Hi all,
I've been thinking about taking Wind Ensemble this coming fall quarter, and I know the site says an audition is required for admission. Does anyone have any advice as to how the audition usually goes, piece suggestions, etc.? It'd be much appreciated.
Posted Aug 30, 2013, 4:45 AM UTC
I've been in Wind Ensemble every quarter here at ucsc. the band is awesome, and our director is really nice. The audition is pretty standard, and Rob does a good job of not making you feel uncomfortable in any way. Wind Ensemble isnt very difficult to get into, I highly reccomend you jump in.
Also I'll be band manager of the class, hit me up sometime, I have a great group of friends that I go to dinner with every day after class.
EDIT As far as piece suggestions go, just pick anything you feel reasonably comfortable playing. It was a long time ago, but from what I remember he has you sight read a piece we will play in class and has you play a piece of your own from before. Pretty easy.
Chris, stop gloating about your stupid eZ job.
hah! "job"
You sign up for a time at the music building in advance, or not. Play your piece (not sure how long you play for him before he cuts you off), and then whatever he gives you to site read. Rob (the director) is super chill, and actually getting into the ensemble is pretty easy. Play whatever you're most comfortable with because honestly, we're not the best ensemble out there so it isn't so hard passing the audition at all.
This about sums it up. I stumbled upon the first WE rehearsal by mistake when I went to practice a the music center, asked Rob if I could still audition, and he threw me in right then and there. Real cool guy. You may see people around campus wearing shirts with his face printed on them (as another testament to his super chillness).
As for a piece to play, probably an etude or a solo section for your instrument. You'll probably get in as long as you aren't terrible.