Admission into the Lamar University Wind Ensemble and/or Symphonic Band is determined via a relaxed audition process administered at the beginning of the Fall semester. All students who have experience performing in a wind ensemble, symphonic band or concert band in high school/college, regardless of major, are encouraged to schedule an audition.
Auditions will take place on Wednesday, August 21. Sign-up sheets will be posted on the large bulletin boards across from the Music Department office on the first floor of the Simmons Music Building by August 1.
Audition results, including ensemble and chair assignments, will be posted in the music building and distributed via email after auditions have concluded.
The first rehearsal date/time will be announced via email, as it will differ by ensemble. Please review the course schedule for regular ensemble rehearsal times.
The audition process is coordinated and facilitated by Dr. McMahan. All questions, as well as inquiries regarding the use of school instruments, etc. should be sent to him via email. Correspondence will then be routed to the appropriate person(s), if necessary.
After all auditions have completed, the results will be collated and published by Dr. McMahan. It will be posted on the bulletin board across from the Music Department office in the form of a complete seating order for the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band. The results will also be sent to all auditionees via email.
Any student who does not audition, but is required to do so, will be placed in an ensemble and seated based solely upon the discretion of the adjudicator and/or ensemble directors.
There are no requirements with regard to attire during auditions. However, presenting a good image of yourself does have a positive impact upon the person hearing your audition. Our advice would be to go the middle route: clean casual or business casual with good personal grooming and hygiene.
Students participating in the Lamar University performing ensembles receive one unit of academic credit each semester. Once audition results have been announced, members will be provided instructions regarding how to enroll for the appropriate course.
Generally speaking, the best advice is to “be yourself” and “be prepared”. Although very simple and straightforward, if you can manage to fulfill both those ideals, you will have a wonderful audition.
Eric Hoover, Past President of the National Flute Association, also provided some general advice that would benefit anyone performing an audition (from middle school to the professional level.)