Prospective Students
We are so excited that you are interested in Truman State University. Our bands are comprised of students with a wide variety of majors and levels. There is sure to be an ensemble to fit your skill and time. We would love to get to know you, and hopefully set up a day for you to visit our school and play with some of our fantastic ensembles. If you are interested in learning more about Truman Bands, please fill out our Prospective Student Information box.
Admissions and Audition Process
Audition Basics
Please access the online Audition Request Form to view available dates and sign up for all auditions, or contact the professor of your instrument directly to arrange a time for your audition. In special circumstances, we can accept a recording of your performance when an in-person audition is impossible. Auditions for university ensembles are conducted separately. If you are a transfer student, you must also take placement exams in theory and music literature.
Music Major Auditions
Any student declaring a music major must audition; this audition can also serve as your scholarship audition. However, you do not have to be a music major to audition for music scholarships. Please visit and audition on a weekday when classes are in session so that you can sit-in on a music theory class, rehearse with an ensemble, take a private lesson, and tour the campus. Prospective students can also audition during a preset audition date.
Percussion Auditions
Percussion instrument auditions include snare drum, xylophone or marimba, or multiple percussion sets. In addition, other percussion instruments may be used during the same auditions, including drum set, quads or quints. The candidate should demonstrate good stick action and hand to hand activity, good rhythmic accuracy, and musical intent.
At the audition you will:
- -Perform a solo, movements from a sonata or concerto, or etudes, demonstrating lyrical phrasing and technical proficiency.
- -Play major scales through the range of the instrument.
- -Sight-read a short musical passage demonstrating reading skill and accuracy in rhythm, pitch, dynamics and articulation.
Wind and Brass Instrument Auditions
Wind and Brass instrument auditions include flute, oboe, clarinet, low clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, horn, euphonium, and tuba. The candidate should demonstrate good embouchure, good tone, and accuracy.
At the audition you will:
- -Perform a solo, movements from a sonata or concerto, or etudes, demonstrating lyrical phrasing and technical -proficiency.
- -Play major scales and the chromatic scale through the range of the instrument.
- -Sight-read a short musical passage demonstrating reading skill and accuracy in rhythm, pitch, dynamics and articulation.
For more information, contact Dr. Curran Prendergast, or call the Music Department at (660) 785-4417 or (888) 869-3197.