Concert Bands Auditions

Auditions for 2026–2027

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 22 (Saturday). Please consult with Aaron Smith, Director of Percussion Studies, regarding ensemble auditions. You may e-mail 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 21 (Friday), 4:00-5:00 PM
  • Clarinet — August 22 (Saturday), 9:00-11:45 AM
  • Euphonium — August 22 (Saturday), 2:00-3:30 PM
  • Flute — August 22 (Saturday), 12:15-1:45 PM
  • French Horn — August 21 (Friday), 9:00-11:45 AM
  • Oboe — August 21 (Friday), 4:00-5:00 PM
  • Saxophone — August 21 (Friday), 2:00-3:30 PM
  • String Bass — August 22 (Saturday), 2:00-3:30 PM
  • Trombone — August 20 (Thursday), 12:30-2:30 PM
  • Trumpet — August 20 (Thursday), 2:45-5:30 PM
  • Tuba — August 22 (Saturday), 2:00-3:30 PM

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 23 (the day before classes begin).

Additional Information