Band Auditions – Spring 2025
Auditions for concert bands (Wind Ensemble, Symphony Band) will occur on Sunday January 12, 2025 - Monday, January 13, 2025 (please see the sidebar for date information specific to your instrument). We encourage all instrumentalists to sign up and audition for placement in one of our two auditioned concert bands!
Auditions for Wind Ensemble and Symphony Band will be blind with the panel not being able to see the auditionee/vice versa.
Auditions for Jazz Ensemble (rhythm, reeds, and brass) will occur on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. Auditions will occur in Laidlaw Room 1131 (Dr. Petersen's Studio).
Wind Ensemble
The USA Wind Ensemble rehearses on Monday and Wednesday from 11:15AM-1:10PM, and Friday from 11:15-12:05PM in the Laidlaw Rehearsal Room. The USA Wind Ensemble conducted by Dr. Will Petersen, Director of Bands.
Dr. Will Petersen: wpetersen@southalabama.edu
Symphony Band
The USA Symphony Band is conducted by Dr. Robert Abend, Associate Director of Bands. The Symphony Band rehearses on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00AM-12:15PM.
Dr. Robert Abend: robertabend@southalabama.edu
Auditions are open to both non-majors and majors! We encourage everyone to audition!
Note on Audition Excerpts
- All excerpts should be prepared
- Music majors and minors should register for Wind Ensemble AND Symphony Band and then drop the ensemble they were not placed in following audition results being posted. You cannot specify what ensemble you would prefer to play in – you are placed based off of audition results. Conflicts for minors will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
- Non-majors should plan to register for both Wind Ensemble and Symphony Band so they
can have these rehearsal times open depending on the ensemble the place into.
Spring 2025 Audition PDFs
Jazz Ensemble
The USA Jazz Ensemble meets on Tuesday and Thursday from 2:00PM-3:15PM is directed by Dr. Will Petersen. Auditions for Jazz Ensemble occur during the first class period in the Laidlaw Performing Arts Center Room 1131. See below for audition information including sign-up and repertoire requirements!
Auditions will be held in the Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, Room 1131 on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 from 11:00AM-1:30PM for reeds and brass. Auditions for rhythm section will be in the Laidlaw Rehearsal Hall from 2:00PM-4:30PM. Please make sure to sign up below! In addition, download the packet and make sure to prepare the appropriate material for the audition. If you are a non traditional instrument (flute, clarinet, etc) - please email Dr. Petersen for more instructions.
USA Jazz Ensemble Spring 2025 Audition Packet
USA Jazz Ensemble Spring 2025 Audition Sign-Up - Reeds and Brass
USA Jazz Ensemble Spring 2025 Audition Sign-Up - Rhythm Section
University Band (Spring Only)
Non-majors who are interested in a one-night a week concert band experience are encouraged to sign up for University Band (MUO137). The University Band meets on Wednesday afternoons from 4:00-6:00PM The focus of the ensemble is on standard literature for the concert band. This ensemble is also open for anyone in the university community, including faculty and staff, by simply registering for the course (at either the .5 or 1 hour level). Additionally, there is no audition requirement for participation, however you must have participated in your high school band program for at least 2 years or have equivalent proficiency. More information on the University Band can be obtained by calling the Department of Music at (251) 460-6136 or email Dr. Clayton Maddox at claytonmaddox@southalabama.edu. A short seating placement audition will occur at the second class meeting.
You can find out more about USA's other performance opportunities by visiting the Department of Music website or contacting us at (251) 460-6136.