University of Pittsburgh Band

University of Pittsburgh Bands

Symphonic Band Spring 2026

The University of Pittsburgh Symphonic Band is open through audition to any student enrolled at the university. Following auditions, selected students will be notified of their acceptance and chair placement. The ensemble rehearses two days a week and will present 3 concerts during the Spring semester. In addition, the band may be asked to perform at the university spring commencement ceremony.

Rehearsal Schedule

Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:15-8:15 PM 

Location: Bellefield Hall

Performance Schedule

Saturday, Feb 28th, 2026
Sunday, April 12th, 2026
Tuesday, April 14th, 2026

Exact concert timings TBD.

Audition Material And Procedures

Woodwind and Brass Players

Auditions will be comprised of three components:

1. Chromatic Scale ascending and descending (full range achievable by student) - to demonstrate range/dexterity
2. A short sight reading etude, approximately 16 measures or less in length
3. Instrument-specific audition excerpts linked below:

 Spring 2026 Symphonic Band Audition Materials

A few more notes about the audition process:

1. Excerpts should be performed in their entirety. It is generally clearly labeled where to start and stop.
2. Be sure to download the audition packet to view: depending on your browser, some pages may not generate properly. Download the file to view the full packet.
3. All excerpts will be requested in the audition. For piccolo, there is an additional excerpt. For saxophones, you must choose 2 out of the 4 excerpts based on what saxophone you'd like to play. Detailed instructions can be found in each packet.
4. Audition materials vary dramatically for each instrument. Excerpts have been selected for effective performance analysis, not, necessarily, from potential programming material. The program will be determined following the evaluation of the audition pool.
5. Excerpt source material information is provided with each excerpt. I strongly recommend researching and listening to the piece the excerpt is drawn from for musical insight. 

Percussionists

All percussionists will audition on four of the different facets of percussion:

1. Snare Drum
2. Mallets
3. Aux Percussion
4. Timpani

All excerpts in the audition packet will be heard. The order in which the excerpts will be performed is up to the player. 

 Spring 2026 Symphonic Band Audition Materials

Time will be available in the Trees Hall Band Room Annex (Band Room II) to practice for Symphonic Band Percussion Auditions. The following instruments will be available to practice on: Snare Drum, Vibraphone, Timpani, and Concert Tambourine. Please sign up for a practice slot no less than 24 hours in advance so I know whether I need to go into the band room early or stay late.

SIGN UP FOR PRACTICE TIMES HERE

Audition Time Information

Symphonic Band Auditions will take place at Trees Hall in the Band Room during the week of December 1st-December 4th. Additional days and times will be offered on December 9th-December 10th. Woodwind and Brass Players will audition in the Band Room, and Percussionists will audition in the Band Room Annex (Band Room II). To view available times and sign up for your audition, visit the Microsoft Bookings Page below. 

SIGN UP FOR AUDITIONS HERE

If possible, try to schedule your audition during December 1-4, and save December 9-10 for emergencies. If you are unable to audition during any of the available time slots, please contact Mr. Buckstein at mbuckstein@athletics.pitt.edu. 

Where to Practice

There are multiple spaces on campus that are dedicated for musical practice. Check out some of the options below!

1. Music Building Practice Rooms
2. Center for Creativity: The Understory - Music Practice Rooms
3. Pitt Band Room/Pitt Band Room 2 in Trees Hall - See general availability HERE. Please note that there are no individual practice rooms in the Band Room or Band Room 2, and that you may have to share the practice space with others.

For tubas and other large instruments that may need to be shared, please send Mr. Buckstein a meeting invitation via Outlook Calendar, and he'll either accept or deny based upon availability.

For percussionists, you are welcome to use our concert percussion equipment in Band Room 2. Sign up here!

Need an Instrument?

If you need an instrument for auditions, please contact Mr. Buckstein at mbuckstein@athletics.pitt.edu ASAP. We have an extremely limited number of university instruments that may be signed out to practice for the auditions. In the case of saxophones, students may audition on the saxophone of their choice, or they may audition on alto saxophone, as long as they verify their preference and experience on their saxophone of choice in the audition booking form.

How Do I Get to the Band Room?

The Band Room and Band Room 2 are located in Trees Hall on Upper Campus, and can be tricky to find. Please watch the video linked HERE to help you find the Band Room! There are also signs hung up around Trees to assist as well.

Enrollment

Following auditions, if you are selected as a member of the Symphonic Band, then you will receive a course permission code to allow you to enroll in "Concert Band MUS 0631."

Conductors


Dr. Brad Townsend, Director of Bands
Read his bio HERE.


Michael Buckstein, Assistant Director of Bands
Read his bio HERE.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please reach out to Michael Buckstein, Assistant Director of Bands, at mbuckstein@athletics.pitt.edu.