Auditions
Advanced EnsemblesThere is no audition for general membership in the University Band. If you are willing to commit to the band, the band will commit to you! However, auditions are required for our advanced ensembles and Performing Arts Magnet.
For which group are you interested in auditioning?
Concert Ensembles
Symphonic Band, Wind EnsembleJazz Ensembles
Jazz Ensemble, Big BandPercussion Ensembles
Intermediate, Advanced PercussionPerforming Arts Magnet
Students auditioning for the Instrumental Track of the Performing Arts Magnet will perform the following:
- A solo or étude of your choosing. (An All State étude or Solo & Ensemble selection would work well.)
Please bring an extra copy of the music for us to view as you perform. - As many major scales as you can play.
- A short sight-reading selection.
You can view the audition rubric here: Audition Rubric
Audition Timeline
- November 1 | Application window opens at OCPS School Choice
- February 15 | Application window closes
- February 21 | On site auditions (2:30 - 5:30 PM)
- February 24 | Seat offers sent
- May 1 | Second round of magnet applications opens
The full magnet application process can be found at the Magnet Page.
Please note that even if you are accepted into the Magnet Program, you will still need to complete a Concert/Percussion/Jazz audition in May to determine your ensemble placement.
Woodwinds/Brass
Students who play woodwind and/or brass instruments can find the audition requirements for Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble here:
There are a limited number of seats in the Wind Ensemble. Once those are filled, students who auditioned will be placed into the Symphonic Band. No audition is required for the Concert Band.
You can view the rubric here: Audition Rubric
Ensemble auditions for the 2025-2026 school year take place on Wednesday, May 7 starting at 5:00 PM.
Percussion
For 2025, the percussion audition will consist of the following two études:
However, for any incoming 9th graders who have already been preparing last year's excerpt, that is OK. We will accept these excerpts for your audition if you would prefer to use them:
- Snare Étude
- Mallet Étude
- Tympani Étude
Students will perform the tympani excerpt with the recording linked below. Be SURE to practice with the recording as much as possible. The excerpt begins at 5:20. Remember that notes and rhythms are a given, but a true musical performance involves playing with an appropriate touch as well as a deep understanding of what the ensemble is playing. Our job as timpanists is to enhance and sometimes dictate the articulation of the ensemble.
To view the tympani recording, click here.
Jazz Band
Students who would like to audition for the Big Band must also complete a standard Wind Ensemble or Percussion audition, in addition to the jazz audition found here:
There are a limited number of seats in the Big Band. No audition is required for the Jazz Ensemble.
Ensemble auditions for the 2025-2026 school year take place on Wednesday, May 7 starting at 5:00 PM.