Large Ensemble Audition Info
Ensemble Placement Results
Boise State Music is pleased to offer a variety of large ensembles that provide professional-level performance opportunities and are comprised of the finest wind, brass, percussion and string players on campus. Any Boise State student can participate, regardless of major, and all are welcome.
In the following sections you will find audition information for string, wind, brass and percussion players interested in joining Symphonic Winds, All-Campus Concert Band or the Boise State Symphony Orchestra.
String Auditions
The Boise State Symphony Orchestra’s season consists of four major orchestral concerts and participation in All-Departmental activities such as the Annual Holiday Concert, opera, musical, and sponsoring the Annual Concerto-Aria Competition Concert.
All string majors and minors, plus any other student interested in auditioning for Symphony Orchestra, should prepare the complete audition packet of excerpts and be prepared for sight reading.
String Audition Dates and Times
Info on Fall 2024 auditions is coming soon.
Auditions will be done behind a screen for a committee of Boise State faculty from each of the respective instrumental areas. Under extenuating circumstances, auditions may sometimes be done by recording prior to scheduled dates. Please contact Professor Purdy for further information.
- A 2-minute solo of your choice.
- Marked excerpts. All marked excerpts for your instrument should be prepared as close to tempo as possible. It behooves you to listen to recordings of each of these pieces and work with your private teacher on the various elements of these excerpts that will make for a successful audition.
Specific questions can be answered by the orchestra’s musical director, Professor Purdy.
Woodwind, Brass and Percussion Auditions
All woodwind, brass, and percussion majors and minors, plus any other Boise State student interested in auditioning for Symphonic Winds and Symphony Orchestra, should prepare the complete audition packet of excerpts and be prepared for sight reading.
Non-music majors who are solely interested in auditioning for the All-Campus Concert Band may prepare just the solo excerpt and be prepared for sight reading.
Info on Fall 2024 auditions is coming soon.
Audition Procedures
All students of a specific instrument will arrive at the designated time and draw numbers for audition order. Students will be identified by their specific number during the audition process. Auditions will be blind, adjudicated by at least two faculty members, and proctored by a non-adjudicating party. The audition process is the primary factor used to determine part and ensemble assignments in conjunction with scholarship and other obligations.
Woodwind, brass, and percussion results will be posted online. All students should keep both Symphonic Winds and Symphony Orchestra times available until they are assigned.
For percussion auditions, students can request access to instruments for practice prior to the audition by contacting Dr. Milan well in advance of the audition. kramermilan@boisestate.edu
Ensemble Rehearsal Schedule
All Campus Band
- MUS-ENS 122/322/522: Instrumental Rehearsal Hall B125
- Fall: T 6-:8:30p
- Spring: T 6-8:30p
Symphonic Winds
- MUS-ENS 120/320/520: Instrumental Rehearsal Hall B125
- Fall: T/Th 1:30-3:20p
- Spring: M/W/F 1:30-3:20p
Symphony Orchestra
- MUS-ENS 150/350/550: Instrumental Rehearsal Hall B125
- Fall: M/W 2:30-4:20 p.m. and Friday 2:30-3:20 p.m.
- Spring: T/Th 1:30-3:45 p.m.
Jazz Orchestra Auditions
Auditions for the Boise State Jazz Orchestra are separate and occur during the first two rehearsals of the fall semester. For more information on Jazz Orchestra audition requirements, dates, times and repertoire, please visit the following link.