Spring auditions begin week of Oct. 20

Friday, October 10, 2008

Purdue students on the West Lafayette campus who are interested in participating in a spring performing ensemble with Purdue Bands & Orchestra need to sign up for an audition now.

The week of Oct. 20-24 is set aside for auditions for students interested in playing in concert bands, orchestra and jazz bands in the Spring 2009 semester. Students who are on co-op have the option to audition upon their return to campus in January, but all other students need to complete an audition this fall on campus.

Complete audition information and required audition music available by clicking here! (password required)

 

Students auditioning for a spring group will be considered for one of the following ensembles:

 

Symphony Orchestra  
The Purdue Symphony (Band 111) program consists of two orchestras: a full size orchestra consisting of strings, winds, and percussion and a smaller chamber orchestra. These groups perform the finest in orchestral literature, and often work with important soloists or ensembles. Each orchestra typically gives two major performances each semester.  Opportunities for solo or small ensemble work exist at the option of the conductor based on student interest. Two hours of academic credit are available each semester for participation in Symphony Orchestra.

 

Jazz Bands
American Music Repertory Ensemble (AMRE), BAND 112; Purdue Jazz Band (PJB), BAND 113 Lab Jazz Band (Lab), BAND 114a ; Jazz Workshop, BAND 114b

The Department of University Bands offers three different jazz bands and a jazz workshop which focuses on jazz theory, improvisation and jazz style.

Each performing ensemble consists of the standard “big-band” instrumentation of 5 saxes, 5 trumpets, 4-5 trombones and rhythm section (piano, bass guitar, drums).  Opportunities exist for singers in all of the jazz bands; however they are an essential part of AMRE.  Solo and improvisation work are an important part of the jazz band curriculum, as are opportunities to meet and perform with some of the nation’s top jazz artists. 

The jazz bands perform regularly during the semester on campus, and for special events both on and off campus as scheduling permits.  There are also opportunities for small group (combo) performance. 

 The Purdue Jazz Band, our most advanced band, is recognized internationally, and offers regular travel and competition opportunities.  The American Music Repertory Ensemble is a full jazz ensemble as outlined above with multiple vocalists.  This specialty group explores the repertoire of noted big bands and vocalists of the 20th century focusing on particular artists for each concert.  Concerts are presented as big band shows in the style of the artists represented.   The AMRE singers will sing with the band as soloists and in ensemble.

 

Two hours of academic credit are available each semester for participation in a jazz band.

 

Symphonic and Concert Bands
Symphonic Band (Band 116), Concert Band (Band 117), Collegiate Band (Band 118) Varsity Band (Band 119a) and University Band (Band 119b)

Members of the Symphonic Band are selected through a formal audition and represent the top wind and percussion players on the West Lafayette campus. The ensemble is featured in two concerts each semester, with additional off-campus performances and tours arranged on demand.

The Symphonic Band performs challenging programs of traditional and contemporary wind literature, with numerous opportunities for solo and small ensemble work provided as student interest dictates. The other university concert bands maintain the same traditional instrumentation as the Symphonic Band, with larger sections allowing participation by more individuals. The musical programming and concert schedule allows these ensembles to be approachable by those students with less experience and background, while still offering an exciting performance experience to those enrolled in the course.

Two hours of academic credit are available each semester for participation in one of the department’s concert bands.

For more information about Purdue Bands, please contact Administrative Assistant Pat Newton at 765-494-0770.

 

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