GOLD AND BLACK SOUND

2026-2027 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 2024 graduates will be allowed to audition for a fall-semester-only placement.

· Previous Gold and Black Sound members who are off campus this fall for one of the above reasons will, upon their return to campus, be allowed to play an audition for spring-semester-only placement.

· 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 SCHEDULE

Wind Audition sign-ups will be posted on Dr. Petersen’s door (Hagle 383) by 12PM on Monday, 9/21. 

WW/Brass Auditions: Monday, September 28 (12PM-3PM, 6:30PM-9:00PM) and Tuesday, September 29 (12PM-3PM)

Audition procedure as follows:

  • Part 1: Hail IC (Play the Intro, then jump to the Chorus and play to the end with no repeat) Parts can be found HERE.
  • Part 2: Prepare the full part of the selection you can find HERE, and I will tell you what measures to perform for me in your audition. Please use this recording HERE to help with your preparation.
  • Part 3: Either a Chromatic or Major Scale that shows the full extent of your range

Rhythm Section – Wednesday, September 23, 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 September 23.
  • Per his instructions, prospective rhythm section members should email him directly to schedule your audition for the evening of 9/23—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

  1. Monday, October 5: 7:00pm-9:00pm (Wright Rehearsal Room, 378)
  2. Wednesday, October 7: 7:00pm-9:00pm (Wright Rehearsal Room, 378)
  3. Wednesday, October 14: Time TBD (Mackey Arena)
  4. Thursday, October 15: 7:00pm-9:00pm (Wright Rehearsal Room, 378)
  5. Tuesday, October 27: 7:00pm-9:00pm (Wright Rehearsal Room, 378) (if needed)

First Performance: Saturday, October 24, 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.

Reach out to Dr. Petersen with any questions – lhpeters@purdue.edu