This fall, the Purdue Band department serves as home to over 700 students participating in the various instrumental music ensembles at Purdue. These students are participating in groups including marching band, concert band, jazz band and orchestra. Despite the fact the first semester is only six weeks old, plans are underway to host auditions for spring ensembles during the weeks of October 22-26 and October 29-November 2 (those students on co-op will audition upon return to campus in January). Audition information and required audition music is available by clicking here!

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

Purdue Philharmonic and Symphony Orchestra

Purdue Symphony Orchestra, BAND 11100

The Purdue Symphony program consists of two orchestras. Both are full-sized orchestras consisting of strings, winds, and percussion. 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 one of Purdue’s orchestras.

Jazz Bands

American Music Repertory Ensemble (AMRE), BAND 11200 ; Purdue Jazz Band (PJB), BAND 11300 Lab Jazz Band (Lab), BAND 11400a ; Jazz Workshop/Concert Jazz Band, BAND 11400b

The Department of University Bands also offers three-four different jazz bands and/or a jazz workshop for students interested in this type of musical experience. Each 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. When offered, the jazz workshop class focuses on jazz theory, improvisation and jazz style. 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 Twentieth Century focusing on particular artists for each concert. AMRE is dedicated to the performance of the classic big band repertoire and re-creations of recorded performances from throughout jazz history. 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.

Wind Ensemble, Symphonic and Concert Bands

Wind Ensemble, BAND 35000; Symphonic Band, BAND 11600 , Concert Band, BAND 11700, Collegiate Band, BAND 11800, Varsity Band, BAND11900

The Wind Ensemble is one of Purdue’s finest instrumental organizations, staffed by the top wind and percussion players on the West Lafayette campus as selected through a formal audition. The ensemble is featured in several concerts each semester, with additional off-campus performances and tours arranged on demand. The WE performs a challenging program of the finest 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 Wind Ensemble, 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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