Instrumental (Strings, Wind, Brass and Percussion) Ensemble Auditions

All undergraduate string, wind and percussion students must appear for large ensemble auditions. Please prepare all audition materials thoroughly for your audition.

Learning the Music

For any band or orchestral excerpts, please listen to representative recordings to learn the appropriate style, tempo and dynamics for the passage. Performing these aspects of the music correctly is a large part of the audition. Learning the music, by analytical listening to multiple versions of the excerpts, will help you grow as a musician and will reflect positively on your audition placement. Playing the right notes but in the wrong style or wrong tempo sends a different message to the audition panel. Listen and analyze before you practice.

Spring 2024 auditionees: please refer to the University of Texas Wind Ensemble’s recording of Karel Husa’s Music for Prague 1968.

Audition Day

Please make every effort to audition during the time frame designated for your instrument. Doing so gives you the best opportunity for the conductors to accurately assess your skills as compared to your colleagues. Professional attire is expected. Bring a copy of your class schedule to the auditions. The conductors may ask for it if needed. Arrive early for your scheduled time and be prepared to play early if requested to do so.

Brass and Woodwind Ensemble Music

New excerpts will be posted the week of Dec. 4, 2024.

• Flute (PDF)
• Clarinet (PDF)
• Saxophone (PDF)
• Trumpet (PDF)
• Horn (PDF)
• Trombone (PDF)
• Bass Trombone (PDF)
• Euphonium (PDF)
• Tuba (PDF)

String Ensemble Music

New excerpts will be posted before the 2024-2025 academic year.

Percussion Ensemble Music

Percussion ensemble audition information and music can be found in the percussion area handbook.

Schedule Your Ensemble Audition

Register for Audition

To register for your percussion ensemble audition, please follow instructions as listed in the Percussion Area Handbook or please contact Greg Beyer, Ph.D. at gbeyer@niu.edu.

Ensemble Schedule

If you are interested in chamber music ensembles, please contact your studio faculty member and Austyn Menk at avmenk@niu.edu for more details regarding registration and ensemble placement.