Preparation and Making a High Quality Recording
- MP3 files are strongly suggested. Please do not submit video recordings. CDs and cassette tapes will not be accepted. Applicants are limited to a total of five audio files that are no larger than 30 MB each.
- The Glenn Korff School of Music faculty are listening for four primary elements: sound, rhythm, intonation, and musicality.
- Practice with a metronome when preparing the music for the audition. The faculty want to hear musical playing, but they also value a solid fundamental approach to your playing. Listen carefully to intonation when recording your scales.
- Prepare your audition music and scales well in advance of your final recording session.
- We suggest that you record your practice sessions so that you have a good idea of your playing before you make the audition recording. This will also help you to practice using the recording equipment for optimal effect. Do not wait until the deadline day to begin this process! We want you to succeed. Give yourself time to make a second recording if the first take doesn't work out.
- The quality of your recording is crucial. You should set up the mic(s) 6 to 10 feet away, and 6 to 8 feet off the ground. Adjust the input up to the red zone, but not over. If using a laptop and appropriate software (i.e. GarageBand or the cross platform application Audacity), the use of an auxiliary mic (USB or Firewire) is recommended in lieu of the built-in mic on the computer.
- Listen to your recording before you send it to us. Please make sure your MP3 file will play on a computer.
- When recording, clearly state your name, instrument and high school BEFORE you begin playing.
- DO NOT NAME THE FILE WITH YOUR SCHOOL'S NAME! Your audition recording file name must be your INSTRUMENT and your NAME (i.e. trumpet_Sample-John.mp3).
WOODWIND AUDITIONS
Audition material must be at least five (5) minutes in length, but not longer than ten (10) minutes. All candidates must complete the on-line application form and submit an audition recording (mp3 file). Those auditioning on piccolo should play the scales and solo on flute and the etude on piccolo.
The audition recording should contain the following components.
Scale requirements:
Four scales of your choice (two in a major sharp key signature and two in a major flat key signature). Scales should be in an 8th note pattern (quarter note equals 88 on the metronome).
Repertoire requirements:
You may choose either option (1) or (2):
- Two etudes from the list below
- One solo composition of your choice AND one etude from the list below. The solo composition may be an unaccompanied piece for your instrument, or a movement from any work for your instrument with piano, however, accompaniment is not required for this audition.
Etude Suggestions:
- Flute: Koehler-Opus 33 (Books 1 and 2), or Andersen-Opus 41 or Opus 37
- Oboe: Ferling 48 Famous Studies or Barret A Complete Method for Oboe ("40 Progressive Melodies" section, pages 57-107)
- Bassoon: Weissenborn 50 Advanced Studies
- Clarinet: C. Rose 40 Etudes or 32 Etudes
- Bass Clarinet: C. Rose 40 Etudes or 32 Etudes; William Rhodes Advanced Studies.
- Saxophone: 48 Etudes after Ferling with 12 Additional Studies by Mule
Recommended vendors for woodwind audition music:
BRASS AUDITIONS
Audition material must be at least five (5) minutes in length, but not longer than ten (10) minutes. All candidates must complete the on-line application and submit an audition recording (mp3 file). The recording should contain the following components.
Scale requirements:
Four scales of your choice (two in a major sharp key signature and two in a major flat key signature). Scales should be in an 8th note pattern (quarter note equals 88 on the metronome).
Repertoire requirements:
One solo composition of your choice and one etude from the following list (no exceptions). The solo composition may be an unaccompanied piece for your instrument, or a movement from any work for your instrument with piano. Accompaniment is encouraged if applicable to your solo selection, but not required.
Etude Suggestions:
- Trumpet: Voxman Selected Studies for Trumpet
- Horn: Kopprasch 60 Selected Studies or any etude with similar technical and musical demands.
- Trombone and Euphonium: Voxman Selected Studies for Trombone
- Tuba: Blazhevich 70 Studies (volume 1)
Recommended vendors for brass audition music:
PERCUSSION AUDITIONS
Audition material must be at least five (5) minutes in length, but not longer than ten (10) minutes. All candidates must complete the on-lin application and submit an audition recording (mp3 file). the recording should include a demonstration of at least TWO of the following three areas. Strongest consideration will be given to those who demonstrate all three.
Snare Drum:
A concert or orchestral style solo or etude that includes rolls, flams and grace note figures performed with concert interpretations (multiple bounce). Recommended sources:
- Mitchell Peters Intermediate Snare Drum Studies
- Anthony J. Cirone Portraits in Rhythm
Keyboard Percussion:
A two mallet solo or etude on xylophone or marimba that demonstrates facility on the instrument and includes rolls. Recommended sources:
- Morris Goldenberg Modern School for Xylophone, Marimba and Vibraphone
- Thomas McMillan Masterpieces for Marimba
Timpani:
A solo or etude that includes a demonstration of rolls and has dynamic contrasts. Pieces with tuning changes are recommended. Recommended sources:
- Saul Goodman Modern Method for Tympani
- Mitchell Peters Fundamental Method for Timpani
Recommended vendors for percussion music:
Have questions about the Winter Festival?
Contact the Band Office at band@unl.edu or call 402/472-2505
If you have any questions about your choice of solo and etude, please feel free to email the appropriate Glenn Korff School of Music professor of your instrument so they can further advise you.