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 June 23, 2026.
Wind and percussion students interested in participating in concert ensembles at LSU audition at the start each semester during specified time blocks. Auditions are open to majors and 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 separate process. Please visit this page to learn more.***
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.
Process for Winds & Percussion
Fall 2026 auditions for wind and percussion students will be held on Monday, August 24, 2026 and Tuesday, August 25, 2026 in Tiger Band Hall.
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
Fall 2026 Audition Times
All Auditions will be held at Old Band Hall.
Monday, 8/24 |
Tuesday, 8/25 |
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|---|---|---|
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Oboe Flute Percussion Bassoon Saxophone Horn
|
Trombone Trumpet Clarinet Tuba/Euphonium Woodwind Makeups (For approved schedule conflict only) Brass/Percussion Makeups (For approved schedule conflict only) . |
Wind & Percussion Audition Excerpts
See below for audition music for the Fall 2026 semester.
For questions about the wind and percussion auditions, please contact the LSU Department of Bands.
Auditions are open to majors and non-music majors.
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)
- Meets: Tuesday & Thursday: 12:00pm - 1:50pm; Wednesday: 12:30 - 2:20pm
***Wind and percussion players auditioning for the LSU Symphony Orchestra should follow the audition procedures outlined in the Winds & Percussion section of this page.***
Concert Orchestra
No auditions required for string players–open to the entire LSU student body
The LSU Concert Orchestra is a campus-wide ensemble welcoming musicians from every corner of the university. Whether you’re majoring in engineering, business, agriculture, or anything in between, this orchestra offers a space to keep making music while you’re at LSU.
Led by graduate students in orchestral conducting, the ensemble also serves as a hands-on laboratory for future music educators while providing a rewarding musical experience for all participants.
String players are welcome to join without an audition. Due to limited positions, winds, brass, and percussion players must submit an online audition. For details on joining or any questions regarding the Concert Orchestra—please contact either Phillip Larroque or Taylor Brownfield.
Process for Strings
Auditioning students must video record themselves performing all of the excerpts, in one take, with no breaks. All strings auditions for LSU Symphony need to play both excerpts.
Videos are due no later than Saturday, August 22, 2026 at 11:00 p.m. CST
- The video must include the face of the auditioning student.
- Please title videos using the following format: instrument_lastname_firstname
In your video, please do NOT say your name or identify yourself in any audible way. - After submitting your registration, you will receive an email link to upload your audition.
- Your video might take longer than expected to upload, depending on your internet connection. Please plan accordingly.
To maintain anonymity, audio from submitted videos will be separated from the video and assigned an audition number. All video will be withheld from judging panel until scoring is completed.
Ensemble placements will be posted on Monday (8/24) and rehearsals will begin on Wednesday (8/26) for strings at SOM 118 and on Thursday (8/27) for full orchestra at the Old Band Hall.
STRING AUDITION REGISTRATION FORM
String Audition Excerpts
If you require accessibility-related accommodations for audition music, or have other audition questions, please contact either Phillip Larroque or Taylor Brownfield.
Last updated July 2025
Join Choir This Fall!
LSU's choral ensembles are open to both music majors and non-music majors. Choral Hearings will take place in August just before classes begin. Please read the below information carefully. LSU has a nationally renowned choral program, and there is a place for every person in our ensembles. Please see our website for more information about LSU Choirs!
Choral Hearings Will Take Place:
- Incoming Freshman: Thursday, August 20th
- Returning Students: Sunday, August 23rd
Sign Up for a choral hearing time here
Note that your assigned time may change, so check the link again a few days before your hearing. For any questions or concerns or for help scheduling a choral hearing, please e-mail Craig Coelho
A choral hearing is a low-pressure audition where you will meet with Dr. Trey Davis and Dr. Alissa Rowe and sing for them.
If you are only interested in singing with Gospel Choir, you are not required to have a choral hearing. All other choral ensembles require a choral hearing.
- Sing a prepared song of your choice no longer than 2 minutes (classical, opera, art song, folk song, hymn, or your part
from a choir piece, etc.).
- No pop songs please
- You will need sheet music for the pianist if you are singing something other than "Amazing Grace" or "My Country ’Tis of Thee.”
- Please bring the music hole punched and in a binder.
- Prepared the assigned repertoire, THREE pieces (see below for sheet music packet and
practice tracks).
- You are expected You must learn your part (soprano, alto, tenor, or bass) over the summer to the three selections below if you are a music major or minor participating in LSU Chorale, Tiger Glee or A Cappella Choir.
- Sing a brief vocal range warm-up, led by Dr. Rowe
- Perform a short sight-reading or tonal memory exercise
- Fill out a form that includes T-shirt size and other personal information
- Lift Every Voice - arr. Roland Carter
- Practice Tracks will be posted soon
- Homeland - Gustav Holst, arr. Randall Z. Stroope
- The Promise of Living from “The Tenderland” by Aaron Copland
Choral hearings are open to majors and non-music majors. No formal experience or special music training is required to participate in a choral ensemble at LSU.
The ensembles available in the choral area include:
- A Cappella Choir (SATB) (MUS 4236), Led by Dr. Alissa Rowe
- Meets MWF, 12:30pm - 2:20pm
- Audition Required
- Chorale (SSAA) (MUS 4233), Led by Dr. Trey Davis
- Meets MWF, 2:30pm - 3:20pm
- Tiger Glee Club (ATTBB) (MUS 4232), Led by Dr. Trey Davis
- Meets MWF, 3:30pm - 4:20pm
- Gospel Choir (SATB) (MUS 4230), Led by Laurence Hebert
- Meets MW, 4:30pm - 5:20pm
- Chamber Singers (SATB) (MUS 4235), Led by Dr. Alissa Rowe - Graduate Student Lab Choir
- Meets TTh, 12:00pm - 1:20pm
- Audition Required
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.
All Choirs Rehearse in School of Music Room 115
Students (majors and non-majors) interested in participating in a jazz performing group may audition for one of several ensembles, including:
- LSU Jazz Ensemble (MUS 4253, Section 1)
- LSU Jazz Lab Band (MUS 4253, Section 2)
- LSU Jazz Chamber Groups (MUS 4255)
Auditions for the 2026-2027 academic year will be held on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 in SoM Room 113. Sign-up sheets for audition times are posted on the bulletin board outside of Doug Stone's office (SoM 113).
Questions about jazz auditions may be directed to Doug Stone.
- Winds and Bass perform the prepared piece - "Groove Merchant" by Thad Jones.
- Guitar and Piano perform the prepared piece - "Always and Forever" by Metheny/Curnow
- If you are interested in auditioning for a Chamber Jazz Ensemble be prepared to play a jazz tune of your choosing. You will be asked to play both the melody and improvise on a a few choruses.
- Perform the prepared piece - "Groove Merchant" by Thad Jones.
- Demonstrate of variety of feels: swing at several tempos, Afro-Cuban, Bossa Nova, funk.
Sheet music for "Groove Merchant" and "Always and Forever" can be found via the buttons below.
- All those auditioning should be prepared to play the entire piece.
Jazz Audition Excerpts
If you require accessibility-related accommodations for audition music, or have other audition questions, please contact Doug Stone.