Music Ensemble Auditions

Audition Information
Concert band auditions at RIT serve students interested in improving their musical skill sets through peer collaboration. Because so many students at RIT are interested in continuing their musical growth in concert band, two ensembles will optimize differentiated educational experiences. Both ensembles play a wide variety of instrumental repertoire to encourage diverse perspectives and historical relevance. Auditions do not predict successes or failures, because they are one, brief snapshot in time. Auditions are only correlated with self-improvement. So, do your best and have fun!

When and Where Spring 2025
All new and returning members will need to complete this form.
Please sign-up for an audition slot. 

Concert band auditions for the Spring 2025 will take place anytime between Monday 1/13–Friday 1/17. All auditions will be held in SAU (Student Alumni Union) A130, in the basement level across from the Ingle Auditorium backstage doors, unless otherwise noted. Please do not delete another student’s audition time when signing up. Thank you! J

What do I prepare?
The audition will have three parts:

1. Chromatic scale
2. Excerpts from audition packet 
3. Sight-reading

Students may be asked to play a portion of these elements and may not complete all the components during the audition. After the audition, you will be notified which ensemble you are admitted to. 

If you need an instrument, please let Michael Dwyer know before the audition. RIT can provide the following instruments in limited quantities: oboe, bassoon, bass clarinet, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, trombone, euphonium, and tuba.

Questions regarding this audition process? Contact Dr. Truan at roberttruan@gmail.com
Accepted students will be given a permission code to enroll in the course. 

Spring 2025 Audition Information
Auditions will take place January 13 and 14

Students should sign up for 5-10 minute time slots and adhere to the following guidelines.
*All auditionees will be asked to improvise over a simple 12 bar blues in the key of their
choice.

Sign-up for an audition slot >

Voice

• Prepare a scale of your choice that demonstrates your vocal range
• Prepare a jazz standard and a ballad (contrasting tempos)
• Improvise over 12 bar blues progression

Trumpet

• 2 octave chromatic C major scale
• One other 2 octave scale or mode of your choice
• Prepare a short etude or jazz standard of your choice
• Sight reading example will be provided

Trombone

• 2 octave F major scale
• One other 2 octave scale or mode of your choice
• Prepare a short etude or jazz standard of your choice
• Sight reading example will be provided

Saxophone

• 2 octave Bb major scale
• One other 2 octave scale or mode of your choice
• Prepare a short etude or jazz standard of your choice
• Sight reading example will be provided

Piano/Guitar

• Prepare a jazz standard, demonstrate the melody and comp chords throughout the piece.
• Sight reading over a lead sheet (provided) including sight reading melody, and chord comping.
• Demonstrate ii V7 I progression in as many keys as possible

Drumset

• Demonstrate a swing feel a three different tempos (60bpm, 100bpm, 120bpm)
• Demonstrate straight 8th note or Latin feel
• Other various grooves and brush work if applicable
• Sight reading a big band chart (provided)

Bass

• Walk 12 bar blues in the key of your choice
• F major scale 2 octaves
• Sight reading includes walking over a jazz standard

Please contact Professor Kyle Vock at kdv@rit.edu with any questions.

Spring 2025 Audition Information

Please contact Dr. Ma directly at ysmgsl@rit.edu to arrange for an audition.

Winds, Percussions and Piano auditions will consist of;

• All major scales 7 sharps through 7 flats and the C Major scale. Or a solo passage of your choice. 
• Short sight-reading excerpts
• Prepared orchestral excerpts as listed for each instrument.
  • You don’t need to be perfect, but I would love to know how your comfort level with these excerpts
  • You only need to play the sections between the brackets.
  • If no brackets can be found, you need to be able to play the entire excerpt.

Percussion excerpts
Wind excerpts

Strings, Harp auditions will consist of;

• A solo passage of your choice
• Short sight-reading excerpts
• Prepared orchestral excerpts as listed for each instrument.
  • You don’t need to be perfect, but I would love to know how your comfort level with these excerpts
  • You only need to play the sections between the brackets.
  • If no brackets can be found, you need to be able to play the entire excerpt.

String excerpts

Individual auditions will take place on January 10. RIT Singers auditions are 10 minutes and the students don't need to prepare anything beforehand.  RIT Chamber Singers auditions are 15 minutes, and the students should be prepared to sing a piece of their choosing. Interested students are encouraged to email Thatcher Lyman at tdlspa@rit.edu to schedule a time to meet. Please email Mr. Lyman with any questions and for more information on singing with the RIT Singers in the Spring of 2025.

No preparation or audition required. Contact Director Kerfala Bangoura for more information about joining the ensemble.

Prior instruction not required, no audition necessary. Please contact the director, Mr. Ted Canning, for additional information about joining the ensemble.