BRASS & WOODWINDS

Candidates for the Cornhusker Band's brass and woodwind sections must complete a two-part audition process. The first round is a playing audition (see below). An audition for admission to the School of Music as a music major or minor may count as a first round marching band audition if it is played on the same instrument the student plans to play in marching band. Playing auditions for those not majoring in music are held in the spring (see the dates listed below). The second round of auditions, based on playing and marching, takes place approximately 10 days prior to the beginning of the fall semester in August.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Candidates must prepare a solo or etude of two to four minutes in length. The choice of music is up to the candidate and should be something that the individual is comfortable playing. Up tempo, technical pieces are better than slow, lyrical pieces.
• Brass and woodwind players must also sight read and play a major scale.
• Students auditioning for piccolo positions may play the first round audition on flute.
• Students auditioning for marching horn, baritone and tuba positions may use their concert instruments for the first round audition.

Brass & Woodwind first round audition dates for 2012:

• Saturday, April 28 (morning only)
• Saturday, May 12
• Saturday, May 19

PERCUSSION

Candidates for the Cornhusker Band's battery and front line percussion sections must complete a two-part audition process. An audition for admission to the School of Music as a music major or minor may count as a first round marching band audition if it is played on the same instrument the student plans to play in marching band. Playing auditions for those not majoring in music are held in the spring (see dates below). The second round of auditions, based on playing and marching, takes place approximately 10 days prior to the beginning of the fall semester in August.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Candidates must prepare a solo or etude of two to four minutes in length. The choice of music is up to the candidate and should be something that the individual is comfortable playing.
• Percussion students may choose to participate in an all-day preparatory mini-camp on Saturday, May 19 that counts as the first round audition. The session is designed to show how the percussion section plays so that candidates will know how to prepare for the second round of auditions. Both new and veteran students are encouraged to attend. No final instrumentation decisions are made during the mini-camp. The Cornhusker Band Percussion Handbook explains the instrument assignment process and contains all of the information candidates need to prepare for the fall marching season. The handbook will be distributed at the mini-camp. It is not available prior to the mini-camp date. The handbook is mailed to successful first round percussion candidates that do not attend the mini-camp.

Percussion first round audition dates for 2012:

• Saturday, April 28 (morning only)
• Saturday, May 12
• Saturday, May 19 (all-day mini-camp)

Recorded Brass, Woodwind & Percussion Auditions

Students that live a great distance from Lincoln or whose schedule conflicts with the established audition dates may submit a recorded audition. Recorded auditions must include a solo or etude of two to four minutes in length and a major scale played to the range of the instrument. Students submitting a recorded audition do not need to include sight reading. Submit the recording prior to July 1, 2012. We prefer mp3 recordings (see instructions below) but we will accept CD recordings sent through the U.S. Mail.

Instructions for Submitting an MP3 Audition Recording

• We prefer mp3 recordings.
• Double check the recording before sending it to us. Make sure that the file opens and plays.
• Remember that we must be able to differentiate your recording from all other applicants' recordings. Name the file with your instrument, underscore, your last name, underscore, followed by your first name, period, mp3. Example: trumpet_Sample_John.mp3
• Go to the University's drop box site at http://is.unl.edu/dropbox/ and follow the instructions to send us the recording prior to July 1, 2012.
• Remember to copy the drop box message then open your e-mail account. Enter band@unl.edu in the "send to" field; type "Marching Band Audition" in the subject line and paste the drop box message into the body of your e-mail. Pasting the drop box message into the body of your e-mail message is very important. We won't be able to download your recording if you fail to include that message in your e-mail. All of this is quite easy to do and should take a few seconds to accomplish. Be sure to include your full name, instrument, and high school (with city and state) in the body of the e-mail so that we can follow up with you.
• Remember that all applicants must also submit an on-line registration form. There is no need to submit this form a 2nd time if you have already completed it once this spring.
• The Band Office will acknowledge receipt of your recording via e-mail. However, please give us at least a day to process everything.

Instructions for Submitting a CD Audition Recording

• Double check the CD after making the recording to be sure that it plays in a boom box or stereo.
• Legibly write your full name and instrument on the CD with a Sharpie pen.
• Mail the CD to University of Nebraska-Lincoln Band Office, 101.1 Westbrook Music Building, PO Box 880102, Lincoln, NE 68588-0102 prior to July 1, 2012.
• Remember that all applicants must also submit an on-line registration form. There is no need to submit this form a 2nd time if you have already completed it once this spring.
• The Band Office will acknowledge receipt of your recording via e-mail.