble should enroll in MUS 134 to establish the space in their schedule.
- MUS 134 meets MWF │ 12:50-1:40 p.m.
- Learn how to enroll
Expectations
Please submit the following on your audition video:
- Chromatic scale: play from your lowest comfortable note to your highest comfortable note and back down, to demonstrate range. Please slur up and tongue down.
- Major scales with arpeggios: play all 12 major scales with arpeggios. You may use the format that is most familiar to you. Please play two or three octaves when possible.
- Up to four minutes of prepared music: please prepare a solo, etude, or excerpts that best display your tone quality, technical ability, and overall playing level.
- Percussion: play a solo or etude on snare drum or keyboard (xylo or marimba) that best displays your playing ability. Please make this video no more than five minutes long.
Please follow these steps to submit your video:
- The video should be a single, unedited take; no clips or fades, no audio enhancement or filtering.
- You must be visible and seen playing your instrument.
- For best results, make sure you are not too close to the microphone. Brass, please do not face directly at the mic.
- Please share the video in this Google Drive folder. This is the preferred method of delivery.
- Please include your name and instrument in the title of the video.
If you have issues uploading your video to the folder, you can upload it to YouTube as an unlisted video.
- Please make sure to have the appropriate privacy settings so we can access it.
- Please include your name and instrument in the title of the video and send the link to Dr. Garcia at pdgarcia@ncsu.edu.
Questions
Email Dr. Garcia at pdgarcia@ncsu.edu with any questions about wind ensemble auditions.
Reminder: Students who would prefer a live audition or don’t have access to an instrument until the spring can schedule an in-person audition by contacting Dr. Garcia.
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Student Organizations
Don’t see your organization or club of interest? Use the Get Involved search tool to look through NC State’s student-led organizations and be sure to follow them on social media to stay up-to-date and learn how to get involved.
FIND YOUR A CAPPELLA AUDITION
Joining a student organization allows you to surround yourself with friends who share your love for dance or music. Below is the audition information for our a cappella groups.
Acappology, Ladies in Red, Grains of Time and Wolfgang
The members of Acappology, Ladies in Red, Grains of Time and Wolfgang are holding joint auditions. You may choose to audition in person or virtually.
When and Where
- September 6, 2025 │ 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
- Location: Price Music Center, Room 120
| Callbacks will be held on September 7 at Price Music Center and Broughton Hall. |
Expectations
Please be prepared to participate in range testing and pitch matching and then sing a verse and a chorus of any prepared song, we encourage a popular song that shows off their range.
Audition Resources
Looking for suggestions for your audition solo? The members of Acappology, Ladies in Red, Grains of Time and Wolfgang have put together a playlist of song suggestions for you.
Questions
If you have any questions about their auditions, direct message Acappology, Ladies in Red, Grains of Time or Wolfgang on Instagram.
Chordination A Cappella
When and Where
Chordination is accepting virtual audition submissions using an online audition form. Please fill out each question accurately and upload the applicable audition materials. You may audition as a singer and/or vocal percussionist.
- Audition Submission Window: August 1-30, 2025
| Callback notifications will go out on September 2 with callbacks taking place IN PERSON on September 4 (Price Music Center, Room 110) |
Expectations
Whether you are auditioning to be a singer, vocal percussionist or both, you will submit a set of videos that demonstrate your vocal range and techniques.
Singers
As you fill out the Chordination’s audition form, you will be asked to submit both of the following videos:
- A video of you vocalizing with the provided tracks. Choose the track that best fits your vocal range.
Chordination’s instructions and tips for vocalization:
- Listen to the example shown in Chordination’s shared Audition Vocalizing Tracks Folder.
- Sing along to your track on an open vowel, preferably “ah” (as heard in the example).
- We want to hear the track in this video, but MAKE SURE your voice is louder than the track.
- Stop singing when you do not feel comfortable singing any higher or lower.
- Submit your video when completing Chordination’s audition form.
- A video of you singing a verse and chorus of a song of your choice.
Chordination’s instructions and tips for your solo:
- Choose a piece in your vocal range.
- We want to hear what makes your voice unique! Choose a song that showcases your vocal strengths and style.
- It is preferred that you sing a piece in or around the pop genre, but we will not discriminate against auditions outside of this preference.
- Submit your video when completing Chordination’s audition form.
Vocal Percussionists
REQUIRED
As you fill out the Chordination’s audition form, you will be asked to submit both of the following videos:
- a short video (~1 minute) of you showing off your beatboxing/percussion skills without any accompaniment! Include as many sounds as you know.
- a short video (~ 1 min) of you beatboxing along with a metronome. Google search “metronome” and set it to your preferred pace. The recommended range is somewhere between 85 – 110 BPM. You can use as many sounds as you would like but the main purpose is to stay in tempo.
STRONGLY RECOMMENDED
These video submissions for the prompts listed below are required for anyone auditioning as a singer and vocal percussionist.
While these are not required for those only auditioning as vocal percussionists, it is preferred that vocal percussionists submit these videos as well.
- A video of you vocalizing with provided tracks. Choose the track that best fits your vocal range.
Chordination’s instructions and tips for vocalization:
- Listen to the example shown in the shared Audition Vocalizing Tracks Folder.
- Sing along to your track on an open vowel, preferably “ah” (as heard in the example).
- We want to hear the track in this video, but MAKE SURE your voice is louder than the track.
- Stop singing when you do not feel comfortable singing any higher or lower.
- Submit your video when completing Chordination’s audition form.
- A video of you singing a verse and chorus of a song of your choice.
Chordination’s instructions and tips for your solo:
- Choose a piece in your vocal range.
- We want to hear what makes your voice unique! Choose a song that showcases your vocal strengths and style.
- It is preferred that you sing a piece in or around the pop genre, but we will not discriminate against auditions outside of this preference.
- Submit your video when completing Chordination’s audition form.
Questions
Please contact Chordination via email at chordinationncsu@gmail.com or direct message on Instagram.