Auditions
Join your Pack! Review the audition requirements for each of our ensembles below and be sure to save room in your course schedule for music.
Auditions for dance companies and most music ensembles take place during the first two weeks of classes each semester. Marching band auditions are held over the summer. For more details and dates, click on your company or ensemble of interest below.
Find your audition information
Choir Auditions
When
January 9-12, 2023 in Dr. Leaf’s studio, Price Music Center room 214
- All new choir students should register for MUS 111 University Singers, which meets T/Th at 3:00, and sign up for an audition.
- 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. Any needed schedule adjustments based on the audition results will be addressed when the auditions are complete.
- Singers interested in being considered for Chamber Singers should let Dr. Leaf know at their audition.
Expectations
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.
Questions
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 Company Auditions
Whether you’re auditioning for the Panoramic Dance Project or the State Dance Company, here’s what to expect and how to prepare.
When
2022-2023 auditions will be held in person in Carmichael Dance Studio 2307. You may audition for both companies or only one.
- Panoramic Dance Project: Monday, August 29, 2022, from 6:30 until 8 p.m.
- State Dance Company: Tuesday, August 30, 2022, from 6:30 until 8 p.m.
Expectations
You do not need to pre-register, just show up on time and ready to move. You may wear any clothing that you are comfortable moving in. Please be sure to bring water and stay healthy.
Questions
Please email Tara Mullins at tzmullin@ncsu.edu if you have any questions about dance company auditions.
Jazz Auditions
When
January 9th-11th, 2023
Where
Dr. Parker’s office, Price Music Center room 210
Expectations
There are a few openings for saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and rhythm section instruments in the NC State Jazz Ensembles (both big bands and combos). These openings will be filled based on need, scheduling, and the results of a brief audition. We will be recycling the same audition materials from our fall 2022 auditions, and that information can be found below.
You will find the requirements specific to your instrument at the top of each PDF linked below. Please review these carefully and don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Parker if you have any questions. The included MP3 audio file is the backing track for the prepared piece, and you will play along with it during your audition. You can also use this track for the improvised portion of your audition if you prefer, but basic blues or rhythm changes will suffice as well.
Alto Sax: Alto Sax (sheet music) (Winds mp3)
Bari Sax: Baritone Sax (sheet music) (Winds mp3)
Tenor Sax: Tenor Sax (sheet music) (Winds mp3)
Trumpet: Trumpet (sheet music) (Winds mp3)
Trombone: Trombone (sheet music) (Winds mp3)
Bass Trombone: Bass Trombone (sheet music) (Winds mp3)
Piano: Piano (sheet music) (Piano/Guitar mp3)
Guitar: Guitar (sheet music) (Piano/Guitar mp3)
Bass: Bass (sheet music) (Bass mp3)
Drums: Drum Set (sheet music) (Drums mp3)
Need slower backing tracks to play along with? Click on the links below specific to your instrument.
Winds, Slow Practice mp3
Bass, Slow Practice mp3
Piano/Guitar, Slow Practice mp3
Questions
Email Dr. Wes Parker at jwparker@ncsu.edu for more information on how to audition for a jazz ensemble.
Marching Band Auditions
All prospective members of the band
Audition form
Please fill out the audition Google form.
Class registration
All students who are planning to audition for marching band should enroll in MUS 131 to establish the space in their schedule. The class meets MWF from 3:35-5:25 p.m.
Questions
Email Dr. Paul Garcia at pdgarcia@ncsu.edu with any questions. We look forward to meeting you!
Brass and woodwind auditions
When
Deadline: Friday, July 15, 2022
Results will be sent out by July 29.
Expectations
It is preferred that all prospective brass and woodwind players audition by submitting a video, but a live option is available for any students who don’t have access to an instrument at this time. Contact Dr. Paul Garcia at pdgarcia@ncsu.edu to schedule a live audition if necessary.
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.
- Major scales with arpeggios: please prepare two major scales with arpeggios. Play these in the format that is most familiar to you.
- Up to two minutes of prepared music: please prepare a solo, etude, or excerpts that best display your tone quality and technical ability.
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.
Drumline auditions
When
Deadline: Monday, June 6, 2022
UPDATE: The final deadline for audition videos for the drumline was June 6, but if you missed the deadline and are interested in becoming a member please reach out to drumline instructor Forrest Budway at zfbudway@ncsu.edu. There are still performance opportunities available!
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. Any questions about the audition process can be directed to Forrest Budway at zfbudway@ncsu.edu.
Color guard auditions
When
Deadline: TBA
Expectations
TBA
Orchestra Auditions
When
January 9 and 11, 2023
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.
Where
Details on audition location will be emailed the week prior to auditions to all students who have reserved an appointment time.
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
Email Dr. Peter Askim at paaskim@ncsu.edu with any questions about orchestra auditions.
Symphonic Band
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.
Register for MUS 135, and contact Mr. Chris Branam at csbranam@ncsu.edu with any questions. We look forward to meeting you on the first day of class.
Varsity Pep Band Auditions
When
First week of the spring semester, by appointment only
Where
Dr. Paul Garcia’s office, Price Music Center room 215
Expectations
Brass and woodwind auditions will involve all major scales and arpeggios, as well as sight reading. Interested drum set players should contact Dr. Garcia for details.
Questions
Email Dr. Garcia at pdgarcia@ncsu.edu with any questions and to schedule your audition appointment.
Wind Ensemble Auditions
All students planning to audition for the wind ensemble should enroll in MUS 134 to establish the space in their schedule. The class meets MWF from 12:50-1:40 p.m.
When
Deadline: Friday, July 29, 2022
Results will be sent out by August 12.
Expectations
It is preferred that all prospective members audition by submitting a video, but 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.
Adjustments to the overall results will be made, as needed, once the live auditions are complete.
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.
- 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 title of the video and send the link to Dr. Garcia at pdgarcia@ncsu.edu.
Questions
Email Dr. Garcia with any questions. 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 at pdgarcia@ncsu.edu.