Scholarship Information
Each year, Purdue Bands & Orchestras awards over $250,000 in scholarship support. With a department of 1000+ students, we want to be sure no student is denied the opportunity to continue playing and performing at the collegiate level.
Incoming freshman instrumentalists have the opportunity to audition for the Leath Scholarship in February.
Upperclassmen (sophomores-seniors) apply for scholarships via an online application form each semester. Selection is determined by the faculty. This opportunity is open to every student who is enrolled in one of our classes at the time applications are due.
Leath Scholarship
Incoming freshman instrumentalists will have the opportunity to audition virtually for the Leath Scholarship. The Leath Scholarship is an all-virtual audition. All video audition submissions will be due by Sunday, February 26th, 2023 at 11:59 PM. For more information regarding video submissions, see below.
This scholarship opportunity is open to instrumentalists only. Auditions for pianists are strictly limited to jazz piano.
This audition is for scholarship only. A separate audition for ensemble placement will be required this summer.
Members of the faculty will review all auditions and select recipients. Approximately 25-35 students will receive a one-time scholarship gift. (Scholarship amount is approximately $1,000-1,500 for in-state students and $2,000-2,500 for out-of-state students. Subject to change.)
Deadline to Apply is January 31, 2023:
Audition Material Information:
- Jazz Auditions: Students wishing to audition as a jazz instrumentalist will need to prepare the following – Access the required etudes here and carefully read instructions. The password is “audition.”
- Concert Band & Orchestra Auditions:
- Students wishing to audition as a classical instrumentalist should prepare an advanced, professional level solo piece, without accompaniment. Your piece should be a few minutes, showing contrasting styles. You may make any necessary cuts. Please direct questions regarding what would be considered suitable advanced repertoire to your private teacher or band/orchestra director.
- Concert Band instrumentalists should also include two, two octave major scales.
- Violin players should choose two from A, C, or E-flat major. Three octaves, ascending and descending.
- Viola/Cello players should choose two from D, F, or A major. Three octaves, ascending and descending.
- Bass players should choose two from E, F, or G major. Three octaves, ascending and descending.
- Can I audition for Jazz and Concert/Orchestra?
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- If you would like to audition as a jazz and classical instrumentalist, you may prepare for both auditions.
- You will be required to submit 2 separate audition videos. Please answer the appropriate questions in each video submission, since different directors will be reviewing each submission.
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Virtual Auditions:
- All video audition submissions will be due by Sunday, February 26th, 2023 at 11:59 PM.
- All video submissions must be unlisted YouTube links. Links via Dropbox or mp4/audio attachments will not be accepted.
- Please submit your YouTube video audition link here: Submission portal coming early 2023.
Please include the following within your video audition and video post description:
- Name
- Instrument
- Hometown/State
- Have you been accepted to Purdue?
- Have you accepted your admit to Purdue?
- Name and composer of the piece you are playing
Tips for a Successful Video Audition:
- Focus on sound quality of the recording space. We recognize everyone is limited with where they can record, but try to choose a space that will be conducive, and do a few audio tests to make sure your sound is clear.
- Check the lighting in your recording space to be certain you are visible and not obstructed by shadows or bright light.
Questions? Email Caitlin (caitlin@purdue.edu).
