Preparing your audition mp3 recordings:
- Applicants are limited to a total of five mp3 files that are no larger than 30 MB each. File formats other than mp3 will not be accepted.
- Use the highest quality equipment available for audio recording. This may include the use of an external microphone plugged into your device.
- Set up the device or mic 6 to 10 feet away, and 6 to 8 feet off the ground. Adjust the gain/input up to the red zone, but not over. Make sure you are in a quiet area with as few distractions/interruptions as possible.
- When recording, clearly state your name, instrument and high school BEFORE you begin playing.
- We suggest that you record your practice sessions so that you have a good idea of your playing before you make the audition recording. This will also help you to practice using the recording equipment for optimal effect. Do not wait until the deadline day to begin this process. Give yourself time to make a second recording if the first take doesn't work out.
- Listen to your recording before you upload it. Make sure your mp3 file(s) will play on a laptop.
- Label your audition recording mp3 files with your INSTRUMENT and your NAME (i.e. Trumpet_JaneDoe.mp3). Add a number after your name if you are submitting multiple files (i.e. Trumpet_JaneDoe1.mp3; Trumpet_JaneDoe2.mp3).
WOODWIND AUDITIONS
Audition material must be at least five (5) minutes in length, but not longer than ten (10) minutes. All candidates must complete the on-line application form and submit an audition recording. Those auditioning on piccolo should play the scales and solo on flute and the etude on piccolo. The audition recording should contain the following components.
Scale requirements:
Four scales of your choice (two in a major sharp key signature and two in a major flat key signature). Scales should be in an 8th note pattern (quarter note equals 88 on the metronome).
Repertoire requirements:
One solo composition of your choice and one complete etude from the following list (no exceptions). The solo composition may be an unaccompanied piece for your instrument, or a movement from any work for your instrument with piano. Accompaniment is encouraged if applicable to your solo selection, but not required.
Etude Suggestions:
- Flute: Koehler-Opus 33 (Books 1 and 2), or Andersen-Opus 41 or Opus 37
- Oboe: Ferling 48 Famous Studies or Barret A Complete Method for Oboe ("40 Progressive Melodies" section, pages 57-107)
- Bassoon: Weissenborn 50 Advanced Studies
- Clarinet: C. Rose 40 Etudes or 32 Etudes
- Bass Clarinet: C. Rose 40 Etudes or 32 Etudes; William Rhodes Advanced Studies.
- Saxophone: 48 Etudes after Ferling with 12 Additional Studies by Mule
Recommended vendors for woodwind audition music:
BRASS AUDITIONS
Audition material must be at least five (5) minutes in length, but not longer than ten (10) minutes. All candidates must complete the on-line application and submit an audition recording. The recording should contain the following components.
Scale requirements:
Four scales of your choice (two in a major sharp key signature and two in a major flat key signature). Scales should be in an 8th note pattern (quarter note equals 88 on the metronome).
Repertoire requirements:
One solo composition of your choice and one complete etude from the following list (no exceptions). The solo composition may be an unaccompanied piece for your instrument, or a movement from any work for your instrument with piano. Accompaniment is encouraged if applicable to your solo selection, but not required.
Etude Suggestions:
- Trumpet: Voxman Selected Studies for Trumpet
- Horn: Kopprasch 60 Selected Studies or any etude with similar technical and musical demands.
- Trombone and Euphonium: Voxman Selected Studies for Trombone
- Tuba: Blazhevich 70 Studies (volume 1)
Recommended vendors for brass audition music:
PERCUSSION AUDITIONS
Audition materials must be at least five (5) minutes in length, but not longer than ten (10) minutes. All candidates must complete the on-line application and submit an audition recording. the recording should include a demonstration of at least TWO of the following three areas. Strongest consideration will be given to those who demonstrate all three.
Snare Drum:
A concert style solo or etude that includes rolls, flams and grace note figures performed with concert interpretations (multiple bounce).
Recommended Repertoire:
- Mitchell Peters Intermediate Snare Drum Studies
- Anthony J. Cirone Portraits in Rhythm
Keyboard Percussion:
A two mallet solo on xylophone or marimba that demonstrates facility on the instrument and includes rolls.
Recommended Repertoire:
- Morris Goldenberg Modern School for Xylophone, Marimba and Vibraphone
- Thomas McMillan Masterpieces for Marimba
Timpani:
A solo that includes a demonstration of rolls and has dynamic contrasts.
Recommended Repertoire:
- Saul Goodman Modern Method for Tympani
- Mitchell Peters Fundamental Method for Timpani
Recommended vendors for percussion music:
Winter Festival Application Form
The application form is active from September 26, 2025 through December 3, 2025. The application form is posted on Slide Room and a $5 application fee must be paid with a credit. Please note that the your credit card statement will show a charge to SlideRoom, not the University of Nebraska.
Go to the Winter Festival Application Information
Have questions about the Winter Festival?
Contact the Band Office at band@unl.edu or call 402/472-2505
If you have any questions about your choice of solo and etude, please feel free to email the appropriate Glenn Korff School of Music professor of your instrument so they can further advise you.