Audition Information

Wind Symphony Auditions consist of three parts: Prepared Music, Scales, and Sight-Reading.

  • Prepared Music

    Please prepare the selections at the indicated tempos. Percussion, choose two of the three instruments to audition with (you may do all three if desired). Flute players if you have an interest in playing piccolo, please audition on that as well (use the flute music). There will be a piccolo available for audition.

    You can find the music you need via the sub-navigation usually found on the side of this site.

  • Scales

    Harmonic Form of the minor scale should be played for audition.

    • Flute/Piccolo/Oboe/Bassoon – D major, Eb Major, d minor (2 octaves ea.)
    • Clarinet – A Major, Eb Major, g minor (2 octaves ea.)
    • Saxophone – E Major, Bb Major, d minor (2 octaves ea.)
    • Trumpet/Horn/Trombone/Euphonium – G Major, Ab Major (2 octaves ea.); c minor (1 octave)
    • Tuba – G Major, Ab Major, c minor, (1 octave ea.)
    • Percussion – E Major, Ab Major, d minor (2 octaves ea.)

    Scales are to be performed in written pitch.

  • Sight-Reading

    Following the scales and etudes, a short sight-reading excerpt will be presented. You will have up to two minutes to study the music. You may prepare to play the sight-reading music in any way, with the exception of actually playing the music before you play it for the audition. You may count it out, finger through the selection, or even hum it. Tempo will be given to you as well.

Tips for a successful audition

Be prepared! Practice the music ahead of time, noting dynamics, articulation, tempo, and style. Have scales memorized (this makes them easier to play especially when nervous). Show up early and be warmed-up and prepared to go at your scheduled audition time. Auditions take about 10 minutes to complete, and are done privately. Students needing to use a school-owned instrument are asked to contact the director by email to make arrangements.

Membership Information

Membership is based upon a satisfactory audition, which includes performance on the individual’s principal instrument at a level necessary to perform effectively. While the ensemble allows as many qualified members as rehearsal and performance space permits, at times, it may be necessary to limit numbers in certain sections in the interests of balance. Auditions for new and returning members will begin on Sunday, August 25.   Audition times will be pre-scheduled for you and will take place in the band room (MC123) located on the lower level of the Music Center.  Please make sure to check the bulletin board outside the band room for your audition time. The Wind Symphony roster will be posted, and our first rehearsal will take place on Thursday, August 29.  (Note: all percussionists will audition on Tuesday, August 27, during the normal Wind Symphony rehearsal time (11:00-11:50 AM on the WCC Auditorium stage).   

If you have any questions or would prefer a hard copy of the music, please feel free to contact me.

Dr. Miles Wurster

Phone: 507-354-8224 x353
Cell: 507/351-4467
Email: wurstemb@mlc-wels.edu