Concert Bands Auditions

Auditions for 2025–2026

Auditions for the CSUN Wind Ensemble and Wind Symphony will take place on the Thursday, Friday, and Saturday before classes start. If you are a student who is entering in spring, please contact Professor Stoffel at stoffel@csun.edu for audition information.

Scheduling your fall classes:

  • If you intend to perform in a concert band this fall, then do not schedule any classes during these times:
    • Mondays & Wednesdays, 4:00 to 5:15 PM (Wind Symphony; MUS 179A, 379A, 679)
    • Tuesdays & Thursdays, 1:00 to 3:45 PM (Wind Ensemble; MUS 179B, 379B, 679)
  • By avoiding these days & times, you will not create a scheduling conflict between band rehearsal times and your other classes.

Additional Information

PERCUSSION:

  • The audition for percussionists will be administered by the percussion faculty. The audition for percussionists will be administered by the percussion faculty on August 23 (Saturday), 9:00–1:30. Please consult with the percussion faculty regarding ensemble audition. You can e-mail either john.roscigno@csun.edu or aaron.smith@csun.edu.

KEYBOARDS & HARP:

  • We have occasional need for a pianist and harpist in the concert bands. Please contact Dr. Stoffel for the audition information and music.

For WOODWINDS, BRASS & STRING BASS:

Step 1

Download the audition music & directions: Go to www.csun.edu/~stoffel/audition.

Step 2

Audition Dates & Times:

Reserve an audition date & time: Go to www.csun.edu/~stoffel/audition.

  • Bassoon — August 22 (Friday), 11:45–12:45
  • Clarinet — August 23 (Saturday), 9:00–11:15
  • Euphonium — August 23 (Saturday), 3:00–4:15
  • Flute — August 22 (Friday), 3:00–5:45
  • French Horn — August 22 (Friday), 9:00–11:15
  • Oboe — August 22 (Friday), 11:45–12:45
  • Saxophone — August 21 (Thursday), 12:00–2:30
  • String Bass — August 23 (Saturday), 3:00–4:15
  • Trombone — August 23 (Saturday), 12:00–12:30
  • Trumpet — August 21 (Thursday), 3:00–5:45
  • Tuba — August 23 (Saturday), 3:00–4:15

Step 3

Download and prepare the audition music: Go to www.csun.edu/~stoffel/audition.

  • Auditions are competitive — prepare each excerpt to the best of your ability.
  • It is important to familiarize yourself with the band works from which the excerpts are taken. 
  • Listen to multiple recordings of the works to help understand style, context, and tempo possibilities. 
  • Use YouTube, Spotify, iTunes, etc. as valuable resources for recordings.

Step 4

Do the audition in-person & on campus on your reserved date & time.

  • The audition will include some sight-reading. In addition to accurate note-reading, successful sight-reading should demonstrate musical phrasing, style, and expression.

Audition Results

Audition results will be posted by Sunday, August 24 (the day before classes begin).

Additional Information