Auburn University Bands » Ensembles » Symphonic Winds » Auditions
About the Symphonic Winds and Concert Band
The Symphonic Winds is the premiere performing ensemble in the Auburn University Band Program. Conducted by the Director of Bands, Dr. Rick Good, membership is by audition and is open to any Auburn student. Scholarship money is also available for some students who are selected for the band. The band rehearses five hours per week during the fall semester and five hours per week during the spring semester.
The Concert Band, conducted by the Associate Director of Bands, Dr. Corey Spurlin, is the second performing ensemble of the Auburn University Band Department. The group is open by audition to any Auburn student with high school band experience. The ensemble performs two concerts during the spring semester, with each program consisting of a variety of traditional and contemporary band literature. The concert band rehearses two hours per week during the fall semester and two hours per week during the spring semester. One hour of academic credit is awarded for participation. This credit may be used as an elective in any curriculum.
How to Join
Symphonic Winds and Concert Band auditions are held preceding each semester. All auditions (Woodwind and Brass) consist of the following:
- Two Major Scales - assigned below per instrument and performed in two octaves (required).
- Chromatic Scale - full range ascending and descending
- Prepared Selection - available below
All scales must be slurred ascending and staccato descending. Scales must be played in eighth notes with a suggested tempo of ♩ = 120bpm.
Percussion will audition with only the provided etudes.
Audition Procedure and Deadline
Auditions for Symphonic Winds and Concert Band are completed virtually using the HeartOut app. The audition window for Fall 2024 will open Monday, July 1 at 8 a.m. and will close Wednesday, August 14 at 11:59 p.m.
For questions regarding the auditions or the audition process, please contact the AU Band Department.
Registration
To Register for the Auburn University Symphonic Winds and Concert Band Auditions Fall 2024, create an account on HeartOut.io or login if you already have an account. After you have created an account, on your contestant panel you will see a field - "Enter your contest code" . Type in the Invitation Code for our event ( AU24FALL or AU24FALLPERC for percussion) and click Register. Fill in all the required fields and click Register.
To find the codes necessary to audition on HeartOut, click Open on the event in your Contestant panel. Under your registration info you will see your ID number - a unique code specific to your registration.
Attention! Percussion users will not need their ID code to audition on the app.
Auditioning on the HeartOut App
Download the HeartOut app on any phone (IOS or Android), login with the account you created on the website, click on " New Audition", and use the Invitation Code (AU24FALL) and the ID number (unique to your registration) while you follow the instructions in the Tutorial Video below to record and submit an audition on the HeartOut app.
Click here to watch a short video tutorial - How to Audition on the HeartOut app
Percussion: Simply download the app and login with the account you created on the website. Under Private auditions you will find 3 Pending auditions: Timpani, Snare Drum, Keyboard Percussion. Please submit one audition per instrument.
RECORDING TEST: Type your codes in the app and click on the pending audition created. On your audition page, you will be able to " Try a Recording Test" to check your positioning in the frame, the distance from the device for best audio clarity, and more. You can do as many recording tests as you want; they do not get saved and they do not count towards your 4 recording opportunities.
RECORDING YOUR AUDITION: You will have to perform your repertoire in one take just like you would in a live setting - once you click on " New audition" and start recording you have to perform all scales and pieces back to back in the same recording. You will have 4 recording opportunities for your audition. When you are done, watch your audition videos, select the best take, and submit your audition.
IMPORTANT! Auditions on the HeartOut app are recorded under the same conditions as a live performance - no option to pause the recording or edit the audition video. Simply start recording and play your HeartOut!
If you have any questions about the HeartOut platform, feel free to reach out to the tech support team or check out these important tips for recording your audition on the HeartOut app.
Audition Music
- Flute
- Oboe
- Bassoon
- Clarinet
- Bass Clarinet
- Saxophone
- Trumpet
- Horn (updated 6/20)
- Trombone
- Euphonium
- Tuba
- Snare
- Mallets
- Timpani
Scales
All scales must be slurred ascending and staccato descending. Scales must be played in eighth notes with a suggested tempo of ♩ = 120bpm.
| Instrument | Scale 1 | Scale 2 | Chromatic |
| Flute | Concert A Major | Concert Ab Major | Full Range |
| Oboe | Concert E Major | Concert Eb Major | Full Range |
| Bassoon | Concert A Major | Concert Ab Major | Full Range |
| Bb Clarinet | Concert A Major | Concert Ab Major | Full Range |
| Bass Clarinet | Concert A Major | Concert Ab Major | Full Range |
| Contra Bass Clarinet | Concert A Major | Concert Ab Major | Full Range |
| Alto Saxophone | Concert A Major | Concert Ab Major | Full Range |
| Tenor Saxophone | Concert A Major | Concert Ab Major | Full Range |
| Baritone Saxophone | Concert A Major | Concert Ab Major | Full Range |
| Trumpet | Concert A Major | Concert Ab Major | Full Range |
| Horn | Concert A Major | Concert Ab Major | Full Range |
| Trombone | Concert A Major | Concert Ab Major | Full Range |
| Euphonium | Concert A Major | Concert Ab Major | Full Range |
| Tuba | Concert A Major | Concert Ab Major | Full Range |
Credit
One hour credit is available for participation in any of our concert groups. This credit may be used as an elective in any curriculum.
Cost
Members of the Symphonic Winds and Concert Band supply their own formal attire for concerts. There is no other cost except tuition. Band members do NO fund raising.
Directors
Director of Bands, Dr. Rick Good
Associate Director of Bands, Dr. Corey Spurlin
Contact
AUBURN UNIVERSITY BANDS132 Goodwin Music Building
Auburn University, AL 36849-5421
Phone: (334) 844-4166
Fax: (334) 844-3170
E-mail: band@auburn.edu
Last Updated: 06/28/2024