Instrumental Ensemble Auditions (Strings, Winds, Brass and Percussion)

All undergraduate string, wind and percussion students must appear for large ensemble auditions. Please prepare all audition materials thoroughly for your audition.

Learning the Music

For any band or orchestral excerpts, please listen to representative recordings to learn the appropriate style, tempo and dynamics for the passage. Performing these aspects of the music correctly is a large part of the audition. Learning the music by listening critically to multiple versions of the excerpts will help you grow as a musician and will reflect positively on your audition placement. Playing the right notes but in the wrong style or wrong tempo sends a different message to the audition panel. Listen and analyze before you practice.

Audition Day

Please make every effort to audition during the timeframe designated for your instrument. Doing so gives you the best opportunity for the conductors to accurately assess your skills. Business professional attire is expected. Bring a copy of your class schedule to the auditions. Our conductors may ask for it if needed. Be prepared to play early if requested to do so.

Brass and Woodwind Ensemble Music

• Bass Trombone (PDF)
• Bassoon (PDF)
• Clarinet (PDF)
• Euphonium (PDF)
• Flute (PDF)
• French Horn (PDF)
• Oboe (PDF)
• Saxophone (PDF)
• Tenor Trombone (PDF)
• Trumpet (PDF)
• Tuba (PDF)

String Ensemble Music

In addition to the excerpts below, string players should prepare a solo of their choice.

• Bass (PDF)
• Cello (PDF)
• Viola (PDF)
• Violin (PDF)

Percussion Ensemble Music

Percussion ensemble audition information and music can be found in the Percussion Studio Handbook.

Ensemble Audition Schedule

Ensemble auditions are held blind. Prior to your designated timeslot (listed below), please arrive early to draw a number to determine performance order. Auditions will be held behind a screen to ensure an even playing field for all auditionees. Your number will be called when it is time for you to perform your audition.

This audition process will not require registration in order to attend.

Woodwind and Brass

Woodwind and brass auditions prior to the fall 2026 semester will be held on Sunday, Aug. 23 in our Recital Hall. Woodwind and brass audition blocks can be found below:

Instrument	Time
Trumpet	9-10:45 a.m.
Horn	11:15 a.m.-noon
Trombone	12:15-2:15 p.m.
Tuba	2:45-3:45 p.m.
Euphonium	3:05-3:25 p.m.
Clarinet	3:50-4:45 p.m.
Oboe	5-5:30 p.m.
Bassoon	5:30-6 p.m.
Saxophone	6:15-7:45 p.m.
Flute	8-8:30 p.m.

String

String auditions prior to the fall 2026 semester will be held on Monday, Aug. 24 in our Recital Hall. String audition blocks can be found below:

Instrument	Time
Cello	2-3 p.m.
Viola	3-4 p.m.
Bass	4:15-4:45 p.m.
Violin	5-6:30 p.m.

To register for your percussion ensemble audition, please follow the instructions as listed in the Percussion Studio Handbook or please contact Greg Beyer, Ph.D. at gbeyer@niu.edu.

Ensemble Schedule

If you are interested in chamber music ensembles, please contact your studio faculty member and Brigid Findley at bcrawford@niu.edu for more details regarding registration and ensemble placement.

Ensemble	Date	Time
MUSE 330/630: Wind Symphony	Monday/Wednesday	2-3:40 p.m.
MUSE 331/631: Wind Ensemble	Tuesday/Thursday	2-3:50 p.m.
MUSE 331/631: Wind Ensemble	Monday/Wednesday	1-1:50 p.m. (sectionals)
MUSE 360/660: NIU Philharmonic	Monday/Wednesday/Friday	2-3:50 p.m.
MUSE 360/660: NIU Philharmonic	Tuesday/Thursday	4-4:50 p.m. (sectionals)
MUSE 360/660: NIU Philharmonic	Friday	2-3:50 p.m. (sectionals)
MUSE 315/615: String Ensemble	Monday/Wednesday	1-1:50 p.m.
MUSE 315/615: String Ensemble	Tuesday/Thursday	1-1:50 p.m.
MUSE 316/616: Woodwind Ensemble	Monday/Wednesday	1-1:50 p.m.
MUSE 316/616: Woodwind Ensemble	Tuesday/Thursday	1-1:50 p.m.
MUSE 316/616: Woodwind Ensemble (section 3) Flute Choir	TBD	TBD
MUSE 317/617: Brass Ensemble	Monday/Wednesday	1-1:50 p.m.
MUSE 317/617: Brass Ensemble	Tuesday/Thursday	1-1:50 p.m.
MUSE 317/617: Brass Ensemble (section 3) Trombone Choir	Friday	12-1:50 p.m.
MUSE 318/618: Percussion Ensemble	Monday/Wednesday	12-12:50 p.m.
MUSE 318/618: Percussion Ensemble	Tuesday/Thursday	12-12:50 p.m.
MUSE 320/620: Keyboard Ensemble	TBD	TBD
MUSE 365/665: Campus String Orchestra	Monday	7:30-10 p.m.