Band Audition Requirements

Student Eligibility

Deadline for submitting your application & MP3 file online: April 15, 2024

Before submitting your audition on SMEA's form, please ensure you have recorded all materials by listening to your own recording.

These are anonymous auditions.

DO NOT say your name or identify the performer in any way in the recording.
SAVE YOUR FILE AS: <FirstName><LastName><Instrument or Voice>.mp3 (ex: JohnSmithAltoSax.mp3)

Your audition will be judged on how closely you can follow directions!

Record in one session and upload a single file containing the elements below:

Chromatic Scale
Chromatic scale at mm quarter note =96 (in eighth notes) ascending and descending, articulation: slurred. (To demonstrate range – begin on your lowest note and play up to the highest note of your range.)
Concert F Major Scale
Concert F Major scale (2 octaves) in eighth notes at mm quarter note =96 – two slurred, two tongued. (except Tenor Sax – Concert E♭ scale).
Two Contrasting Pieces
TWO contrasting pieces or one study showing contrasting styles. One selection should demonstrate your ability to play with lyricism, playing slowly with a beautiful tone and expressiveness; the other piece/section should showcase your technical ability, playing quickly with control. You do not have to play an entire piece; usually 32 measures of each selection is enough. Select sections that show off your best playing!

Linked below are some optional etudes that you may choose to play if you do not have your own suitable repertoire for your audition.

Keyboard Percussion – Chromatic Scale (full range of the instrument – as fast as you can comfortably play it).
Snare Drum Buzz Roll (roll from pp to ff and diminuendo to pp).
Three Solos/Études

Three solos or études (one each on Timpani, Snare Drum and Keyboard Percussion). You do not have to play an entire piece; usually 32 measures of either selection is enough. Select sections that show off your best playing!