Music Ensemble Auditions

Welcome to RIT Concert Bands! We are thrilled that you are sharing your talents in these inclusive ensembles. Auditions will take place January 12, January 13, and January 15 in SAU A130. Please complete this google form with your information, and be sure to sign up for an audition time:

Spring 2026 Auditions

1. Complete the Google Form
2. Sign up for an audition time
3. Prepare for the audition
   3a. Chromatic Scale up and down. Try to play the full range of your instrument  at a speed that sounds beautiful.
   3b. Two excerpts*
   3c. Sight-reading
   
   *Piano/Harp: Please select a 1-minute excerpt that shows off your talents. It can be either lyrical or technical. There will be sight-reading as well.

Here are performance examples to help your decisions in regard to tempo and style found in the excerpts:

Suite of Old American Dances (1949) by Robert Russell Bennett

Prelude, Siciliano, and Rondo (1979) by Malcolm Arnold arr. Paytner starting at 02:14

An audition is only one snapshot in time and does not define who you are as a musician. It is a marker for future growth. So, remember to have fun and always strive to learn something new!

Questions regarding this audition process? Contact Dr. Robert Truan.
Accepted students will be given a permission code to enroll in the course.

RIT Jazz auditions Spring 2026

Students should sign up for an audition time slot and adhere to the following guidelines.
*All auditionees will be asked to improvise over a simple 12 bar blues in the key of their choice.

Audition sign-up

• Voice
  • Prepare a scale of your choice that demonstrates your vocal range
  • Prepare a jazz standard and a ballad (contrasting tempos)
  • Improvise over 12 bar blues progression
     
• Trumpets
  • 2 octave chromatic C major scale
  • One other 2 octave scale or mode of your choice
  • Prepare a short etude or jazz standard of your choice
  • Sight reading example will be provided

• Trombones
  • 2 octave F major scale
  • One other 2 octave scale or mode of your choice
  • Prepare a short etude or jazz standard of your choice
  • Sight reading example will be provided
     
• Saxophones
  • 2 octave Bb major scale
  • One other 2 octave scale or mode of your choice
  • Prepare the melody over one of the following pieces (Billies Bounce, Cheryl, Blues for Alice, Now’s the Time, Sandu, Straight No Chaser)
  • Sight reading example will be provided
     
• Piano/Guitar
  • Prepare a jazz standard, demonstrate the melody and comp chords throughout the piece. Some good examples would be “Autumn Leaves” “All of Me” or “How High the Moon”
  • Sight reading over a lead sheet (provided) including sight reading melody, and chord comping.
  • Demonstrate ii V7 I progression in as many keys as possible
     
• Drumset
  • Demonstrate a swing feel a three different tempos (60bpm, 100bpm, 120bpm)
  • Demonstrate straight 8th note or Latin feel
  • Other various grooves and brush work if applicable
  • Sight reading a big band chart (provided)
     
• Bass
  • Walk 12 bar blues in the key of your choice
  • F major scale 2 octaves
  • Sight reading includes walking over a jazz standard

Fall 2025 Audition Information

Why the Audition Process:
Welcome (Back) to RIT! Music stays with us throughout our lives—and in our orchestra, it’s not just about performing. It’s about creating something meaningful together and being part of a music-loving community where we share stories, passions, and purpose.

Whether you're here to keep growing as a musician or simply want to make music with others who care, I want to get to know you, your skills, your goals, and how we can help you shine at RIT. I can’t wait to hear you play and make music with you!

Step by Step – (Returning members still need to meet with Dr. Ma for seating assignment purposes)

1. Please fill out the online survey by Wednesday, August 20, 11:59pm.
   Strings and Harp
   Woodwinds, Brass, Percussions and Piano


2. Prepare excerpts provided for your instrument
   Percussion and Piano
   Strings and Harps 
   Woodwind and Brass
    
3. Sign-Up for an audition time 
   Strings and Harp
   Winds, Percussions and Piano

First meeting Fall 2025
Monday, August 25, 2025
3pm – RIT Chamber Orchestra
5pm – RIT Philharmonic Orchestra
SAU A130 

Come to your audition with any questions you may have for Dr. Ma. If you would like to meet earlier than Wednesday, August 20, or have conflict with all given times, please contact Dr. Ma directly.

Individual auditions will take place December 8-9 and January 9-10. RIT Singers auditions are 10 minutes and do not require preparation.  RIT Chamber Singers auditions are 15 minutes, and the students should be prepared to sing a piece of their choosing. Interested students are encouraged to email Thatcher Lyman at tdlspa@rit.edu to schedule a time to meet. Please email Professor Lyman with any questions and for more information on singing with the RIT Singers in the spring. 

No preparation or audition required. Contact Director Kerfala Bangoura for more information about joining the ensemble.

Prior instruction not required, no audition necessary. Please contact the director, Mr. Ted Canning, for additional information about joining the ensemble.