Join Purdue Bands & Orchestras
Audition
In Purdue Bands & Orchestras, you’ll get to continue your passion for music while pursuing your degree in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Study with internationally recognized faculty, play with musicians from around the world, and gain leadership experience that will set you apart from the crowd. Most ensembles meet 2-3 times per week and perform twice a semester – the perfect time commitment for any student who wishes to continue playing in college. Even the Purdue “All-American” Marching Band, which meets M-F during the fall semester, is doable alongside your academics.
To join Purdue Bands & Orchestras, you will audition for ensemble placement and register for your assigned ensemble. Everyone auditions every semester, which allows for personal growth and flexibility with internships/co-ops. It is possible to participate in multiple ensembles, but you should strongly consider your course load, what else you might plan to get involved with on campus, and your own time management skills.
Please reach out to our Manager of Recruitment & Student Success, Caitlin, with any questions about auditions and getting involved.
Audition Opportunities – Scroll to See more
Spring 2026 Concert Band/Orchestra Winds & Percussion Audition Information
Openings in all Concert Bands and Orchestras for Flute, all Clarinets, all Double Reeds, all Saxophones, Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, and Percussion.
Audition Dates
- Submit a virtual audition by October 17th.
- Purdue University Co-Op Program/Internship: Reach out Dr. Blon (dblon@purdue.edu) as soon as possible.
Audition Etudes & Requirements
ALL STUDENTS
- Students will play alone, without accompaniment.
- Students shall not use a metronome.
- If you do not have access to the instruments needed to perform your audition, please contact audition Caitlin for alternative audition instructions.
WOODWIND/BRASS
- Students are to prepare two of the three etudes.
- Students interested in Philharmonic Orchestra Winds and Symphonic Band must play Etudes 2 and 3.
- Please prepare the two scales specified on your audition sheet.
PERCUSSION
- Please prepare the snare and mallet requirements and etudes specified on the audition sheet.
- Students interested Philharmonic Orchestra and Symphonic Band should play the timpani audition, in addition to snare and mallet.
- Percussionists should follow all instructions on the top of the audition sheet with regards to rudiments and scales.
Enroll in a Band or Orchestra class
- Students currently enrolled in PBO: Place your Band or Orchestra course near the top of your batch registration preferences, if possible, to help avoid conflicts.
- Students not currently enrolled in PBO: Please enroll for the exact ensemble you have been assigned by a director. If you have a scheduling conflict, please communicate with the director to see if it can be approved or if another ensemble might work.
Recording Process Instructions
- You will not need anything more advanced than a smartphone to record. You are to play alone, without accompaniment.
- At the beginning of your video, state your first and last name and the instrument you are playing. Example: “Hi, I’m Matt Conaway, and I’m auditioning on Trombone.”
- Make sure your face and hands are visible as much as possible. If we can’t verify what the keys are doing, we may ask you to resubmit.
- You MAY record etudes and scales separately and splice together, but each song should itself be done in a single take.
- Do not add any special audio effects or on-screen text. Keep it as simple as possible. No autotune, no AI! No metronomes!
- We recommend you upload the audition as an UNLISTED (not private) YouTube file. NOTE: if you make it “public” that means you are sharing your audition with everyone. Alternatively, you may choose to upload to a file storage service like Google Drive or Dropbox that allows you to share a viewable link but verify that the video is unlocked for anyone with the link before submitting.
- There will be no sight-reading component.
- After your recording is complete, submit your audition video using the Audition Form.
- Why Are We Doing It This Way?
- Allows you as many “takes” as you need before you have an audition you’re happy with.
- Allows you to do this completely on your schedule.
- Significantly better audio than a real-time internet connection.
- Other Notes:
- You may not see the video recognize a view. We tend to jump around a bit and may not have the video running until the very last recorded second. We will let you know if there’s an issue hearing your recording.
- If you do not have access to an appropriate audition instrument or access to any device capable of recording video, please contact Caitlin (caitlin@purdue.edu) for alternative audition instructions.
Spring 2026 Orchestra Strings Audition Information
Openings in all orchestras for violin, viola, cello, and bass.
Audition Dates
- Submit a virtual audition by October 24th. Any audition received after this date cannot be guaranteed priority placement.
- Purdue University Co-Op Program/Internship: Reach out to Prof. Bodony (abodony@purdue.edu) as soon as possible.
Submit an Audition
- Submit your video audition via email to Prof. Bodony (abodony@purdue.edu)
- See recording instructions below.
Audition Requirements
- One prepared solo or etude (2-3 minutes in length.)
- Students will play alone, without accompaniment.
- Please prepare two scales of your choosing (ascending and descending in three octaves.)
- For Philharmonic consideration choose two from the following:
- Violin – A, C, E-flat major
- Viola/Cello – D, F, A major
- Bass – E, F, G major
- If you do not have access to the instruments needed to perform your audition, please contact Caitlin (caitlin@purdue.edu) for alternative audition instructions.
Enrolling in an Orchestra
- Students currently enrolled in PBO: Place your current Orchestra course (or the orchestra in which you are most likely to be placed) near the top of your batch registration preferences, if possible, to help avoid conflicts. Note: this is not your official, final placement – that only comes from Prof. Bodony.
- Students not currently enrolled in PBO: Please enroll for the exact ensemble you have been assigned by Prof. Bodony. If you have a scheduling conflict, please communicate with him to see if it can be approved or if another ensemble might work.
Recording Process Instructions
- You will not need anything more advanced than a smartphone to record. You are to play alone, without accompaniment.
- At the beginning of your video, state your first and last name and the instrument you are playing. Example: “Hi, I’m Adam Bodony, and I’m auditioning on Viola d’Amore.”
- Make sure your face, hands, and fingerboard are visible as much as possible.
- You MAY record etudes and scales separately and splice together, but each selection should itself be done in a single take. Submit only a single file, NOT separate files for each component of the audition.
- Do not add any special audio effects or on-screen text. Keep it as simple as possible. No autotune, no AI! No metronomes!
- We recommend you upload the audition as an UNLISTED (not private) YouTube file. NOTE: if you make it “public” that means you are sharing your audition with everyone. Alternatively, you may choose to upload to a file storage service like Google Drive or Dropbox that allows you to share a viewable link but verify that the video is unlocked for anyone with the link before submitting.
- There will be no sight-reading component.
Spring 2026 Jazz Band Audition Information
Audition Dates: October 6-7, 2025
Enroll in a Jazz Band class
- Ensemble lists will be emailed. Place your Band course near the top of your batch registration preferences, if possible, to help avoid conflicts.
Saxes, Trumpets, and Trombones: Play the entire etude with Horns Play Along for first chorus, on the second chorus improvise over the form, if interested in Purdue Jazz Band, American Music Repertory Ensemble (AMRE), or Purdue Tower of Power Band (TOP) consideration. No improvisation is required for anyone else.
To be considered for a Lead Trumpet role: Complete the above AND take mm20 through the end up an octave as written.
Guitars, Vibes and Piano: Play the entire etude with appropriate Play Along. On the second chorus you may either solo or “Comp” along with the play-a-long until end.
Bass: Play the entire etude with Bass Play Along for first chorus, on second chorus you may either improvise or create your own “walking bass line.”
Drums: Play the entire etude with appropriate hits and set-ups with the Drum Play Along. Starting at Letter E continue etude and solo in the appropriate sections marked in the etude until end. Separately, be prepared to play examples of “Bossa Nova/Samba,” Up-Tempo Swing, and Funk/Hip Hop.
Vocalists: Prepare two contrasting jazz pieces with a karaoke-style big band accompaniment (YouTube is preferred). Please decide on cuts, so that the two pieces combined are under four minutes.
The Applied Music Studies program offers students lessons in chamber music. Instructors are professional musicians from the region. Lessons are scheduled on a semester basis. Various lesson packages are offered on a non-credit basis with a special lab fee based on the number of lessons scheduled.
We are currently not offering our guitar or piano lessons.
Students who play at an advanced level and are interested in receiving 1 hour of academic credit may audition and then register for BAND 12000. Students receiving credit must complete a jury/recital at the end of this semester.
Boiler Brass 2025-2026 Audition Information
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
All candidates are required to be currently enrolled in a Band/Orchestra course for credit, and will commit to continued enrollment in a Band/Orchestra course next semester if selected.
EXCEPTIONS
· Candidates will be considered for a fall-semester-only placement if the spring semester is occupied by co-op, study abroad, or student teaching.
· December 2025 graduates will be allowed to audition for a fall-semester-only placement.
· Previous Boiler Brass members who are off campus this fall will, upon their return to campus, be allowed to play an audition for spring-semester-only placement as long as they are committed to enroll in a Band/Orchestra course for credit per the above requirement.
· Students who are actively participating in a department curricular ensemble without enrollment (with permission of the department) are considered to be in compliance with the requirement.
Absolutely no exceptions beyond the above will be permitted.
AUDITION MUSIC
Woodwind and Brass players will need to prepare the entire audition sheet for their instrument. All parts are to be played in the exact written octave unless otherwise specified. When two octaves are presented, the upper octave is preferred.
Electric Bass players should audition using the Tuba/Bass Trombone part, but play all lines in the correct sounding octave (bass parts are written an octave higher than they sound). Electric Bass players will also be given a Tuba part to sight-read in the appropriate octave.
Guitar and Drum Set players will be asked to demonstrate a variety of styles, play Hail Purdue “IC,” and play along with a track to be selected prior to the audition.
AUDITION SCHEDULE
Woodwind and Brass auditions will be conducted on MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 and TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 at various times throughout the day and evening. You may sign up for your audition on Professor Conaway’s office door (Hagle 309). If neither of these dates fit your schedule, you must email Professor Conaway (conaway@purdue.edu) no later than FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 at 12:00 Noon to arrange another time. Late auditions will not be allowed except for emergency situations.
The roster of Woodwind and Brass performers is expected to be released on Thursday, October 2. Students who are not selected are strongly encouraged to audition for Gold And Black Sound, our outstanding Women’s Basketball band! Check Dr. Petersen’s door (Hagle 383) for audition information!
Drum Set, Electric Bass, and Guitar candidates need to email conaway@purdue.edu with your availability for the evening of Wednesday, October 1. The audition window is 6:00-9:30 PM, but you would only be needed for 10-15 minutes of that time. Results would be released on or before Thursday, October 2.
2025-26 INSTRUMENTATION
We expect every game this season to sell out, so we have to be careful with the size of the band. Our intent is to accept the following minimum numbers of performers on each instrument, but this is subject to adjustment based on the quality of auditions. In short: everyone accepted to Boiler Brass is expected to be an outstanding player.
· 4 Piccolo
· 4 Bb Clarinet
· 6 Alto Sax
· 4 Tenor Sax
· 18 Trumpet
· 8 Mellophone
· 15 Trombone/Baritone
· 6 Sousaphone
· 2 Drum Set/Aux Percussion
· 1 Electric Bass
· 1 Guitar
SEASON SCHEDULE
The most up-to-date schedule for the basketball season is always available at www.purduesports.com. As of this writing, we do not yet have most game times or the Big Ten game dates. We will perform at all home basketball games while classes are in session, and select groups will travel to post-season tournaments. Also expect one or two Partners in Music Education trips in the spring semester, as well as occasional wrestling and baseball games.
The expectation is that if you are selected, you will participate in all games that do not directly conflict with a scheduled course meeting or exam, and will clear your schedule of work commitments. Games designated as “Winter Break” games will be almost completely staffed with PBO Alumni.
REHEARSAL SCHEDULE
Boiler Brass conducts all of its rehearsals prior to the first game. Our rehearsal schedule is as follows, with all rehearsals in Hagle 378 unless otherwise announced later.
· Tuesday, October 7, 7:00-9:00 PM
· Thursday, October 16, 7:00-9:00 PM
· Tuesday, October 21, 7:00-9:00 PM
Audition Information
- Wind Audition sign-ups will be posted on Dr. Petersen’s door (Hagle 383) by 10AM on Monday, 9/29.
- WW/Brass Auditions: Monday, October 6 (10AM-12PM, 6PM-9PM) and Tuesday, October 7 (11AM-1:30PM)
- Rhythm Section – Wednesday, Oct 1, Evening (Hagle B78)
- Audition info for RHYTHM SECTION (drum set, electric bass, guitar) is the same process and materials as the Boiler Brass audition. Professor Conaway and I will listen to all prospective rhythm section members for Boiler Brass and Gold and Black Sound the evening of October 1. Please refer to the email Professor Conaway sent earlier last week for that specific audition information and follow all instructions. That information is also contained HERE.
- Per his instructions, prospective rhythm section members should email him directly to schedule your audition for the evening of 10/1—and be sure to include in your email if you’d like to be considered for Boiler Brass, GABS, or BOTH!
Regarding wind audition instruments: baritones and tubas who do not have marching/pep band instruments assigned should play their audition on their concert instruments. Horn players without mellophones should reach out to the Supply team using this link HERE.
GABS Rehearsal Schedule
- Thursday, October 9: 6:30pm-9:30pm (Wright Rehearsal Room, 378)
- Wednesday, October 15: 6:30pm-9:30pm (Wright Rehearsal Room, 378)
- Monday, October 20: 6:30pm-9:30pm (Wright Rehearsal Room, 378)
- Wednesday, October 22: 6:30pm-9:30pm (Hagle Hall, Room 178)
First Performance: Monday, October 27, Time TBD
The full season schedule including Big Ten play has been announced, but tip-off times are still TBD. You can view the full season calendar HERE.
2026-2027 Purdue Twirling Audition Information
Auditions open for Golden Girl, Girl-in-Black, Miss Boilerette, Silver Twins and the All-American Twirling Team.
- Early Action Application Deadline for Purdue University: November 1st, 2025
- Email your materials: Applications due by email to Morgan Loetz, masher@purdue.edu, by 11:59 PM on December 31st, 2025.
- Cover letter: indicating all the positions you are interested in auditioning for, your upcoming year, and major at Purdue University.
- Twirling resume and contact information: including your phone number, email address, and mailing address.
- 5-minute unlisted YouTube video: featuring yourself twirling and including a solo performance and live performance.
- Invitations to in-person auditions will be extended: By January 21st, 2026
- After reviewing your audition materials, invitations will be extended for in-person auditions on campus, along with audition packets.
- In-person auditions: February 28th, 2026
- All twirlers will complete the audition requirements for the All-American Twirling Team, regardless of the positions they are auditioning for.
- Candidates who have been invited to participate in soloist auditions will have additional requirements they need to complete, as stated below.
- All-American Twirling Team requirements:
- A freestyle twirling routine
- Time limit is 2-1/2 minutes.
- You may use any number of batons.
- No props or fire batons are allowed.
- You will learn a routine the day of in-person auditions to perform for the judges.
- A public relations test interview: you are expected to be knowledgeable on the “All-American” Marching Band and Purdue Twirling traditions. For more info: www.purdue.edu/bands
- A freestyle twirling routine
- Soloist requirements, in addition to those stated above:
- A down the field marching routine to the Purdue fight song, “Hail Purdue.”
- Each instrumental part of your routine should cover the length of a basketball court.
- The song will be played while you perform down the court. You will sing the chorus at the opposite end of the court from where you began, and then the instrumental version will play again while you move back down the court.
- You will perform an improvised routine.
- A down the field marching routine to the Purdue fight song, “Hail Purdue.”
- Invitations for all positions will be extended: All applicants will hear back no later than 2 weeks from the date of in-person auditions. Questions or concerns? Contact Coach Morgan Loetz (Auxiliary Director) at masher@purdue.edu.
Golduster Dance Team audition information for the 2026-2027 will become available in early 2026.
Golden Silks Color Guard audition information for the 2026-2027 season will become available in Spring 2026
Have lots of questions? Unsure if Purdue is for you?