All undergraduate string, wind and percussion students must appear for large ensemble auditions. Please prepare all audition materials thoroughly for your audition.
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 listening critically 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.
Fall 2025 auditionees: Details for blind audition procedures can be found below. Woodwind, brass and string students are no longer required to register for an individual slot, instead being assigned an audition time upon arrival for their instrument's block of time.
Please make every effort to audition during the timeframe designated for your instrument. Doing so gives you the best opportunity for the conductors to accurately assess your skills. Professional attire is expected. Bring a copy of your class schedule to the auditions. Our conductors may ask for it if needed. Be prepared to play early if requested to do so.
Percussion ensemble audition information and music can be found in the Percussion Studio Handbook.
Ensemble auditions are held blind. Prior to your designated timeslot (listed below), please arrive early to draw a number to determine performance order. Auditions will be held behind a screen to ensure an even playing field for all auditionees. Your number will be called when it is time for you to perform your audition.
This audition process will not require registration in order to attend.
Woodwind and brass auditions prior to the fall 2025 semester will be held on Sunday, August 24 in Music Building room 155. Woodwind and brass audition blocks can be found below:
Instrument | Time |
---|---|
Trumpet | 9-10:15 a.m. |
Horn | 10:15-11:15 a.m. |
Trombone | 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. |
Tuba | 2-2:30 p.m. |
Euphonium | 2:30 - 3 p.m. |
Clarinet | 3:15-4 p.m. |
Oboe and Bassoon | 4-4:45 p.m. |
Saxophone | 5-5:45 p.m. |
Flute | 6:30-8:30 p.m. |
String auditions prior to the fall 2025 semester will be held on Sunday, August 24 in our Recital Hall.
Instrument | Time |
---|---|
Cello | 10-11 a.m. |
Viola | 11 a.m.-noon |
Bass | 1-1:45 p.m. |
Violin | 1:45-3:30 p.m. |
To register for your percussion ensemble audition, please follow the instructions as listed in the Percussion Studio Handbook or please contact Greg Beyer, Ph.D. at gbeyer@niu.edu.
If you are interested in chamber music ensembles, please contact your studio faculty member and Brigid Findley at bcrawford@niu.edu for more details regarding registration and ensemble placement.
Ensemble | Date | Time |
---|---|---|
MUSE 330/630: Wind Symphony | Monday/Wednesday | 2-3:40 p.m. |
MUSE 331/631: Wind Ensemble | Tuesday/Thursday | 2-3:50 p.m. |
MUSE 331/631: Wind Ensemble | Monday/Wednesday | 1-1:50 p.m. (sectionals) |
MUSE 360/660: NIU Philharmonic | Monday/Wednesday | 2-3:50 p.m. |
MUSE 360/660: NIU Philharmonic | Tuesday/Thursday | 4-4:50 (sectionals) |
MUSE 315/615: String Ensemble | Monday/Wednesday | 1-1:50 p.m. |
MUSE 315/615: String Ensemble | Tuesday/Thursday | 1-1:50 p.m. |
MUSE 316/616: Woodwind Ensemble | Monday/Wednesday | 1-1:50 p.m. |
MUSE 316/616: Woodwind Ensemble | Tuesday/Thursday | 1-1:50 p.m. |
MUSE 316/616: Woodwind Ensemble (section 3) Flute Choir | Friday | Noon-1 p.m. |
MUSE 317/617: Brass Ensemble | Monday/Wednesday | 1-1:50 p.m. |
MUSE 317/617: Brass Ensemble | Tuesday/Thursday | 1-1:50 p.m. |
MUSE 317/617: Brass Ensemble (section 3) Trombone Choir | Friday | Noon-1:50 p.m. |
MUSE 318/618: Percussion Ensemble | Monday/Wednesday | Noon-12:50 p.m. |
MUSE 318/618: Percussion Ensemble | Monday/Wednesday | Noon-12:50 p.m. |
MUSE 318/618: Percussion Ensemble | Tuesday/Thursday | Noon-12:50 p.m. |
MUSE 320/620: Keyboard Ensemble | TBD | TBD |
MUSE 365/665: Campus String Orchestra | Monday | 7:30-10 p.m. |
Music Building
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - noon
1 - 4:30 p.m.
815-753-1551
music@niu.edu
Austyn V. Menk
Music Admissions Coordinator
815-753-6306
avmenk@niu.edu