Ensemble Auditions

The School of Music has a wide range of performance opportunities through our many ensembles and areas of study. From the traditional to the experimental, there are a multitude of ways for you to express yourself musically at LSU.

Each area follows a unique audition process outlined on this page. If you require any accessibility accommodations for audition materials, or have other questions about the audition process, the appropriate contact information is listed alongside each area.

The information on this page was last updated August 1, 2023.

Winds & Percussion

Wind and percussion students interested in participating in concert ensembles at LSU will audition during specified time blocks at the start of each semester. Auditions are open to non-music majors.

The ensembles requiring auditions by wind and percussion players include:

LSU Wind Ensemble (MUS 4251)
LSU Symphonic Winds (MUS 4254)
LSU Symphonic Band* (MUS 4252)
LSU Symphony Orchestra (MUS 4261)

****Music majors auditioning for only the LSU Symphonic Band must prepare ALL audition excerpts for their audition. Non-music majors auditioning for this group may select a single excerpt from the given options.***

***Students looking to participate in the LSU Tiger Marching Band audition through a seperate process. Please visit this page to learn more.***

Process for Winds & Percussion

All wind and percussion auditions will take place in the Tiger Band Hall. Please arrive at the beginning of the time listed for your instrument / area and check in with the proctor in the lobby, who will have you sign up for a specific time slot. All time slots are first come, first serve.

Wind auditions will take place in the Staff Room, with warm-up and practice space available in the Rehearsal Hall.
Percussion auditions will take place in the Rehearsal Hall, with warm-up and practice space available in the Library.

Please fill out the following form before you arrive to the auditions to inform us of any potential class conflicts.

WIND & PERCUSSION AUDITION REGISTRATION FORM

Spring 2024 Audition Times

Spring 2024 audition times are TBD. Please check back later for updated information.

Wind & Percussion Audition Excerpts

If you require accessibility-related accommodations for audition music, or have other audition questions, please contact the Department of Bands by calling (225) 578-2384 or emailing bands@lsu.edu.

For questions about the wind and percussion auditions, please contact the LSU Department of Bands.

Strings

Strings students interested in participating in orchestral activities at LSU will audition virtually according to the procedure outlined below. Auditions are open to non-music majors.

The ensembles requiring auditions by strings players include:

LSU Symphony Orchestra (MUS 4261, Sections 1 & 2)

***Wind and percussion players auditioning for the LSU Symphony Orchestra should follow the audition procedures outlined in the Winds & Percussion section of this page.***

Process for Strings

Spring 2024 Strings audition process is TBD. Please check back later for updated information.

String Audition Excerpts

If you require accessibility-related accommodations for audition music, or have other audition questions, please contact Francis Ku.

Choirs

Students interested in participating in choral ensembles at LSU will audition during specified time blocks at the start of each semester. These choral hearings are also open to non-music majors. No formal experience or special music training is required to participate in a choral ensemble at LSU.

All students receive a single semester hour credit for participation in each LSU choir. Each chorus presents 1 to 4 performances each semester, depending on the exact layout of the academic calendar.

The ensembles available in the choral area include:

A Cappella Choir (SATB) (MUS 4236)
Chorale (SSAA) (MUS 4233)
Tiger Glee Club (TTBB) (MUS 4232)
Gospel Choir (SATB) (MUS 4230)

Process for Choirs

Spring 2024 Choir audition process is TBD. Please check back later for updated information.

Music majors should prepare a short aria or art song. Non-music majors may sing either a song of their choosing or “My Country, ’Tis of Thee” or “Amazing Grace.” Sight-singing may also be required. A pianist will be provided for all components of the hearing.

CHORAL HEARING REGISTRATION FORM

For questions about choral hearings, please contact Trey Davis.

For questions about the LSU Gospel Choir, please contact Laurence Hebert.

For questions about the LSU A Cappella Choir, please contact Alissa Rowe.