Person playing a saxophone on stage

School of Music

UM Wind Band Auditions

The UM Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Concert Band are open to all students across campus regardless of their major. All music majors and minors who play woodwind, brass, or percussion instruments are required to take the audition just before the fall term. For non-majors, Placement into the Symphonic Wind Ensemble requires an audition (information below) while Concert Band does not. The results of those auditions will determine in which ensemble you are placed. Both bands are MUSI 114a ( freshmen & sophomores) and MUSI 314 (juniors, seniors, grad students). SWE is section 01 and Concert Band is section 02. Registration can be changed after the auditions.

Fall Semester Rehearsal Times

Concert Band: Tue/Thu 5:00 pm–5:50 pm

Symphonic Winds: Tue/Thu 3:00 pm–4:40 pm

Spring Semester RehearsalÌý°Õ¾±³¾±ð²õ

Concert Band: Mon/Wed 4:00 pm–5:20 pm

Symphonic Winds: Tue/Thu TBD

Fall 2025 Auditions

Where:  MUSIC #102 - WW and Brass, MUSIC #001 - Percussion

When:

  • The two days before the term starts for WW & Brass
  • First day of classes for percussion

NEW FOR FALL 2025! Woodwinds and brass only need to sign up for ONE audition time that will count for your band and orchestra (optional) audition. 

Complete Three Steps:

Step 1. Submit .

Step 2. Sign up for an .

Step 3. Download the audition excerpts (below).

Audition will include:

  • Solo work(s) of your choice (2-3 minutes without accompanist)
  • Reading rhythms - You will play two randomly chosen lines from .
    • You must play with a metronome. 
    • Choose any single pitch to play. 
  • Excerpts (below)
  1. Print all excerpts and begin practicing. Planned preparation promotes positive performance.
  2. The audition is a performance; if something goes wrong, keep playing. Clean and accurate is always preferred to uncontrolled and fast. Rhythm, intonation, and tone are important in large ensembles.
  3. Take a moment to look at the sight-reading before starting.
  4. LISTEN to recordings of the excerpts and translate any foreign words. It will inform you, inspire you, and make you better.

Fall 2025 Audition Excerpts

  • Flute: Also play piccolo on specified excerpts.
  • Clarinet: Play on Bb soprano.
  • Bass Clarinet: Music majors must audition on Bb soprano. Non-majors can audition on bass clarinet. Contact Dr. Smart (james.smart@umontana.edu) for bass clarinet excerpts.
  • Saxophone: Alto saxophone is suggested. Email Dr. Smart (james.smart@umontana.edu) to play excerpts on tenor.