Band Auditions and Awards
For more information on auditions and to schedule an audition as wind
or percussion performer, visit the Undergraduate Admissions Office Auditions and Awards page.
Audition Requirements
The following requirements
are for wind and percussion students auditioning for admission to the
department as a music major or music minor and for Talent and
Participation Awards. They are not for Athletic Bands Participation
Awards. Visit the Athletic Bands web pages for more information on those awards.
The Department of Music does not provide a repertoire list for
auditions so that students auditioning may consult with their teachers
to select the best literature that represents their level of musical
development. The auditioning panel is looking for current, as well as
potential ability, to complete the preferred degree program.
In order to properly assess this, we look for pitch accuracy, correct
and steady rhythm, physical coordination, musical expressiveness, and
disciplined work habits. Auditions are approximately 10 minutes long.
Practice rooms will be available for warming up on the day of your
audition. An accompanist is not required, but one can be provided if
requested in advance.
Brass and Woodwind Students
Perform two
contrasting movements (slow-fast) from a sonata or concerto
demonstrating technique, tone, and general musicianship. Students may
elect to substitute contrasting solos or etudes instead of movements
from a larger work. Students should also be prepared to perform all
major scales with arpeggios and a two-octave chromatic scale.
Percussion
Applicants should be prepared to
perform on snare drum (either rudimental and concert styles), mallet
instruments (xylophone, marimba, or vibraphone), and timpani. Applicants
should bring an original score and one copy of every piece or etude
they will be performing, as well as all necessary sticks and mallets.
Instruments will be provided (snare drum, marimba/xylophone/vibraphone
and timpani).
Snare drum
- One solo or etude demonstrating musical and technical ability.
- The 26 basic rudiments and a concert-style buzz roll (pp-ff-pp)
- Sight-reading.
Mallets
- One solo or etude demonstrating musical and technical ability. This solo can be for two or four mallets.
- Major scales, two octaves with arpeggios.
- Sight-reading.
Timpani
- One solo or etude demonstrating musical and technical ability
- Tuning the timpani using a pitch pipe, tuning fork, or piano
- Sight-reading
Financial Aid and Awards for Band, Wind and Percussion Students
Awards are available by auditiond for any Otterbein student who wishes to continue their musical experience into college life.
Talent Awards for Music Majors
Talent Awards from $8,000 to $24,000 over four years are offered to
selected incoming students who pursue majors in the Departments of
Music, including Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music Education, and
Bachelor of Music (performance) degrees.
Participation Awards for Non-Music Majors
Music Participation Awards are available for non-music majors and music
minors by audition, and range from $4,000-$8,000 over four years.
Athletic Bands Participation Awards
The Athletic Bands Participation Award is open by audition to any
student at Otterbein University interested in performing with the
Cardinal Marching Band and the Basketball Pep Band. Woodwind, brass and
percussion performers are eligible as well as visual performers
including color guard and twirlers. Learn more.