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 accomodations for audition materials, or have other questions about the audition process, the appropriate contact information is listed alongside each area.
Winds & Percussion
Last updated June 15, 2022.
Wind and percussion students interested in participating in a concert ensemble 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:
- Wind Ensemble (MUS 4251)
- Symphonic Winds (MUS 4254)
- Symphonic Band* (MUS 4252)
- 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.
Process for Winds & Percussion
Fall 2022 auditions will be held on Sunday, August 21 through Tuesday, August 23 in 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. You are then free to warm-up and practice inside of the TBH Rehearsal Hall until your audition time arrives. The auditions will take place inside of the TBH Staff Room and time slots are first come, first serve.
Please fill out the following form before you arrive to the auditions to inform us of any potential class conflicts.
Ensemble Audition Registration
Results are expected to be announced at 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 23.
Sunday, 8/21
Percussion
10:30-12:30
Tuba
1:00-2:00
Euphonium
2:00-3:00
Saxophone
3:00-5:00
Trumpet
6:00-8:30
Monday, 8/22
Flute
9:00-11:15
Oboe
12:30-1:30
Open
(studio class)
2:00-4:30
Trombone
4:30-6:00
Woodwind Make-up
7:00-9:00
Tuesday, 8/23
Horn
9:00-10:30
Bassoon
10:30-12:00
Clarinet
1:30-4:00
Brass and Percussion Make-up
6:00-8:00
Results Posted via email
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.
Strings
Last updated June 15, 2022.
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:
- Symphony Orchestra (MUS 4261)
Process for Strings
Auditioning students must video record themselves performing all of the excerpts, in one take, with no breaks. Non-majors may select one excerpt to record from the list.
Videos are due no later than Friday, August 19, at 11:59 p.m. CST
- 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.
- Videos are submitted using the form link below.
- Be aware that your video might take longer than expected to upload. Please plan accordingly.
To maintain anonymity, audio from submitted videos will be separated from the video and assigned an audition number. Video including the face will be withheld from judging panel until scoring is completed.
Starting fall 2022, a new group will be formed (Virtuosi) and comprised of auditioned string players, performing repertoire of exciting and challenging works for string orchestra. This ensemble will serve as a major community engagement and performance arm of the LSU Symphony. We strongly encourage highly motivated string players to audition. The ensemble will rehearse on Wednesdays, for the last 30 minutes of each string rehearsal (1:50-2:20). Please indicate on your audition form if you wish to be considered.
Ensemble placements will be posted on Monday (8/22) and rehearsals will begin on Wednesday (8/24) for strings at SOM 118 and on Thursday (8/25) for full orchestra at the Old Band Hall.
String Audition Excerpts
If you require accessibility-related accommodations for audition music, or have other audition questions, please contact Gabriela Gómez Estévez.
Important Notice!
We anticipate releasing audition information for Fall 2022 choral ensembles later this summer.
Please note that the audition process may differ or be adjusted from what is currently listed below.
Choirs
Last updated August 2, 2021.
Choral hearings are held in the week before classes each semester for interested students. 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. No formal experience or special music training is required to participate in a choral ensemble at LSU.
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 2021 choral hearings will be held on Friday, August 20, and Saturday, August 21, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., in the School of Music Recital Hall. As part of their hearing, music majors should prepare a short aria or art song. Non-music majors may sing either song of their choosing, “My Country, ’Tis of Thee,” or “Amazing Grace.” Sight-singing may also be required. An accompanist will be provided for all components of the hearing.
Please use the form linked below to register for LSU Choirs participation. Questions about choral hearings should be directed to Trey Davis.
Jazz
Last updated June 15, 2022.
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)
For Fall 2022, jazz auditions will be held:
- Monday, August 22 for saxophone, trumpet, and trombone
- Tuesday, August 23 for piano, guitar, bass, and drums.
Signup sheets and additional audition information will be posted outside Doug Stone's office, SOM 113, by August 19.
Questions about jazz auditions may be directed to Doug Stone.
Requirements for Winds, Guitar, Piano, and Bass
- Perform the "prepared piece," an excerpt from a jazz big band chart that will be posted on the bulletin board outside SOM 113.
- 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.
Requirements for Jazz Drum Set
- Perform the "prepared piece," an excerpt from a jazz big band chart that will be posted on the bulletin board outside SOM 113.
- Demonstrate a variety of feels: swing at several tempos, Afro-cuban, Bossa Nova, funk.