AUDITION
ALL STUDENTS are encouraged to perform in one of the many ensembles which make up the University of Illinois Bands program. We offer an array of concert and athletic bands to fit most any student's needs, and we also have a number of instruments which are available to students who perform in our ensembles. You do not need to be a music major to participate in the Illinois Bands program...due to the size of our program, the majority of our alumni are non-music majors!
CONCERT BAND ENSEMBLE AUDITIONS
Concert ensemble auditions are held during the first week of school each semester. All students (music majors and non-majors) audition at this time for ensembles. The "Unified Audition" is for placement into the upper two bands and orchestras: Wind Symphony, Wind Orchestra, University Symphony, Philharmonia. The Unified Audition requires prepared excerpts. The "Standard Audition" is for placement in our other concert bands: Hindsley Symphonic Band, University Band, Campus Band.
Non-music majors may audition for any of our ensembles. Students with All-State Band/Orchestra profile are encouraged to take the Unified Audition. The Unified Audition occurs first. Students are placed in the top ensembles as a result of these auditions. Those who are not placed, both music majors and non-majors, in the top ensembles (Wind Symphony, Wind Orchestra, University Symphony, and Philharmonia) must then participate in the "Standard audition" in the following days in order to be placed in one of the other bands. The School of Music website has more information about the Unified and Standard auditions, including required excerpts.
NOTE FOR MUSIC MAJORS
Those accepted to the University of Illinois School of Music must go through the Unified Auditions, not the Standard Audition.
Unified audition
The "Unified Audition" is required for music majors and is for placement into the upper two bands and orchestras (see below). Non-music majors may audition for any of our ensembles (either Unified or Standard audition—students with All-State Band/Orchestra profile are encouraged to take the Unified Audition.)
The "Unified Audition" is for the following ensembles:
Illinois Wind Symphony
Wind Orchestra
Symphony Orchestra
Philharmonia Orchestra
Standard audition
The "Standard Audition" is for the following ensembles:
Hindsley Symphonic Band
Campus Concert Band
University Concert Band
