Symphonic Band
University of Pittsburgh Bands
Symphonic Band
Students who want to continue making music in the Spring semester can audition to join the University of Pittsburgh Symphonic Band. The Symphonic Band performs a wide and varied selection of the finest concert band literature. Auditions for Symphonic Band are typically held near the end of the Fall semester. Auditions are open to all undergraduate and graduate musicians on campus, even if they are not members of the marching band. Rehearsals begin at the start of the Spring semester, and the band gives at least two performances in the Pittsburgh area.
If you are interested in participating in Symphonic Band in Spring 2027, please fill out this form.
Rehearsal Schedule
- Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:15-8:15 PM
- Location: Bellefield Hall
- Rehearsals will begin on Tuesday, January 12th, 2027.
Performance Schedule
- Sunday, Feb 28th, 2027 @ 3 pm - Winter Concert
- Sunday, April 11th, 2027 @ 3 pm - Spring Concert
- Tuesday, April 13th, 2027 @ 7 pm - Spring Festival of Bands
- Sunday, April 18th, 2027 @ TBD - Exchange Concert at Duquesne University (TENTATIVE)
Audition Material And Procedures
Woodwind and Brass Players
Auditions will be comprised of three components:
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Chromatic Scale ascending and descending (full range achievable by student) - to demonstrate range/dexterity
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A short sight reading etude, approximately 16 measures or less in length
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Instrument-specific audition excerpts linked below:
Audtion Materials Coming Soon!
A few more notes about the audition process:
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Excerpts should be performed in their entirety. It is generally clearly labeled where to start and stop.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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Snare Drum
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Mallets
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Aux Percussion
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Timpani
All excerpts in the audition packet will be heard. The order in which the excerpts will be performed is up to the player.
Audtion Materials Coming Soon!
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, Xylophone, and Timpani. 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.
Practice Times Sign Ups Coming Soon!
Audition Time Information
Symphonic Band Auditions will take place at Trees Hall in the Band Room/Band Room Annex during the weeks of November 30th-Dec 4th and Dec 7th-December 9th. To view available times and sign up for your audition, visit the Microsoft Bookings Page below.
Audition Sign Ups Coming Soon!
Where to Practice
There are multiple spaces on campus that are dedicated for musical practice. Check out some of the options below!
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Pitt Band Room/Pitt Band Room Annex in Trees Hall - Availability coming soon. Please note that there are no individual practice rooms in the Band Room or Band Room Annex, and that you may have to share the practice space with others. There are however, chairs and music stands.
For percussionists, you are welcome to use our concert percussion equipment in the Band Room Annex. Sign up coming soon!
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 Annex 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.
For questions, contact:
Mr. Michael Buckstein, Assistant Director of Bands
mbuckstein@athletics.pitt.edu
