Audition Information

UNDERGRADUATE AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba

• Undergraduate applicants should prepare one lyrical and one technical solo/etude. ASBOA All-State etudes meet these requirements.
• Major scales and chromatic scale (2 octaves when possible)
• Sight-reading

GRADUATE (M.M.) AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

Trumpet

• Études: One étude selected from Charlier, Bitsch, Brandt or Longinotti.
• Solos: One contrasting solo from a movement of a standard concerto or sonata or five to eight minutes from a single-movement work.
• Excerpts: Three standard orchestral excerpts 

Candidates should choose works which best demonstrate their sound, range, and technique. For questions or assistance please email Dr. Nairam Simoes. 

Horn

• The exposition of the first movement of any Mozart Horn Concerto (Nos. 1-4)
• One contrasting solo from a movement of a standard work (ex. Strauss, Hindemith, Dukas, etc.)
• Three standard orchestral excerpts such as (but not limited to):
  • Beethoven Symphony No. 3 (Horn 2, Trio)
  • Brahms Symphon No. 1 (Horn 1, mvt. 2)
  • Shostakovich Symphony No. 5 (Horn 1, low tutti)
  • Strauss Til Eulenspiegel (Horn 1, opening)
  • Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5 (Horn 1, mvt. 2)

Please contact Dr. Juli Buxbaum with any questions or to schedule a lesson or audition.

Trombone

Applicants to the Master of Music program should prepare three works of contrasting style that exhibit musical and technical difficulty appropriate to graduate music study. Audition repertoire may include solos, études, and/or orchestral excerpts. Some examples are provided below.

• First movement of a standard concerto, or first section of a larger scale, uninterrupted work.  Examples include Grondahl Concerto Mvt. 1 or first page (up to Andante Marcia Funebre) in the David Concertino.
• Two contrasting etudes.  Examples include 1 Bordogni Vocalise and one Tyrell, Bitsch, Blazhevich, Arban Characteristic Study, or some other etude material that contasts well with Bordogni.

Orchestral Excerpts are not required, but if applicants would like to play them, please prepare the following (second trombone unless otherwise noted):

• Mozart Tuba Mirum Solo
• Berlioz Hungarian March - 6 befor square 20 to 2 before square 21
• Saint-Saëns Organ Symphony - 1st trombone solos from Q to 2 after S
• Wagner Ride of the Valkyries - pickup to 4 (B minor section) and pickup to 11 to fifth bar of 12 (second B major section)

Please feel free to contact Dr. Bruce Faske with questions about your audition repertoire selections.

Euphonium

Applicants to the Master of Music program should prepare:

• One complete melodious etude
• One complete technical etude
• Two solo works:
  • One movement from a concerto in the standard repertoire
  • One movement from a sonata or other work with piano OR
  • Solo work with fixed media accompaniment
• 3-5 standard orchestral and band excerpts of your choice
• Sight-reading

Tuba

Graduate tuba applicants must demonstrate advanced proficiency on bass and contrabass tubas. Applicants to the Master of Music program should prepare:

• One complete melodious etude
• One complete technical etude
• Two solo works:
  • One movement from a concerto in the standard repertoire
  • One movement from a sonata or other work with piano OR
  • Solo work with fixed media accompaniment
• 3-5 standard orchestral and band excerpts of your choice
• Sight-reading

Please feel free to contact Dr. Ed Owen with questions about your audition repertoire selections.

COLORGUARD

Colorguard auditions are typically announced in early March via a "Save the Date" e-mail from Dr. Riley and usually are held on campus in late April and early May. All interested students should expect to prepare a 90-120 second routine that is performed to music of your choosing. This part of the audition is meant to showcase your strengths in colorguard performance. You are encouraged to incorporate any flag, dance, or additional colorguard equipment into your routine. The final part of the audition is a rehearsal clinic organized and led by our instructor and student leaders designed to simulate the rehearsal expectations of a typical marching band show. All students in colorguard both new and returning members are required to audition each year. Audition results are announced after the final audition date. For all interested new members, please fill out our Colorguard Interest Form.

TWIRLER

A-State Bands is committed to staffing a solo feature twirler for the Sound of the Natural State marching band. The feature twirler is selected by audition in the spring semester only when an opening is anticipated for the upcoming fall. The audition includes two phases: Phase 1: a formal application including a cover letter, resume, and links to videos of recent twirling routines; Phase 2: an on-campus audition consisting of an original routine, a performance of our fight song routine, and an interview with the selection committee. We anticipate holding auditions again in the spring semester of 2024. Please contact Dr. Steven Riley via email for further information.

UNDERGRADUATE

Applicants (both BM/BA) should submit a portfolio, audio recordings, and a list of compositions and performances to date, if available. The portfolio should consist of up to three (3) compositions that are representative of their best work (all scores should be sent as PDFs). Audio recordings (live performance preferred) of each submitted composition must accompany the scores. A list of all compositions and performances of the applicant's compositions to date must be submitted in addition to all other materials. The composition faculty understands that often undergraduate students do not have a substantial output prior to beginning their collegiate studies. In these cases, the student will be a probationary composition student and their status will be re-evaluated after their first semester and at their proficiency exam at the end of their second semester, pending successful compositional progress.

GRADUATE

Applicants must submit a portfolio, audio recordings, and a list of compositions and performances to date. The portfolio must consist of three (3) compositions that are representative of their best work (all scores should be sent as PDFs). Audio recordings (live performance preferred) of each submitted composition must accompany the scores. A list of all compositions and performances of the applicant's compositions to date must be submitted in addition to all other materials.

Please feel free to contact Dr. Derek Jenkins with any questions.

M.M. CHORAL CONDUCTING

Applicants must complete the following:

• Apply to Arkansas State University
• Submit a screening video of current teaching of 20-25 minutes using examples of rehearsals and performances.  It is recommended to include footage of contrasting ensemble ages and/or abilities.
• Submit a curriculum vitae and transcripts of all university coursework to date.
• Have letters sent by three professional references.
• Applicants may be invited to:
  • Lead an in-person ensemble rehearsal of approximately 20 minutes with contrasting repertoire to be determined by the Direct of Choral Activities.
  • Interview with the Choral and Conducting faculty.
  • Complete a musicianship skills examination.

M.M. INSTRUMENTAL CONDUCTING

Applicants please contact Dr. Steve Riley for more information. 

UNDERGRADUATE AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

All students wishing to purse an undergraduate degree in music education will follow the audition procedures for their major voice part or instrument.

GRADUATE AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

All students wishing to purse a graduate degree in music education should submit the following to Dr. Nicholas Balla, Coordinator of Instrumental Music Education or Dr. Colleen McNickle, Coordinator of Vocal Music Education.

• Official transcripts for coursework and degree completition verification in music education or an approved equivalent.
• A Letter of Interest (minimum of 500 words, maximum of 750) stating current professional status/goals after obtaining the MME degree and a brief overview of your philosophy of music education.
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae.
• A minimum of three (3) professional letters of recommendation.
• A video recording of you teaching an ensemble/group music lesson (minimum of 5 minutes, maximum of 10 minutes).

In addition to the above requirements, the following grades and scores must be achieved:

• Unconditional Admission - A minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.00 (or 3.25 on the last 60 hours).
• Conditional Admission - A minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 2.75 (or 3.00 on the last 60 hours).

Questions?  Please contact Dr. Nicholas Balla, Coordinator of Instrumental Music Education or Dr. Colleen McNickle, Coordinator of Vocal Music Education.

UNDERGRADUATE AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

Keyboard

• A two-mallet solo or etude (such as an etude from Goldenberg "Modern School" book, a movement from a Bach Cello Suite, or a ragtime xylophone solo)
• A four-mallet solo or etude (optional, but required for maximum scholarship consideration)
  
• Two-mallet sightreading

Snare Drum

• A concert-style solo or etude (such as an etude from the Cirone "Portraits in Rhythm" book or the Peters "Advanced Snare Drum Studies" book)
  
• A rudimental/marching-style solo or etude (such as a solo from Wilcoxon's "All-American Drummer" book or Pratt's "14 Modern Contest Solos" book) OR six rudiments: Long Closed/Multiple Bounce Roll (soft-loud-soft), Long Open/Double-Stroke Roll (slow-fast-slow), Single Paradiddles, Flam Tap, Single Ratamacue, and a rudiment of the student's choosing
  

Timpani

• A solo or etude (such as an etude from the Whaley "Musical Studies for the Intermediate Timpanist" book, the Firth "Solo Timpanist" book, or the Goodman "Modern Method for Timpani" book)
  

GRADUATE AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

Keyboard

• A four-mallet solo of suitable difficulty (marimba or vibraphone)
  
• Two contrasting orchestral excerpts (can include excerpts for glockenspiel, xylophone, or vibraphone)
  
• Two-mallet sightreading
  

Snare Drum

• A concert-style solo of suitable difficulty (such as an etude from the Delecluse "Douze Etudes" book, a solo from "The Noble Snare" collection, or similar
  
• Two substantial orchestral excerpts (such as "Lt. Kije," Scheherezade," etc.)

Timpani

• A solo or etude of suitible difficulty OR a collection of three contrasting orchestral excerpts including an early Classical excerpt (i.e. Mozart or Haydn), a Beethoven excerpt, and a Romantic or later excerpt (i.e. Brahms or Tchaikovsky)

Multiple Percussion

• A solo or etude of suitible difficulty (video recordings will be accepted)
  

Drum set and/or World Percussion (optional)

• At least three patterns from diverse styles with appropriate fills or solos (must be played without a recording: please contact Dr. Brian Graiser with questions regarding instrument availability)
  

Please feel free to contact Dr. Brian Graiser with any questions about auditions.

Please consult Dr. Lauren Schack Clark in advance with questions about eligibility of specific pieces. 

International students and others may send video links.

UNDERGRADUATE (BACHELOR OF MUSIC)

Prepare at least three works of contrasting styles and time periods (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, After 1900) from the standard repertoire, to be performed from memory.  Students may be asked to sight read a short piece.

UNDERGRADUATE (BACHELOR OF MUSIC EDUCATION, BACHELOR OF ARTS)

Same as above, but prepare at least two contrasting pieces.

GRADUATE (MM, CONCENTRATION IN PIANO PERFORMANCE/PIANO PERFORMANCE AND PEDAGOGY)

Prepare at least three works of contrasting styles and time periods (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, After 1900) from the standard repertoire, to be performed from memory.  Students will be asked about prior knowledge of scales, arpeggios, and chord progressions, and may be asked to sight read a short piece. 

GRADUATE (MM, CONCENTRATION IN COLLABORATIVE PIANO PERFORMANCE)

Students will be asked to prepare 1-2 works from the standard art song, opera, instrumental, or chamber music repertoire, preferably performed with a partner(s).  They should also prepare at least one work from the standard solo piano repertoire, to be performed from memory or with the music.  Students will be asked to sight read a short piece.

UNDERGRADUATE & GRADUATE AUDITION INFORMATION

Violin, Viola, Cello

• One movement of a standard concerto
• One movement from solo Bach (BWV 1001-1006 for violin; BWV 1007-1012 for viola and cello)

Bass

• Two works or movements in a contrasting style (Undergraduate ONLY)
• One movement of a standard concerto (Graduate ONLY)
• One movement from a solo Bach suite, BWV 1007-1012 (Graduate ONLY)

Please feel free to contact Jenny Cao with any questions about orchestral strings auditions.

Guitar

• Contact Andrew Manka for information

Students new to the choral program who are auditioning for a Choral Scholarship will complete three components of the audition:

1. Perform from memory a solo of classical, musical theatre, or folk music (an accompanist will be provided)
2. Demonstrate musicianship skills of sight singing and pitch memory
3. Give a brief interview with faculty.

Please contact the Director of Choral Activities, Dr. Ryan Sullivan for questions.

All returning singers will complete a brief scholarship audition with choral faculty.

UNDERGRADUATE AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone, Bassoon

• Undergraduate applicants should prepare one lyrical and one technical solo/etude. ASBOA All-State etudes meet these requirements.  (Saxophone applicants may audition/major on any consort member.)
  
• Major scales and chromatic scale (2-3 octaves when possible)
• Sight-reading

GRADUATE (M.M.) AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

Flute

• Exposition of 1st Mvt. of Mozart Concerto (G or D) without cadenza
  
• A contrasting solo piece or movement from a sonata or concerto
• Two orchestra excerpts from the following:
  • Beethoven Leonore No. 3 - m. 328-360
  • Brahms Symphony No. 4, Mvt. 4 - m. 89-105
  • Debussy Afternoon of a Faun - m. 1-4 and rehearsal 2-3
  • Mendelssohn A Midsummer Night's Dream - Scherzo

 Accompaniment not required. Contact Dr. Stephanie Hoeckley with any questions about auditions.

Oboe

• Movement of a Concerto
  
• Contrasting solo piece or movement from a Sonata or Concerto
• Two orchestral excerpts to be selected from:
  • Ravel Le Tombeau de Couperin, Prelude - m. 1 to #4
  • Rossini La Scala di Seta - Pickup to m. 6 through #1 and 4 measures before #2 through #3
  • Beethoven Symphony No. 3, Mvt. 2 - m. 7-56
  • Brahms Violin Concerto, Mvt. 2 - m. 1-32
  • Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4, Mvt. 2 - m. 1-21
  • Stravinsky Pulcinella Suite, Mvt. 4 - Theme and Variation 1

Please feel free to contact Dr. Kristin Leitterman with any questions about auditions.

Clarinet

• A movement from a Classical or Romantic-era work (for example: Mozart Concerto or Brahms Sonatas)
  
• A 20th or 21st century work (for example: Hindemith Sonata, Stravinsky Three Pieces, or Copeland Concerto)
• A third contrasting work.  This requirement may also be met by preparing 3-4 standard orchestral excerpts (for example: Mendelssohn Scherzo, Beethoven Symphony No. 6, or Brahms Symphony No. 3)

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Dr. Erin Cameron with any questions about auditions.

Saxophone

• All major and minor scales (full range)
  
• One concert etude (Bozza, Lauba, Ferling, etc.)
• Two contrasting solo movements (at least one movement must be performed on the alto saxophone):
  • Soprano
    
    • Alessandro Marcello: Concerto
    • Rodney Rogers: Lessons of the Sky
    • Giacinto Scelsi: Tre Pezzi
    • Heitor Villa-Lobos: Fantasia
  • Alto
    
    • William Albright: Sonata
    • Paul Creston: Concerto
    • Ingolf Dahl: Concerto
    • Edison Denisov: Sonate
    • Alfred Desenclos: Prelude, Cadence et Finale
    • Alexander Glazunov: Concerto
    • Karel Husa: Elegie et Rondeau
    • Jacques Ibert: Cocnertino da Camera
    • Henri Tomasi: Concerto
  • Tenor
    • Michael Cunningham: Trigon, Op. 31
    • Frank Martin: Ballade
    • John Worley: September Sonata
  • Baritone
    • David Canfield: Sonata
    • David Cunningham: Sonata
    • Mark Watters: Rhapsody

Please feel free to contact Dr. Elissa Kana with any questions about auditions.

Bassoon

• First movement of a concerto by Mozart, Weber, or Vivaldi
• Contrasting solo piece or movement from a sonata or concerto
• 2 orchestral excerpts selected from this list
  • ​Mozart Marriage of Figaro - m. 1-24
  • Stravinsky Rite of Spring - m. 1-15
  • Ravel Bolero - Rehearsal #2 to #3
  • Rimsky-Korsakov Scheherazade - m. 5 to A AND rehearsal L to M
  • Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4 - Mvt. 2 m. 274–end
  • Bartok Concerto for Orchestra, Mvt. 2 - m. 8–24 AND m. 164–180​

Please feel free to contact Dr. Kristin Leitterman with any questions about auditions.