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. Virtual auditions for the marching band and the wind ensemble are held over the summer.
For more details and dates, click on your company or ensemble of interest below.
Find Your Audition
Think and Do the Audition
Choir
When and Where
- August 19-23, 2024 │ Sign up for an audition time below.
- 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.
Dance
Dance Companies and DAN 305
When and Where
Join the academic dance company directors for a joint audition for all three of our dance companies—Terrain Dance Project, Panoramic Dance Project and State Dance Company—as well as the DAN 290 (DAN 305 Fall ‘24) Repertory course. Although you will participate in the whole audition, you will be able to indicate your preferred company or companies when you register for the audition.
- August 23, 2024 │ 3-6 p.m.
- Carmichael Gymnasium, Dance Studio 2307
| Interested in performing student-choreographed works? We encourage you to attend the Student Choreographers Audition on August 26. No registration is required. |
Expectations
You will learn phrases from the repertory of each dance company, and also participate in improvisation and dance-making. Please wear exercise clothing such as sweatpants, leggings, t-shirts, tank tops, etc.
| If you wish to learn more about the companies and what to expect from the auditions, we invite you to register for our optional Welcome Week Dance Audition Orientation. |
WELCOME WEEK DANCE AUDITION ORIENTATION
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 about each of the three companies and the Repertory Class.
Attending this orientation is not mandatory to participate in the August 23 audition.
| Please Note: This class is part of our Master Class Series. You must register online to participate. Registration is free. |
- August 22, 2024 │ 5:30-6:45 p.m.
- Carmichael Gym, Dance Studio 2307
- Registration required.
More Details and Contact Info
The following are the individual company schedules and director emails.
PANORAMIC DANCE PROJECT (DAN 310)
| GENERAL SCHEDULE | ||
|---|---|---|
| Mondays and Wednesdays | 5:30-7:20 p.m. | |
| Saturdays | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | We will not rehearse every Saturday. |
| ADDITIONAL DATES | |
|---|---|
| Fall Dance Concert | November 21 and 22 |
Questions
Please email Christa Oliver at christaoliver@ncsu.edu with any questions about Panoramic auditions.
STATE DANCE COMPANY (DAN 311)
| 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. |
| ADDITIONAL DATES | |
|---|---|
| First Residency | August 29-31 |
| Fall Dance Concert | November 21 and 22 |
Questions
Please email Tara Mullins at tzmullin@ncsu.edu with any questions about State Dance Company auditions.
TERRAIN DANCE PROJECT (DAN 315)
| GENERAL SCHEDULE | ||
|---|---|---|
| Tuesdays and Thursdays | 3-4:50 p.m. | |
| Wednesdays | 4:30-7:30 p.m. | The exact times depend on casting. |
| ADDITIONAL DATE | |
|---|---|
| Fall Performance | November 14 |
Questions
Please email Amy Beasley at albeasle@ncsu.edu and Autumn Belk at ambelk2@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 (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 ‘25 semester course, you may audition via video submissions at a later date of Fall ‘24. |
Questions?
Please email Brianna Forbes baforbe2@ncsu.edu with any questions about auditions for the DAN 305 course.
Perform Student Choreography
Student Choreographers from the course DAN 428 are seeking dancers for their pieces. Choreographers will rehearse at different times throughout the week with their final pieces being 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 sweatpants, leggings, t-shirts, tank tops, etc.
- August 26, 2024 │ 4:30-6 p.m.
- Carmichael Gymnasium, Dance Studio 2307
- No registration required.
If you have any questions, please reach out to either Amy Beasley at albeasle@ncsu.edu or Tara Mullins at tzmullin@ncsu.edu.
Jazz
When and Where
- August 20-23 and 26, 2024 │ Sign up for an audition time below.
- Dr. Parker’s office │ Price Music Center, Room 210
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
PDFs for Each Instrument
- Fall 2024 Jazz Aud – Trumpet.pdf
- Fall 2024 Jazz Aud – Trombone.pdf
- Fall 2024 Jazz Aud – Tenor Sax.pdf
- Fall 2024 Jazz Aud – Drums.pdf
- Fall 2024 Jazz Aud – PN-GT.pdf
- Fall 2024 Jazz Aud – Bass.pdf
- Fall 2024 Jazz Aud – Bass Trombone.pdf
- Fall 2024 Jazz Aud – Bari Sax.pdf
- Fall 2024 Jazz Aud – Alto Sax.pdf
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 16, 2024 │ 4:30-6 p.m.
- Price Music Center, Room 101
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.
Marching Band
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: July 12, 2024
| 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 8, 2024 by 11:59 p.m.
| PLEASE NOTE: 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.
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!
Orchestras
When and Where
- January 6 and 8, 2025
- Price Music Center, Room 120
When signing up for an audition time, 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.
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.
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.
- 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.
Wind Ensemble
When and Where
- Video Submission Deadline: Friday, July 26, 2024
- 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.
Student Organizations
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.
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.
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.
- Virtual Audition Deadline: August 30
- In-Person Audition: September 7 │ 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Location TBD
| The a cappella groups will share callback information via email in early September. Callbacks will be held in person on September 8. |
Expectations
Singers planning to audition virtually must submit their audition videos by completing the virtual audition form.
Auditions will consist of range/pitch testing and singing a verse or chorus of any song that highlights your vocal range. Vocal percussionists will have the chance to showcase their skills as well.
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
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 Deadline: August 30
| Current members of Chordination will review audition submissions at the beginning of the semester and notify you at the end of August if you have been selected for an in-person callback. Callbacks will take place on September 3 and 5 from 7-9 p.m. (locations listed below). September 3: location TBD September 5: 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 percussionist auditionees 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 email chordinationncsu@gmail.com with any questions.