Ensemble Auditions
The School of Music has a wide range of performance opportunities through our many ensembles and areas of study. From the traditional to the experimental, there are a multitude of ways for you to express yourself musically at LSU.
Each area follows a unique audition process outlined on this page. If you require any accessibility accommodations for audition materials, or have other questions about the audition process, the appropriate contact information is listed alongside each area.
The information on this page was last updated June 26, 2024.
Wind and percussion students interested in participating in concert ensembles at LSU audition at the start each semester during specified time blocks. Auditions are open to majors and non-music majors.
The ensembles requiring auditions by wind and percussion players include:
- LSU Wind Ensemble (MUS 4251)
- LSU Symphonic Winds (MUS 4254)
- LSU Symphonic Band* (MUS 4252)
- LSU Symphony Orchestra (MUS 4261)
****Music majors auditioning for only the LSU Symphonic Band must prepare ALL audition excerpts for their audition. Non-music majors auditioning for this group may select a single excerpt from the given options.***
***Students looking to participate in the LSU Tiger Marching Band audition through a separate process. Please visit this page to learn more.***
Process for Winds & Percussion
Fall 2024 auditions for wind and percussion students will be held on Sunday, August 25, Monday, August 26, and Tuesday, August 27 in the Tiger Band Hall.
- Wind auditions will take place in the Staff Room, with warm-up and practice space available in the Rehearsal Hall.
- Percussion auditions will take place in the Rehearsal Hall, with warm-up and practice space available in the Library.
Please fill out the following form before you arrive to the auditions to inform us of any potential class conflicts.
WIND & PERCUSSION AUDITION REGISTRATION FORM
Fall 2024 Audition Times
Results are expected to be announced by 10:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 27th.
Sunday, 8/25 |
Monday, 8/26 |
Tuesday, 8/27 |
---|---|---|
Percussion Tuba Euphonium Saxophone Trumpet |
Flute Oboe Trombone Make up for woodwind conflict times |
Horn Bassoon Clarinet Make up for brass conflict times |
Wind & Percussion Audition Excerpts
If you require accessibility-related accommodations for audition music, or have other audition questions, please contact the Department of Bands by calling (225) 578-2384 or emailing bands@lsu.edu.
For questions about the wind and percussion auditions, please contact the LSU Department of Bands.
Strings students interested in participating in orchestral activities at LSU will audition virtually according to the procedure outlined below. Auditions are open to majors and non-music majors.
The ensembles requiring auditions by strings players include:
- LSU Symphony Orchestra (MUS 4261, Sections 1 & 2)
***Wind and percussion players auditioning for the LSU Symphony Orchestra should follow the audition procedures outlined in the Winds & Percussion section of this page.***
Process for Strings
Auditioning students must video record themselves performing all of the excerpts, in one take, with no breaks. All strings auditions for LSU Symphony need to play both excerpts.
Videos are due no later than Saturday, August 24, at 11:00 p.m. CST
- The video must include the face of the auditioning student.
- Please title videos using the following format: instrument_lastname_firstname
- In your video, please do NOT say your name or identify yourself in any audible way.
- After submitting your registration, you will receive an email link to upload your audition.
- Your video might take longer than expected to upload, depending on your internet connection. Please plan accordingly.
To maintain anonymity, audio from submitted videos will be separated from the video and assigned an audition number. All video will be withheld from judging panel until scoring is completed.
Ensemble placements will be posted on Monday (8/26) and rehearsals will begin on Wednesday (8/28) for strings at SOM 118 and on Thursday (8/29) for full orchestra at the Old Band Hall.
STRING AUDITION REGISTRATION FORM
String Audition Excerpts
If you require accessibility-related accommodations for audition music, or have other audition questions, please contact Kai-chun Wong.
Students interested in participating in choral ensembles at LSU will audition during specified time blocks at the start of each semester. These choral hearings are open to majors and non-music majors. No formal experience or special music training is required to participate in a choral ensemble at LSU.
All students receive a single semester hour credit for participation in each LSU choir. Each chorus presents 1 to 4 performances each semester, depending on the exact layout of the academic calendar.
The ensembles available in the choral area include:
- A Cappella Choir (SATB) (MUS 4236)
- Chorale (SSAA) (MUS 4233)
- Tiger Glee Club (TTBB) (MUS 4232)
- Gospel Choir (SATB) (MUS 4230)
Process for Choirs
Choral hearings for Fall 2024 will be held on Thursday, August 22, 2024 in the LSU School of Music Recital Hall. Fill out the form below to be contacted with more information on choral hearings and choirs at LSU.
Choral information formFor questions about choral hearings or to sign up for available timeslots, please contact Ross Cawthon.
For questions about the LSU Gospel Choir, please contact Laurence Hebert.
For questions about the LSU A Cappella Choir, please contact Alissa Rowe.
Students (majors and non-majors) interested in participating in a jazz performing group may audition for one of several ensembles, including:
- LSU Jazz Ensemble (MUS 4253, Section 1)
- LSU Jazz Lab Band (MUS 4253, Section 2)
- LSU Jazz Chamber Groups (MUS 4255)
Auditions for the 2024-2025 academic year will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2024 in SoM Room 113. Sign-up sheets for audition times are posted on the bulletin board outside of Doug Stone's office (SoM 113).
Questions about jazz auditions may be directed to Doug Stone.
- Perform the prepared piece - an excerpt from "Cherry Juice" by Thad Jones.
- If you are interested in auditioning for a Chamber Jazz Ensemble be prepared to play the melody and improvise on a jazz tune or your choosing.
- Perform the prepared piece - an excerpt from "Cherry Juice" by Thad Jones.
- Demonstrate of variety of feels: swing at several tempos, Afro-Cuban, Bossa Nova, funk.
"Cherry Juice" sheet music found linked below.
- Alto Saxophone - beginning to the first measure of letter C
- Tenor Saxophone - beginning to the first measure of letter C
- Baritone Saxophone - beginning to the first measure of letter C
- Lead Trumpet - 9th measure of letter G to the first measure of letter M
- Section Trumpet - 9th measure of letter G to letter L
- Trombone - Letter G to the fourth measure of letter L
- Bass Trombone - Letter G to the fourth measure of letter L
- Guitar - Beginning to letter E
- Piano - Beginning to letter E
- Bass - Beginning to letter E
- Drum Set - Letter E to Letter M
Jazz Audition Excerpts
If you require accessibility-related accommodations for audition music, or have other audition questions, please contact Doug Stone.