Ensemble Auditions
The School of Music has a wide range of performance opportunities through our many ensembles and areas of study. From the traditional to the experimental, there are a multitude of ways for you to express yourself musically at LSU.
Each area follows a unique audition process outlined on this page. If you require any accessibility accomodations for audition materials, or have other questions about the audition process, the appropriate contact information is listed alongside each area.
Important Notice!
Audition excerpts and process information for the Fall 2023 semester will be posted later this summer.
Any excerpts or instructions given below from Spring 2023 are a good example of what to expect in terms of difficulty and process, but specific musical selections for Fall 2023 may be different.
Winds & Percussion
Wind and percussion students interested in participating in a concert ensemble at LSU will audition during specified time blocks at the start of each semester. Auditions are open to non-music majors.
The ensembles requiring auditions by wind and percussion players include:
- Wind Ensemble (MUS 4251)
- Symphonic Winds (MUS 4254)
- Symphonic Band* (MUS 4252)
- Symphony Orchestra (MUS 4261)
*Music majors auditioning for only the LSU Symphonic Band must prepare ALL audition excerpts for their audition. Non-music majors auditioning for this group may select a single excerpt from the given options.
Process for Winds & Percussion
Please arrive at the beginning of the time listed for your instrument area and check in with the proctor in the lobby, who will have you sign up for a specific time slot. You are then free to warm-up and practice inside of the TBH Rehearsal Hall until your audition time arrives. The auditions will take place inside of the TBH Staff Room and time slots are first come, first serve.
Percussion auditions will take place inside of the Percussion Studio Room on the basement floor of the Music and Dramatic Arts Building (MDA B-28).
Please fill out the following form before you arrive to the auditions to inform us of any potential class conflicts.
Ensemble Audition Registration
Spring 2023 Audition Times
Results are expected to be announced at 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 17.
Sunday, 1/15
Flute
9:00-10:30
Horn
10:30-12:00
Oboe
1:00-2:00
Clarinet
2:30-5:30
Saxophone
6:30-8:00
Bassoon
8:30-10:00
Tuesday, 1/17
Trombone
9:00-10:30
Trumpet
10:30-12:00
Percussion
1:00-2:30
(in studio room)
Tuba / Euphonium
2:30-4:00
Brass / Percussion Makeups
4:00-5:30
Woodwind Makeups
5:30-7:00
Wind & Percussion Audition Excerpts
If you require accessibility-related accommodations for audition music, or have other audition questions, please contact the Department of Bands by calling (225) 578-2384 or emailing bands@lsu.edu.
Strings
Last updated December 7, 2022.
String players who are already participating in the LSU Symphony Orchestra for Fall 2022 do not need to re-audition for the Spring 2023 semester. Any new string players wishing to join LSU Symphony Orchestra (or other string ensembles) should contact Scott Terrell for more information on how to participate.
Wind players involved in the LSU Symphony Orchestra should follow the audition procedures outlined in the Winds & Percussion section of this page.
Choirs
Last updated December 7, 2022.
All students receive a single semester hour credit for participation in each LSU choir. Each chorus presents 1 to 4 performances each semester, depending on the exact layout of the academic calendar. No formal experience or special music training is required to participate in a choral ensemble at LSU.
The ensembles available in the choral area include:
- A Cappella Choir (SATB) (MUS 4236)
- Chorale (SSAA) (MUS 4233)
- Tiger Glee Club (TTBB) (MUS 4232)
- Gospel Choir (SATB) (MUS 4230)
Process for Choirs
For Spring 2023, students interested in joining the choirs at LSU should register for one of the following courses and attend rehearsal in SOM Room 115 on January 18, 2023, the first day of class:
Sopranos and Altos
MUS 4233 – LSU Chorale
M/W/F, 2:30-3:20 p.m.
Tenors and Basses
MUS 4232 – LSU Tiger Glee Club
M/W/F, 3:30-4:20 p.m.
For questions about Chorale or Tiger Glee Club, please contact Trey Davis.
For questions about the LSU Gospel Choir, please contact Laurence Hebert.
For advanced students with choral experience wishing to audition for A Cappella Choir for Spring 2023, please contact Alissa Rowe.
Jazz
Last updated July 11, 2022.
Students interested in participating in a jazz performing group may audition for one of several ensembles, including:
- LSU Jazz Ensemble (MUS 4253, Section 1)
- LSU Jazz Lab Band (MUS 4253, Section 2)
- LSU Jazz Chamber Groups (MUS 4255)
For Fall 2022, jazz auditions will be held:
- Tuesday, August 23 for saxophone, trumpet, and trombone
- Thursday, August 25 for piano, guitar, bass, and drums.
Signup sheets and additional audition information will be posted outside Doug Stone's office, SOM 113, by August 19.
Questions about jazz auditions may be directed to Doug Stone.
Requirements for Winds, Guitar, Piano, and Bass
- Perform the "prepared piece," an excerpt from a jazz big band chart that will be posted on the bulletin board outside SOM 113.
- If you are interested in auditioning for a chamber jazz ensemble, be prepared to play the melody and improvise on a jazz tune of your choosing.
Requirements for Jazz Drum Set
- Perform the "prepared piece," an excerpt from a jazz big band chart that will be posted on the bulletin board outside SOM 113.
- Demonstrate a variety of feels: swing at several tempos, Afro-cuban, Bossa Nova, funk.