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 August 1, 2023.
Winds & Percussion
Wind and percussion students interested in participating in concert ensembles at LSU will audition during specified time blocks at the start of each semester. Auditions are open to 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 seperate process. Please visit this page to learn more.***
Process for Winds & Percussion
All wind and percussion auditions will take place in the Tiger Band Hall. Please arrive at the beginning of the time listed for your instrument / area and check in with the proctor in the lobby, who will have you sign up for a specific time slot. All time slots are first come, first serve.
- 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 2023 Audition Times
Results are expected to be announced at 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 22.
Sunday, 8/20
Percussion
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Tuba
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Euphonium
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Saxophone
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Trumpet
6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Monday, 8/21
Flute
9:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Oboe
12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Trombone
4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
WW Make-up
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday, 8/22
Horn
9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Bassoon
10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Clarinet
1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
B/P Make-up
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
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
Strings students interested in participating in orchestral activities at LSU will audition virtually according to the procedure outlined below. Auditions are open to 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 19, at 6:00 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 (8/21) and rehearsals will begin on Wednesday (8/23) for strings at SOM 118 and on Thursday (8/24) 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 Francis Ku.
Choirs
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 also open to 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
Fall 2023 choral hearings will be held on Thursday, August 17, and Friday, August 18, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., in the School of Music Recital Hall. A specific hearing time slot will be assigned to you after completing registration.
Music majors should prepare a short aria or art song. Non-music majors may sing either a song of their choosing or “My Country, ’Tis of Thee” or “Amazing Grace.” Sight-singing may also be required. A pianist will be provided for all components of the hearing.
CHORAL HEARING REGISTRATION FORM
For questions about choral hearings, please contact Trey Davis.
For questions about the LSU Gospel Choir, please contact Laurence Hebert.
For questions about the LSU A Cappella Choir, please contact Alissa Rowe.
Jazz
Students 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)
Process & Requirements for Jazz
Fall 2023 jazz auditions will be held on the following dates:
- Thursday, August 17 for saxophone, trumpet, and trombone
- Friday, August 18 for piano, guitar, bass, and drums
Please sign up for an audition time using the form linked below.
JAZZ AUDITION REGISTRATION FORM
In the audition, you will perform a prepared excerpt from a jazz big band chart. If you are interested in auditioning for a chamber jazz ensemble, be prepared to play the melody and improvise on a jazz tune of your choosing.
Jazz Audition Excerpts
For questions about jazz area auditions, please contact Doug Stone.