U OF A BAND AUDITIONS | DRUMLINE PLACEMENT AUDITIONS | SCHOLARSHIPS

U of A Band Auditions

Audition Material:

You should be prepared to play a snare drum solo (demonstrating concert or rudimental style), and a two-mallet keyboard solo (only required for those interested in a music major). These along with a concert snare drum roll and major scales constitute the minimum required audition. The pieces need not be very long and accompaniment is not required. All-Region/All-State tryout material would be excellent choices for your audition. Some additional selections may include: a second snare drum solo in contrasting style, timpani solo (and demonstration of tuning skills), four-mallet keyboard solo, multiple percussion solo, and drum-set (tape only). You are free to choose materials which you feel best represent your playing. Finally, there will be a short sight reading excerpt.

How do I audition?

You can audition by tape, or in person. Although either method is equally acceptable, we prefer you to audition in person, if possible.

To audition by tape or CD:

Record your audition material as described below on a high quality cassette tape or compact disk. Be sure to identify yourself on the recording, as well as the selections you will be performing. We will not take into account recording quality, for everyone does not have audiophile recording equipment. Please send your tape by first class or overnight mail by March 8 to:

University of Arkansas Bands Audition
103 Lewis E. Epley, Jr. Band Building
Fayetteville, AR 72701

To audition in person:

We enjoy meeting face to face with prospective students so that we may better understand your musical achievements and goals. We hear auditions Monday though Friday during normal business hours of 8:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. Please contact the band office at 479.575.4100 to set up an appointment. On your scheduled day you will report to the Band Building on Garland Avenue (South of the Arkansas Union) and see our band secretary, Connie Vick, at your scheduled time. She will take care of your paperwork, preparing your warm-up site, and assembling the members of your audition committee. We want you to be comfortable, and we strive to create an environment that will allow you to perform at your best. The auditions will be very informal and as painless as possible. We want you to be comfortable, in an environment which will allow you to perform at your best.

Drumline Placement Auditions

Placement auditions will take place on August 9, for the 2007 season. The audition consists of two parts; a group session, and an individual session. Details and practice materials have been mailed out and are also available in the MEMBERS AREA of this website. If you still need the login and password to the Members Area, email Stephen at smcunni@uark.edu. Any questions pertaining to audition materials should be sent to Oliver Molina at omolina@uark.edu (for Battery) or Lynn Francis at nragsda@uark.edu (for Front Ensemble).

Scholarships

What scholarships are available?

We are fortunate to be able to offer a wide range of band scholarships, ranging from $200.00 to $3400.00 per year. (Special considerations can also be made for out-of-state students regarding out-of-state tuition scholarships).

These scholarships are given for participation in the UA Band program and are based on playing ability, academic achievement, and potential contribution to the University of Arkansas Bands. The award is renewable for up to five years (ten semesters), as long as you meet the conditions specified on the band contract and fulfill your responsibilities to the University Bands. Students who are awarded a Sturgis Fellowship Scholarship or Chancellor’s Scholarship are not eligible for a UA Band Scholarship but are welcomed and encouraged to audition for one of our many outstanding ensembles.

Who is eligible?

We encourage all talented seniors to apply and audition for these scholarships. Those persons who will be music majors may have some advantage, due to the expected progress they will make during the next five years, but these grants and scholarships are not limited to music majors. Any full-time student at the University of Arkansas is eligible.

What does the scholarship require of me?

The full scholarship requires the recipient to be a music major and to participate in all the bands, including the Marching Band in the Fall semester and a Concert Band assigned in the Spring semester. The partial scholarship requires participation in the ensembles for which the award was made. The scholarship requires the student to remain academically eligible (a 2.75 cumulative grade point average per semester) and expects total support of the University Bands and their progress.