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Audition Information

Auditions for placement in one of ISU's concert ensembles take place the week before the Fall semester begins each academic year. These auditions are for entry into the Indiana State University Wind Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, and Jazz Ensemble (the Concert Band is a non-auditioned ensemble). Please note, acceptance as a music major at the ISU School of Music is contingent on a different audition (via the School of Music office). See below for information on the audition process for each of the Sycamore Bands (and associated ensembles). Be sure to also check out our Answers section for more information on a variety of topics.

Ensemble Audition Schedule

String Auditions (PA 161): Saturday, August 19, 2023, 5:00-9:00pm

Jazz Ensemble (PA 210): Monday, August 21, 2023, 10:30-3:00pm

Wind Auditions (PA 159): Monday, August 21, 2023

  • Flute 9:00am-11:10am
  • Oboe 11:10am-11:30am
  • Clarinet 11:30-12:20pm
  • Saxophone 1:00pm-2:40pm
  • Horn 3:00pm-3:50pm
  • Trumpet 3:50pm-5:00pm
  • Trombone 6:00pm-6:50pm
  • Euphonium 7:00pm-7:30pm
  • Tuba 7:30pm-8:30pm

Wind Orchestra
Auditions for membership in the ISU Wind Orchestra take place (live, in person) on Monday before the first day of classes. From time to time, ensemble spots may also become available during the Spring semester (these will be announced on the website and on bulletin boards throughout the School of Music). For more information, including meeting times, locations, director information, and more, visit the Ensembles link in the menu.

Concert Band
The ISU Concert Band is a non-auditioned ensemble that is open to all wind and percussion players. Many ISU music majors use this ensemble to learn how to perform on a secondary instrument. For more information on this ensemble, including meeting times, locations, director information, and more, visit the Ensembles link in the menu.
Note: Musicians who audition for Wind Orchestra may still be placed in Concert Band.

Symphony Orchestra
​Auditions for membership in the ISU Symphony Orchestra will take place (live, in person) on Saturday before the first week of classes. Please note, the Symphony Orchestra does not utilize saxophones or euphoniums. From time to time, ensemble spots may also become available during the Spring semester (these will be announced on the website and on bulletin boards throughout the School of Music).

Jazz Ensemble
Auditions for membership in the ISU Jazz Ensemble will take place Monday, August 21. The signup for auditions and audition information and music is now available. ​

Marching Sycamores - Winds
Membership in the Marching Sycamores is open to all woodwind and brasswind players on selected instruments (piccolo, clarinet, alto and tenor saxophone, trumpet, mellophone, trombone, baritone, and sousaphone). Any auditions for wind players are simply a way for us to know what part to place you on (e.g., Clarinet 1-2, Trumpet 1-2-3, Trombone 1-2, etc.) and are NOT a barrier to membership in the marching band, regardless of your playing ability - we will find a way for you to participate, even if your high school did not have a marching band (we've had several of these types of students over the years). For more information, including rehearsal times, locations, director information, and more, visit the Ensembles link in the menu.  If you are interested in receiving information as soon as it is available, including specific dates, materials, etc., please fill out the ISUMS Information form.

Marching Sycamores - Percussion
Membership in the Marching Sycamores Percussion line (cymbals, snare, tenors, basses) is by audition only. Auditions will take place a few days before Band Camp in August. More audition information will be available sometime over the summer months. If you are interested in receiving information as soon as it is available, including specific dates, materials, etc., please fill out the  ISUMS Information form.

Marching Sycamores - Color Guard
Membership in the Sycamore Color Guard (flag, rifle, twirler) is by audition only. Audition information can be found on the Color Guard page, although an audition can also be scheduled at other times on a limited case-by-case basis. To be kept informed on audition dates, routines, materials, etc., please fill out the ISUMS Information form.

Sycamore Basketball Band
Membership in the Sycamore Basketball Band is open to all wind players on selected instruments (piccolo, clarinet, alto and tenor saxophone, trumpet, mellophone, trombone, baritone, and sousaphone), as well as drum set players by audition. If you participate in the Marching Sycamores during the Fall semester, no audition is required; otherwise, a brief audition consisting of scales and sight-reading will be necessary. For more information, including rehearsal times, locations, director information, and more, visit the Ensembles link in the main menu above. If you are interested in receiving information as soon as it is available, including specific dates, materials, etc., please fill out the SBB Information form.​

Percussion Ensemble
The ISU Percussion Ensemble is primarily composed of music education, music business, and percussion performance majors; but is also open to percussionists within the ISU Community who are not majoring in music. Incorporating a varied array of percussion instruments and eclectic repertoire, the ISU Percussion Ensemble seeks to heighten its performers musical sensitivity and technical proficiency through the study of chamber music. For more information, contact Dr. Jimmy Finnie.

Steel Drum Ensemble
The ISU Steel Drum Band provides students with the opportunity to explore the performance and pedagogical traditions associated with this exciting Non-Western art form. The ensemble's repertoire includes calypso, classical, jazz, pop, and reggae selections. Highly regarded in Indiana, the ISU Steel Drum Band enjoys an active touring schedule throughout the state.​ For more information, contact Dr. Jimmy Finnie.

Sycamore Bands