Audition Information

All UAB enrolled students, regardless of major, are eligible to receive band participation-based awards.

Scholarship auditions for the 2024-2025 academic year are now open. All scholarship auditions must be submitted at the link below by May 27 to receive full consideration.

Non-Music Majors:
UAB Band auditions are for non-music major students wanting to participate in any of the concert or athletic bands, regardless of major.

Music Majors:
Students who plan on pursuing a degree in music must apply directly to the UAB Department of Music audition for the department before being accepted into the program.

Submit Application

How do I Audition? (On-campus or Video submission)

You have the option to audition in-person on February 18, March 23, April 13, May 4
OR
You can submit an audition video. Please read the instructions for each method.

To Audition in Person

In-person auditions are available on the following dates from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Sunday, February 18
Saturday, March 23

Saturday, April 13
Saturday, May 4

Times for these auditions will be from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. on the dates below. You will be contacted directly with a specific audition time two weeks before your chosen date.

To Audition via Video

Cell phone videos are acceptable if that is the only equipment available. Please share a link to your audition video on YouTube, Google Drive, or another file sharing service: Please check to make sure that the link you share has permissions set which will allow us to view it without additional permission requests. If you still have questions, email Kiera Ryan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., to receive assistance on the submission process.

Please take note of the audition deadlines for the following ensembles:

UAB Marching Blazers:

Wind auditions for the UAB Marching Blazers must be submitted by May 27, 2024.

UAB Wind Symphony and Symphony Band:

Video auditions for UAB Concert Bands ONLY must be submitted by July 8, 2024.

Audition Material:

Play two-octave chromatic scale (winds only)
- Flute, Oboe, Saxophones: Starting on your low D.
- Clarinets, Trumpets and Horn: Starting on your low C.
- Bassoon, Trombone, Baritone, Tuba and Str. Bass: Starting on your low B-flat.
Four to five minutes of your best playing (winds only)
- You may choose to include a short solo, concerto, or etudes that you may be working on with your band director or private teacher. Many students prepare All-State and All-District tryout material. The material that you choose does not have to be difficult, memorized, or have piano accompaniment. Simply play at your level with the materials you have available.
Percussionists: choose material that represents the quality and range of your playing. You are encouraged to demonstrate proficiency in snare drum (both rudimental and concert styles), a mallet keyboard instrument, and timpani. Most students use All-District or All-State audition material, but solos or other appropriate materials are welcomed. Rudiments and/or scales will be a part of the audition.

2024 UAB Bands Audition Application

Auxiliary auditions will also be done via an online format. For more information on this process and requirements for the auxiliary video auditions at the UAB auxiliary audition page.

What if I am interested in performing only in the Marching Blazers?

This group is open to any UAB student. Instrumentalists must perform a placement/part assignments audition to participate. Percussionists must attend the designated camps and auxiliary unit members must submit a video audition to be assigned a performing position in the group.

Scholarships:

All students who audition for the UAB Bands are eligible for scholarships. The earlier you audition the more likely you will receive a scholarship offer. For more information on the scholarship process, visit the Admission, Financial Aid and Housing tab under “Prospective Members.”

Wind and Brass Video Requirements

Before playing, please state your full name for the camera.
All etudes and scales must be done in one, continuous, un-edited take. (Do not turn the camera off between songs.)
Your face and fingers/valves/slides must be visible at all times in the video.

Percussion Video Requirements

Before playing, please state your full name for the camera.
Use a practice pad (or tenor practice pad if available and needed), stand up if possible, and make sure your feet and hands are visible. Bass drum auditions should play bass parts "in unison" using matched grip to the best of your ability.
Mark time to all exercises.
REQUIRED MATERIAL - One run-through (only) of each exercise in the 2024 Exercise Packet that you are able to play comfortably, done in one, continuous, un-edited take. (Do not turn the camera off between songs).
OPTIONAL - 30 seconds of any material you wish to prepare that best demonstrates your strengths.
• Your hands and feet must be always visible in the video.
Video due date is May 4, 2024. Call back auditions on June 1 will be notified by May 11.

2024 UAB Percussion Audition Material

Submission

Upload your video to YouTube as an “unlisted” video or to another file sharing service like Google Drive, Dropbox, or Box.

Secure a download link for the file that you can share with us. Please check to make sure that the permissions will allow us to view it without additional verification!

Fill out the online application below: