How do I join the Concert Bands or Symphony Orchestra?
Auditions are open to ALL woodwind, brass and percussion students enrolled at Ohio State, regardless of major.
This page contains instructions, excerpts to prepare, the audition schedule and a link to sign up for your preferred audition time.
Learn about our bands.
Learn about our orchestras.
Ensembles
Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Collegiate Winds — by audition
- Music Majors: All woodwind, brass and percussion students majoring in music are expected to prepare audition materials for Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band and/or Symphony Orchestra.
- Music majors may not audition for Collegiate Winds as their primary ensemble.
University Band — audition not required
- Register for the course. Undergraduate: Music 2204.04 | Graduate: Music 7204.04.
- Placement auditions to seat the band occurs at the beginning of the semester.
Symphony Orchestra — by audition
Brass, woodwind and percussion auditions for the Symphony Orchestra are conducted by the respective studio teachers in coordination with auditions for Ohio State bands. Students playing these instruments will use the same audition resources as for bands.
There will be an Orchestra Meeting on the first day of classes, Tuesday, Aug. 26 at 1:50–2:45 p.m. in Weigel Auditorium for all members — including returning and prospective winds and brass, even if their auditions are not yet complete and assignments may not yet have been made. We will discuss the syllabus, programming, all protocols and other important information. No instruments needed.
The first full orchestra rehearsal will be Thursday, Aug. 28 at 1:50–3:55 p.m.
Course times for Autumn 2025
Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band
Monday/Wednesday 1:50–3:55 p.m.
and Friday 1:50–2:45 p.m.
Collegiate Winds and University Band
Tuesday/Thursday 7–8:30 p.m.
Symphony Orchestra
Tuesday/Thursday 1:50–3:55 p.m. (Wed. 5:20–6:15 p.m. — strings only)
All ensembles are credit-bearing courses. Most ensembles have variable credit hours between 0.5 and 2, which allows you to participate without exceeding 18 hours per semester.
How to Sign Up for Your Audition
Step 1 — Complete the Audition Information Form
Instrumental Ensemble Audition Information Form
Step 2 — Sign up for an audition time
Once you complete and submit your Audition Information Form, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to SignUpGenius, where you will select an audition time, based on your instrument. See audition times below.
- If you are unable to audition during the scheduled audition window for your instrument, email Christopher Dent to request an alternate time. We try to accommodate requests but cannot guarantee that you will be granted your requested time.
Step 3 — Prepare for your audition. Excerpts below.
- Music Majors are required to prepare repertoire for Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band and Orchestra.
- Non-Music Majors may choose to audition for all ensembles, or for Collegiate Winds only.
Audition Times
The following times are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Auditions will be held in the Timashev Family Music Building, 1900 College Rd. (across from the east end of the Oval)
Sunday, Aug. 24
- Flute • 9–11:30 a.m. (Weigel Auditorium)
- Clarinet • 9–11:30 a.m. (N160)
- Euphonium/Tuba • 2–4:30 p.m. (Weigel Auditorium)
- Horn • 2–4:30 p.m. (N160)
- Trumpet • 6:30–9 p.m. (Weigel Auditorium)
- Trombone • 6:30–9 p.m. (N160)
Monday, Aug. 25
- Saxophone • 3–5:30 p.m. (Weigel Auditorium)
- Oboe • 3–4 p.m. (N160)
- Bassoon • 4–5 p.m. (N160)
- Percussion • 6:30–9:30 p.m. (Weigel Auditorium)
Audition Excerpts and Instructions
The required excerpts for all woodwind, brass and percussion instruments will be available in early July.
- Note that these packets change each semester.
Should you encounter issues with downloading the materials, email Christopher Dent, ensembles administrator. Mr. Dent responds to email between 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, and/or Symphony Orchestra
From the audition packet, prepare and perform all repertoire excerpts and etudes in the order in which they appear in the document
Non-Music Majors wishing to be considered for Collegiate Winds, only
From the audition packet, prepare and perform only the following items:
- All exercises on the Compulsories page in the order in which they appear in the document
University Band — no audition required.
See instructions above.
Audition Results
Students who complete an audition for autumn semester will receive an email notification on or before Thursday, Aug. 28.
- Piano results will be shared the following day.
If you have not received an email by that time, email Christopher Dent.
Questions?
Email Christopher Dent, ensembles administrator.
[pdf] — The above links are to PDF files requiring Adobe Reader. If you need them in a more accessible format, please contact us.