Dear Band or Orchestra Member:

As the summer vacation moves along, we are all hoping you are planning on another great year of music- making with the Wisconsin Bands and Orchestras. Once again we are planning on a full concert schedule for all of the groups. It should prove to be an exciting and rewarding year for us all, with a broad schedule of concert tours and off-campus appearances. Auditions for Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and Concert Band will be held Thursday, August 31 - Monday, September 4, and I have enclosed the following material, which you should examine carefully:

1) The Band and Orchestra Audition Schedule -- Notice the time and location of auditions for your instrument. There are specific times set aside for wind and percussion players auditioning. Regardless of the number of groups for which you wish to be considered, you need only sign up for one audition time.

2) A schedule of all band, orchestra and choral rehearsals and course numbers.

BAND AUDITIONS ONLY: If you wish to audition for Wind Ensemble and/or Concert Band only, sign up for an audition in Room 4561 Humanities (Band Office), or call 608-263-1896. If you plan to audition be certain to sign up by 3:00 p.m. on Friday, August 25.

At the band audition be prepared to play scales, a selection of your choice (solo, concerto, exercise, etc.) and sight read. No accompanist is required. If you are a wind or percussion player and wish to audition for orchestra, specific excerpts must be prepared. Please find further information on obtaining these excerpts at our website: www.badgerband.com.

Those who will need a University instrument for their audition should plan to arrive early. Timpani and mallet instruments will be available for all percussionists. You are also reminded that auditions are not required for membership in any section of the University Bands ... just enter the course number on your registration (Music 660-041, Bands, Lab 001, CALL #17064, Lab 002, CALL #17065, or Lab 003, CALL #18759). Please read the enclosed information sheets.

We look forward to having you with us this year, and we are certain your participation in a musical organization will make college life much more enjoyable and memorable.

Sincerely,

Michael Leckrone
Director of Bands