General Info

If you wish to be considered for a position in one of the CWU Concert Bands, either Wind Ensemble or Symphonic Band, you will need to go through the audition process. Auditions are required for acceptance into all of the large instrumental ensembles and are conducted by a faculty committee near the beginning of each quarter.

Both bands require three rehearsals per week with classes on Monday from 3:00 - 4:30 pm as well as Tuesday and Thursday from 3:00 - 4:45. In addition to these normal class times there are occasionally Friday rehearsals and Saturday performance events for Band students who are also involved with Marching Band. For more schedule details check out the Rehearsal Schedule page.

Preparation

If you would like to audition for either Band, please download and practice the PDF excerpts posted on your performance area's audition page found under the "Large Ensemble" heading. Each student is responsible for tempo, musicality, and style for each excerpt. It is strongly recommended that each auditioning student find and listen to recordings of the excerpts if possible.

If no specific excerpts are posted for your instrument or you just couldn't get the audition material in advance, you may choose sections from a solo or an etude as your audition material. It would be appropriate to perform a section that shows your technique and a slow section that displays phrasing, tone quality and musical expression. We suggest only that you choose carefully so as to present what you do well, not what you have yet to learn.

The Audition

• No more than 10 minutes in length.
• Wind players should sign up for the first hour of auditions when possible.
• Audition excerpts should be available on your performance areas audition page four weeks prior to auditions.

Schedule

Large Ensemble audition times will are posted on the Audition Schedule Page.

Class Information

All Concert Bands meet at the same times but in two different rooms, alternating between the Concert Hall and the Band Room and even outside in the case of Marching Band. Course numbers vary dependant upon the quarter enrolled as, for example, Marching band is only Available during Fall Quarter while the Pep band is an optional group that only meets during the Winter quarter. 
Concert Band Ensembles Meet: M 3:00 - 4:30 PM, and Tu./Th. 3:00 - 4:45 PM

Fall Quarter:

Marching / Concert Band = Course #: MUS 287 (fresh., soph.), MUS 487 (jr., sr), MUS 587 (Graduate)
Section 1 = Marching / Wind Ensemble - Larry Gookin - Director 
Section 2 = Marching / Symphonic Band - Mark Lane Director

Winter & Spring Quarters:

Wind Ensemble = Course #: MUS 266 (fresh., soph.), MUS 466 (jr., sr), MUS 566 (Graduate) - Larry Gookin - Director 
Symphonic Band = Course #: MUS 288 (fresh., soph.), MUS 488 (jr., sr), MUS 588 (Graduate) - Mark Lane Director
 

• Two Course Line Numbers 
  Although there are two line numbers for some classes or groups, it is the same ensemble. The lower course number (in the 200's) is for freshman and sophomores, the upper number (in the 400's) is generally for juniors or seniors. In the case of certain groups, the upper line number (in the 500's) is a number for graduate students
• Add / Drops
  It is very common for singers to go through drops and adds to change the ensemble in which they have been enrolled. If you've signed up, you may drop one ensemble and replace it with another (if needed) - see your instructor for how.
• Permission Numbers
  You will need a permission number from Professors Gookin or Lane. There is no need to physically sign up for either ensemble before your audition is finished and your placement is determined. You are given until Schedule Change Period each quarter by the registrar's office to drop and add with no penalty. After that time a $75.00 fee is assessed