UCBWE Auditions

Thank you for your interest in the UC Berkeley Wind Ensemble (UCBWE). A wealthy mix of musical backgrounds, technical capabilities, artistic specialties, and cultural resources give us our flexibility and strength. Auditions are designed to place players within sections and maximize balance in ways that best benefit the entire ensemble. All interested players are encouraged to use the audition process as a learning experience and showcase their best abilities. (In other words, one should not allow any perceived inabilities or inexperiences to discourage them from auditioning.)

Audition Dates

Fall 2026 auditions will be held August 26-29 (Wednesday-Saturday).

Spring 2027 auditions will be held January 20-23 (Wednesday-Saturday).

How To Audition

Step 1: Schedule Your Audition

  • Visit 43 Student Center (basement level) and sign up for a time on the bulletin board in the hallway. Find us by entering through the ground-level doors on the northwest corner of the building (the side closest to Strawberry Creek and Dwinelle Hall). (Google Maps)

Step 2: Audition Information Form

  • Before your audition, please allow 5-10 minutes to complete an Audition Information Form. You will be asked to provide basic information such as your name, contact details, and rental needs (if applicable), and to summarize your musical background and experience.

Step 3: Prepare Your Audition

  • Part 1: Scales
    • Two (2) scales of your choice that best represent your playing range and mastery, minimum two (2) octaves each.
    • Full-range chromatic scale, minimum two (2) octaves.
  • Part 2: Excerpts
    • Select and perform two (2) technical excerpts and two (2) lyrical excerpts from the appropriate audition packet below:
    • Audition Packets (links coming soon): 
      • Flute | Oboe | Clarinet | Bassoon | Saxophone
      • Trumpet | Horn | Trombone | Euphonium | Tuba
      • Percussion (Mallets/Keyboards, Timpani, and Snare Drum)
    • Optional: If short on time, you may substitute one of each type of excerpt (technical/lyrical) with comparable repertoire that you already know. If you choose this option, please do not exceed 1 minute in length for each substitution and be sure to bring a copy (paper or digital) with you to your audition for the evaluator.

Questions?

Please peruse our Frequently Asked Questions or contact us at ucbwe@berkeley.edu.