Symphonic Band

Symphonic 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

Location: Bellefield Hall

Performance Schedule

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:

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

?Folder icon Spring 2026 Symphonic Band Audition Materials


Audition Time Information

Enrollment