How to Audition
At Manchester, everyone is welcome to audition for one or more music ensembles, regardless of major.
On Campus Auditions
Audition on campus and get live, instant feedback from a member of the Music Department faculty. Multiple time slots are available from which you can choose.
Video Auditions
Record your audition, upload to YouTube and email a link to music@manchester.edu. If your pieces require accompaniment, you must include an accompanist or accompaniment track. Once we’ve viewed your video, we’ll arrange a brief interview via Zoom to give feedback and let you know your next steps.
Ensembles & Pianists
Audition Requirements
Instrumental Ensembles
Includes Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Manchester Symphony Orchestra
- Prepare a piece you feel comfortable with performing well
- 1-2 Scales
- Sight-reading on your primary instrument.
Vocal Ensembles
- Performance of one song (preferably a Level 1 ISSMA solo or comparable piece).
- Memory is not required
- Sight-singing
Pianists
- Performance of two pieces in a contrasting style. Level 1 ISSMA solos or comparable pieces are preferred.
- Memory is required on one piece.
- Sight-reading
The Spartan Pride Marching Band – The Sound of Manchester
Audition Requirements
Brass & Woodwind Requirements
- Two Major Scales (Student may choose the scales)
- A short, prepared piece that shows your abilities as a musician. Example: A previous marching/concert/jazz band song
- If you don’t have a current piece, you may play the Manchester University Fight Song – “Hail to Thee.” To view the sheet music provided, you may choose from the pdf selections listed below in score order:
Drumline Requirement
- Choose any of these three Pride Drumline exercises.
- All should be performed at 120 bpm with a metronome
- You may audition on snare, tenor, or bass (your choice)
Cymbal Line Requirements
Choose one of the Pride Drumline exercises and, in addition, pick three of the following:
- Orchestral Crash (4 whole note crashes @ 132 bpm with metronome)
- Choked Crash (8 half note crashes @ 112 bpm with metronome)
- Hi-Hat Choke (8 quarter note chokes @ 104 bpm)
- Sizzle (4 whole notes @ 120 bpm with metronome)
Color Guard Audition
An instructional video provides the requirements for your audition.