Brass + percussion audition info
All undergraduate applicants must apply to the Ƶ18 and complete a College of Music admission application. Undergraduate auditions will not be scheduled until both applications have been received. Graduate students need only complete the graduate application.
Undergraduate brass + percussion
Undergraduate application instructions
Graduate application instructions
Audition requirements
Audition material is flexible and—while there is no required repertory list—candidates should choose works that demonstrate their very best in both technical and lyrical playing.
- :C chromatic scale (two octaves)
- Solo:Two contrasting solos or movements from major solo literature (i.e. Haydn, Hummel, Arutunian, Hindemith, Kennan, Stevens, Enesco, etc.)
- Etudes:One to twoetudes from Charlier, Arban, Bousquet, Brandt, Goldman, Bitsch, etc.
- Excerpts:Three to fourstandard orchestral excerpts
- It is strongly discouraged that candidates perform any region/all-state etudes.
If you have any questions about repertoire, please contact Ryan Gardner.
Applicants may choose to audition in-person or remotely. To audition remotely, applicants must complete bothofthe following:
- Submit a recording
- Register for a Zoom interview with faculty.
More information about the audition process and recording specifications can be found .
Essay prompt
A short music essay is required with your application. Upload the essay on your status page. Please choose one of the following prompts:
- Tell us why you would like to be a music major, describe your most powerful musical experience and list your future goals as a musician. Comment on your musical background and share anything else you would like us to know.
- “Music lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity.” -Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference?
Degree sheets
Undergraduate application instructions
Graduate application instructions.
Audition requirements
Trombone
- Major sacles in 2 octaves
- Two contrasting etudes to be selected from Bordogni, Blazhevich, Fink, Kopprasch, etc. One etude should demonstrate technical ability and the other should demonstrate lyrical and expressive qualities. A technical and lyrical standard orchestral excerpt may be substituted for required etudes. Applicants who are interested in the Jazz Emphasis should submit a jazz etude or improvisation.
- Solo or single movement of student’s choice, to be selected from:
—Andante et Allegro
𱹾—Concert Piece No. 5
ҰDzԻ岹—Concerto (mvt. 1)
ҳܾԳ—Morceau Symphonique
The above list demonstrates the performance level expected for undergraduate study; other works of similar difficulty may be substituted. Applicants are encouraged to include works by under-represented, diverse composers as appropriate.
Bass trombone
- Major scales in 2 octaves
- Two contrasting etudes to be selected from Bordogni, Blazhevich, Fink, Kopprasch, etc. One etude should demonstrate technical abilityand the other should demonstrate lyrical and expressive qualities. A technical and lyrical standard orchestral excerpt may be substituted for required etudes. Applicants who are interested in the Jazz Emphasis should submit a jazz etude or improvisation.
- Solo or single movement of student’s choice, to be selected from:
Ҳ—Six Sonatas (contrasting movements from one sonata)
Dz—Cameos (selected movements)
—Concerto in One Movement
Ѳ—Sonatas (contrasting movements from one sonata)
ѳ䲹ٲ—Sonata
The above list demonstrates the performance level expected for undergraduate study; other works of similar difficulty may be substituted. Applicants are encouraged to include works by under-represented, diverse composers.
Piano accompaniment is optional.
Applicants may choose to audition in-person or remotely. To audition remotely, applicants must complete bothofthe following:
- Submit a recording
- Register for a Zoom interview with faculty.
More information about the audition process and recording specifications can be found .
Essay prompt
A short music essay is required with your application. Upload the essay on your status page. Please choose one of the following prompts:
- Tell us why you would like to be a music major, describe your most powerful musical experience and list your future goals as a musician. Comment on your musical background and share anything else you would like us to know.
- “Music lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity.” -Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference?
Degree sheets
Undergraduate application instructions
Graduate application instructions.
Audition requirements
Where possible, you are encouraged to include works by historically underrepresented composers in your audition repertoire. Find compendiums and resources from the,and CU Boulder’s very ownAmerican Music Research Center.
- Ѵdz—concerto of choice (K. 412, K. 417, K. 447 or K.495), mvmt. 1 exposition
- Contrasting solo work of choice
- Orchestral excerpts (please choose three excerpts from the list below. Excerpts may be downloaded from):
- ٳDZ—Symphony No. 3, Mvmt. 3 Trio, Hn. 2
- ٳDZ—Symphony No. 7, Mvmt. 1
- —Symphony No. 3, Mvmt. 3 Hn. 1
- ѳܲǰ/鲹—Pictures at an Exhibition, Promenade, Hn. 1
- ʰ—Symphony No. 1, Mvmt. 3 (Juba Dance) Hn. 1
- 鲹—Pavane for a Dead Princess, Hn. 1
- DzٲDZ—Symphony 5, Mvmt. 1 Hn. 1
- R. Strauss—Don Juan, Hn. 1
- ճDZ—Symphony No. 4, Mvmt. 1 Hn. 1 and 2
- ¾—Star Wars Suite: 2. Princess Leia’s Theme
Applicants may choose to audition in-person or remotely. To audition remotely, applicants must complete bothofthe following:
- Submit a recording
- Register for a Zoom interview with faculty.
If you choose to submit a recorded audition, please complete the requirements for the live audition above. Each component of the recording should be unedited, but the final recording may be a compilation of your best version of each requirement.
More information about the audition process and recording specifications can be found .
Essay prompt
A short music essay is required with your application. Upload the essay on your status page. Please choose one of the following prompts:
- Tell us why you would like to be a music major, describe your most powerful musical experience and list your future goals as a musician. Comment on your musical background and share anything else you would like us to know.
- “Music lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity.” -Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference?
Degree sheets
Undergraduate application instructions
Graduate application instructions.
Audition requirements
- Solo work (accompaniment optional)
- Two contrasting solos or etudes, or one piece with contrasting sections. One piece should demonstrate technical ability and the other should highlight lyrical and expressive qualities. Solos should be performed with piano accompaniment if possible (An accompanist can be provided with adequate notice for live auditions by contacting Professor Dunn).
- This repertoire may be selected from the following list (but is not limited to):
- Tuba
- Arnold, Malcolm —Fantasy, Op. 102
- Hartley, Walter S.—Suite for Unaccompanied Tuba
- Bach, J.S., arr. Wm. Bell—Air and Bouree
- Hindemith, Paul—Sonata for Bass Tuba
- Barat, J. Edouard, arr. Glen Smith—Introduction +Dance
- Lebedev, Alexi; arr. Allen Ostrander—Concerto in One Movement
- Broughton, Bruce—Sonata (Concerto)
- Marcello, Benedetto; trans. Little/Nelson—Sonata No. I in F
- Capuzzi, Antonio; trans. Catelinet—Andante and Rondo
- Marcello, Benedetto; trans. Little/Nelson—Sonata No. V in C
- Gregson, Edward—Concerto, mvt. 1
- Nelhybel, Vaclav—Suite for Tuba and Piano
- Haddad, Don—Suite for Tuba
- Vaughan Williams, Ralph—Concerto for Tuba
- Euphonium
- Barat, Ed.—Andante and Allegro
- Guillmant, A.—Morceau Symphonique
- Capuzzi, A.—Andante and Rondo
- Marcello, B.—Sonata in F Major
- Curnow, J.—Rhapsody for Euphonium
- Mozart, W.—Bassoon Concerto
- Tuba
- Etude
- An etude of your choice that demonstrates tone, musicianshipand technique. The etude may be selected from the following list (but is not limited to):
- Tuba
- Blazhevich
- Kopprasch
- Bordogni/Rochut
- Shoemaker
- Fink
- Tyrell
- Gregoriev
- Euphonium
- Bordogni/Rochut
- Slama
- Kopprasch
- Voxman
- Tuba
Applicants may choose to audition in-person or remotely. To audition remotely, applicants must complete bothofthe following:
- Submit a recording
- Register for a Zoom interview with faculty.
More information about the audition process and recording specifications can be found .
Essay prompt
A short music essay is required with your application. Upload the essay on your status page. Please choose one of the following prompts:
- Tell us why you would like to be a music major, describe your most powerful musical experience and list your future goals as a musician. Comment on your musical background and share anything else you would like us to know.
- “Music lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity.” -Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference?
Degree sheets
Undergraduate application instructions
Audition requirements
Undergraduate
Required
- Snare drum
- Concert style solo or etude (Cirone, Peters, Delecluse, etc.)
- Rudimental/traditional style solo or etude, (Wilcoxon, Pratt, Tompkins, etc.)
- Keyboard Percussion
- Four-mallet solo (Bach, Guitar or Piano Transcription, Abe, Tanaka, Burrit, Stout, etc.)
- Two-mallet solo (Bach, Violin or Flute Transcription, Ragtime, Contemporary Solo, etc.)
- Timpani
- Solo or etude (Goodman, Friese, Hochrainer, Knauer, etc.)
- Tuning
- In addition to the following requirements we may also you to demonstrate Major Scales on Keyboards and Flams, Paradiddles, and 9-Stroke Rolls on Snare Drum.
Optional
In addition to the above you are welcome to present music on any other percussion instrument that represents your skill and musicianship. Any and all examples of other instruments/musical disciplines will be taken into consideration. Videos of performances (including multiple percussion solos, chamber music, playing in bands, etc.) will also be considered. This portion is entirely optional and can only add to your overall application without detracting in any way. Examples may include:
- Drum Set - play multiple styles and grooves, a transcription, improvisation, and/or play along with a recording - seeCU Jazz ensemble audition requirements for suggestions
- World Percussion - play multiple styles and grooves, a transcription, improvisation, and/or play along with a recording
- Jazz Vibes
- Multiple Percussion solo
Any questions regarding your audition material or the audition process should be sent to:Michael.tetreault@colorado.edu ԻCarl.Dixon@colorado.edu.
Essay prompt
A short music essay is required with your application. Upload the essay on your status page. Please choose one of the following prompts:
- Tell us why you would like to be a music major, describe your most powerful musical experience and list your future goals as a musician. Comment on your musical background and share anything else you would like us to know.
- “Music lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity.” -Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference?
Degree sheets
Brass + percussion–Graduate
Graduate trumpet applicant requirements
Pre-screening recording
A pre-screening video is required for all graduate trumpet applicants.
Required repertoire (pre-screening recording only)
- One movement of a standard concerto or sonata or five to eight minutes from a single-movement work
- One contrasting piece (solo or etude) from the trumpet literature
- Two standard orchestral excerpts
It is important that you record these selections with a high-quality microphone. If you would like to include other pieces of your choice, these will be listened to. Please feel free to submit supporting materials such as a resume or biography but these are not required.
All pre-screening recordings must be submitted online to theon or beforeDecember 1. Students are encouraged to upload supporting materials along with their recordings.
Live auditions
Students invited to the in-person auditions will be notified of their acceptance to the auditions by late December.
For the most part, audition material is flexible.Candidates should choose works that demonstrate their very best in both technical and lyrical playing.Works by diverse composers are encouraged.
Required repertoire (live auditionsonly)
- DzԱԳٰ岹(MM and DMA applicants), and one contrasting solo from the trumpet literature (MM applicants) or two additional contrasting works including a full concerto (DMA applicants)
- Two etudes–select from Charlier, Bitsch, Smith Top Tones, etc.
- Three standard excerpts
- One excerpt from the following: BachB Minor Mass(Credo, m. 29-47), BachChristmas Oratorio(No. 64, m. 1-12), BachMagnificat(opening) or Mussorgsky/RavelPictures at an Exhibition(Goldenberg and Schmuyle)
- Sight reading:Technical (no transposition) and Lyrical (with transposition)
- DMA candidates should be prepared to play for 30 minutes.
Live auditions arestronglypreferred. Students who are unable to travel to Boulder for a live audition may submit a high-quality recorded audition. Please see therecorded audition guidelinesfor information on submitting a recording.
A live audition is required to qualify for Teaching Assistantships.Applicants unable to travel for a live audition should contact Dr. Ryan Gardner. Requirements for a recorded audition are identical to a live audition. Editing within a movement is prohibited. Any indication of editing may disqualify the candidate from admission. The recording (audio/video) must be in a digital format with high quality audio. Please note that while recorded auditions will be given consideration, the best demonstration of your musical ability is through a live audition. Recorded auditions will not be considered for merit-based financial aid.
If the candidate has any questions about repertoire, please contact Dr. Ryan Gardner.
Artist Diploma auditions
For information on auditioning on trumpet for the Artist Diploma program, see the documents below
- Artist Diploma in Solo Performance
- Artist Diploma in Chamber Music Performance
- Artist Diploma in Orchestral Performance
Graduate degree sheets
Graduate trombone audition requirements
A pre-screening recording is required for all graduate trombone applicants.
Pre-screening repertoire
10-15 minutes of music (solo, excerpts, and/or etudes). Pre-screening material can be from the live audition lists, or material of equivalent difficulty.
Live auditions
Tenor trombone
- Solo work(s)
- Two contrasting etudes from the trombone literature (Bordogni, Blazhevich, Kopprash, etc.)
- Three contrasting orchestral excerpts
- Sight reading
- DMA candidates should be prepared to perform 30 minutes of music.
The following list demonstrates the performance level expected for graduate study.Other works of similar difficulty may be substituted. Applicants are encouraged to select repertoire from under-represented composers as appropriate.
- Barfield–Red Sky
- Bernofsky–Two Latin Dances
- dz–B
- 䲹ٱ–SDzԲپԱ
- ɲ–SDzԲٲ
- ҰDzԻ岹–CDzԳٴ
- Dz–CDzԳٴ
- Mills–Red Dragonfly
- Peaslee–Arrows of Time
- Ropartz–Piece in E-flat minor
Orchestral excerpts: Please select three excerpts from the following list:
- Mozart–Tuba Mirum from Requiem
- Berlioz–Hungarian March
- Wagner–Ride of the Valkyries
- 鲹–BDZ
- Rossini–La gazza ladra
- Rossini–William Tell
- Saint–Saens–Symphony No. 3 (organ)
- Mahler–Symphony No. 3
- Brahms–Symphony No. 1 or No. 4
Optional material: Please feel free to include other material that demonstrates your performance abilities–jazz, contrasting etudes, unaccompanied literature, etc.
Bass trombone
- Solo work(s)
- Two contrasting etudes from the trombone literature (Bordogni, Blazhevich, Kopprash, etc.)
- Three contrasting orchestral excerpts
- Sight reading
- DMA candidates should be prepared to perform 30 minutes of music.
The following list demonstrates the performance level expected for graduate study (other works of similar difficulty may be substituted).
- Bozza–New Orleans
- Candillari–Extremely Close
- Casterede–Fantasie Concertante
- Defaye/Knaub–Deux Danses
- Koetsier–Allegro Maestoso
- Lebedev–Concerto in One Movement
- Ѿ–Cٳ
- 辱–CDzԳٴ
- White–Tetra Ergon
- Wilborn–Jazz Triptych
Orchestral Excerpts: Please select three from the following list:
- Beethoven–Symphony No. 9
- Haydn–The Creation
- Berlioz–Hungarian March
- Wagner–Ride of the Valkyries
- Wagner–Entry of the Gods into Valhalla
- Schumann–Symphony No. 3 (Rhenish)
- Respighi–Fountains of Rome
- Rossini–William Tell
Optional material: Please feel free to include other material that demonstrates your performance abilities–jazz, contrasting etudes, unaccompanied literature etc.
Recorded auditions
Live auditions are strongly preferred. A recorded audition (live performance or studio recording) may be submitted in place of a live audition. Please see the recorded audition guidelines for information on submitting a recording.
A live audition is required to qualify for Teaching Assistantships. Applicants unable to travel for a live audition should contact their respective faculty member directly. Requirements for a recorded audition are identical to a live audition. Editing within a movement is prohibited. Any indication of editing may disqualify the candidate from admission. The recording (audio/video) must be in a digital format with high quality audio. Please note that while recorded auditions will be given full consideration, the best demonstration of your musical ability is through a live audition.
Artist Diploma auditions
For information on auditioning on trombone or bass trombone for the Artist Diploma program, see the documents below:
- Artist Diploma in Chamber Music Performance (tenor trombone)
- Artist Diploma in Orchestral Performance (tenor trombone and bass trombone)
Graduate degree sheets
Graduate horn applicant requirements
A pre-screening recording is required for all graduate horn applicants
Pre-screening recording requirements
Repertoire
- Ѵdz—Concerto K.419 or K.495 (exposition only)
- Contrasting solo or etude of choice
- The following orchestral excerpts (in the following order in one continuous take):
- R. Strauss—Till Eulenspiegel, opening horn 1
- —Symphony 3, mvmt. 3, horn 1
- DzٲDZ—Symphony 5, mvmt., horn 1—low tutti
- Wagner—Short call from Gotterdammerung
Note: Each component of the recording should be without edit, but the final recording may be a compilation of your best version of each requirement
Live auditions
Materials from pre-screening may be replicated for the live audition.
Repertoire
- Mozart Concerto of your choice (movement 1). Please be prepared to explain a connection between your Mozart selection and your solo work of choice.
- A contrasting solo work of the applicant’s choice
- The following excerpts:
- ٳDZ—Symphony 6, movement 3, horn 1
- —Symphony 3, movement 3, horn 1
- DzٲDZ—Symphony 5, mvmt. 1 (horn 1—low tutti)
- R. Strauss—Ein Heldenleben, opening, horn 1
- Three additional excerpts of the applicant’s choice
Where possible, you are encouraged to include works by historically underrepresented composers in your audition repertoire. Find compendiums and resources from the , and CU Boulder’s very own American Music Research Center.
A live audition is required to qualify for Teaching Assistantships.
Graduate degree sheets
Graduate tuba + euphonium applicants audition requirements
Pre-screening recording
Pre-screening recordings are not required for all graduate tuba/euphonium applicants.
Live auditions
Applicants should prepare a full recital. Recital repertoire should represent multiple styles (i.e. Baroque transcriptions, Classical Period, any appropriate sonatas and/or concerti from the 20th/21st centuries, unaccompanied work). All literature should be well considered for the particular degree plan you wish to enter. The audition selections will be chosen from the recital repertoire.
Four or five excerpts from the major orchestral and band literature. Typical first and/or second round selections are acceptable for both tubists and euphoniumists. Please have at least four or five ready to go. Tubists should demonstrate their proficiency on both the bass and contrabass tubas. If the applicant doubles on euphonium and wishes to include it as part of their audition, the applicant should select repertoire based on experience.
Most graduate-level auditions will have a sight-reading component as well. The literature will be selected from both familiar and unfamiliar repertoire.
Recorded auditions
Live auditions are strongly preferred. A recorded audition (live performance or studio recording) may be submitted in place of a live audition. Please see the recorded audition guidelines for information on submitting a recording.
A live audition is required to qualify for Teaching Assistantships. Applicants unable to travel for a live audition should contact their respective faculty member directly. Requirements for a recorded audition are identical to a live audition. Editing within a movement is prohibited. Any indication of editing may disqualify the candidate from admission. The recording (audio/video) must be in a digital format with high quality audio.
Please note that while recorded auditions will be given full consideration, the best demonstration of your musical ability is through a live audition.
Graduate degree sheets
Graduate percussion applicants audition requirements
MM and DMA requirements are the same.
Applicants are required to submit prescreening recordings by December 1. The recording quality must be sufficient to make a reasonable judgment of ability. Recordings will be reviewed by a committee from the percussion area beginning the week following the December 1 deadline. You will be notified via email as to whether or not you have been invited for a live audition.Questions regarding your video submissions should be sent to:Michael.tetreault@colorado.edu ԻCarl.Dixon@colorado.edu.
Prescreening recording
Submit the following materials, totaling at least 10 minutes of either audio or video (video preferred). Selections below may be taken from a recent recital, live performance, or studio recording.
Required
- Keyboard
- Two contrasting solo repertoire selections
- Timpani
- Advanced solo, etude, or orchestral excerpt
- Snare drum
- Advanced solo, etude, or orchestral excerpt
Optional
- Demonstrate other areas of expertise (e.g., drum set, hand drumming, multiple percussion)
Live audition
Required
- Keyboard
- Select two pieces from a significant solo repertoire. At least one must be 4-mallets.
- One xylophone excerpt and one glockenspiel excerpt
- Timpani
- Advanced solo or etude
- Two orchestral excerpts
- Snare drum
- Advanced solo or etude
- Two orchestral excerpts
Optional
In addition to the above you are welcome to present music on any other percussion instrument that represents your skill and musicianship. Any and all examples of other instruments/musical disciplines will be taken into consideration. Videos of performances (including multiple percussion solos, chamber music, playing in bands, etc.) will also be considered.
- Drum Set - play multiple styles and grooves, a transcription, improvisation, and/or play along with a recording - seeCU Jazz ensemble audition requirements for suggestions
- World Percussion - play multiple styles and grooves, a transcription, improvisation, and/or play along with a recording
- Jazz Vibes
- Multiple Percussion solo
This portion is entirely optional and can only add to your overall application without detracting in any way.
Any questions regarding your audition material or the audition process should be sent to Michael.Tetreault@colorado.edu ԻCarl.Dixon@colorado.edu
Live auditions
Students invited to the in-person auditions will be notified of their acceptance to the auditions on or before Jan. 15. Auditions are held in 30-minute time slots, accommodating time for the formal audition, a follow-up interview and a mini-lesson.
Because the audition time is short, you should prepare your selections extremely well, rather than prepare a complete recital program. Memorization is encouraged, but auditionswill include sight-reading on snare drum and marimba.
We want to see how musically and confidently you can play. The live auditions do not have specific repertoire requirements.Please play snare drum, mallets (marimba,vibes, and/or xylophone)and more.Show us your best performance of music to your taste. You may play drum set, jazz improv., orchestral excerpts, multi-perc. set-ups, timpani, hand drums, and jazz or classical transcriptions, etc.
Recorded auditions
Live auditions arestronglypreferred. A high quality recording may be substituted if travel distance/cost is prohibitive. Please announce at the beginning of the recording your name and repertoire selections.Please see therecorded audition guidelinesfor information on submitting a recording.
A live audition is required to qualify for merit based aid.
Requirements for a recorded audition are identical to a live audition. Editing within a movement is prohibited. Any indication of editing may disqualify the candidate from admission. The recording must be in a digital format with high quality audio. Please note that while recorded auditions will be given full consideration, the best demonstration of your musical ability is through a live audition.