Frequently Asked Questions - Concert Bands
whO CAN play in the UTSA Bands?
ALL UTSA students are eligible to play in our music department ensembles! This includes all bands. You DO NOT need to be a music major to participate!
when are ensemble auditions and where do i sign-up?
Auditions will be the first week of classes. Exact times depend on your instrument. All of the audition sign-ups and music can be found on the “Auditions” page: CLICK HERE
Will auditions be held in-person or online?
Auditions will be held IN-PERSON, during the first week of classes. Date/time/room info will be listed on the “Auditions” page, via the sign-up links. When you do sign-up, it’s important that we have your most updated contact information (email, phone) just in case we have to contact you.
Do I have to do an audition?
If you are a music major who is still taking private lessons or you haven’t fulfilled your ensemble credit requirements yet, then YES.
If you are a non-music major, who wants to be placed into the UTSA Wind Ensemble or Symphonic Band, then YES. If you are a non-music major who just wants to play in the UTSA University Band, then NO. Non-music majors are highly encouraged to complete an audition.
I HEARD FRESHMEN WILL BE IN UNIVERSITY BAND. Do I have to audition still?
ALL music majors have to do an audition, including freshmen and transfer students. Some freshmen may end up in other ensembles, due to ensemble needs, pending audition results. So yes, you still have to audition. In the spring, freshmen can be placed in any ensemble, based on audition results.
Are auditions “blind” (behind a screen)?
Yes. There are multiple evaluators (2-3) and they will not be able to see you during the audition. This keeps things more objective.
What do the auditions consist of?
You will have to play a scale or two (usually major), the prepared excerpts on the pdfs linked to each instrument, and do some sight-reading.
WHy don’t you post the audition music sooner?
The UTSA Bands operate on rehearsal cycles of about 3-4 weeks. We want to see how our students’ handle their preparation for a duration that is about as long as our rehearsal cycles, so we tend to post all of the excerpts about 3-5 weeks ahead of auditions.
CAN I TAKE MORE THAN ONE ENSEMBLE?
You can, but music majors have to at least be in a “PRIMARY ENSEMBLE” (MUS 383x) to count for their major requirements. The UTSA Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and University Band count as a “primary ensemble” for music majors. Students may also be in chamber groups or jazz band/combo. They can even sing in choir! However, students are cautioned to participate in a manageable number of ensembles so that they can be successful in all their classes. For more information about jazz area auditions, please visit: music.utsa.edu/jazzauditions
HOw many spots are available in the wind ensemble and symphonic Band?
Instrumentation varies slightly from semester to semester, but there are typically 45-55 students in the UTSA Wind Ensemble, 40-55 students in the UTSA Symphonic Band, and 60-70 students in the UTSA University Band. University COVID-19 policies may require smaller numbers.
DO I HAVE TO REGISTER FOR THE CLASS? CAN I AUDIT?
We require all students to register for the ensemble they are participating in. Audits are not available at this time.
I HAVE A COnflict with one of my classes and my assigned ensemble. what do i do?
Ensemble placements are firm. The department policy is that assigned ensembles are not changeable based on class conflicts. You have to work with your advisor to find a suitable alternate section or course that works around your assigned ensemble.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT COURSE NUMBERS - WHAT DO THEY MEAN?
Ensemble classes can be taken for 1, 2, or 3 credits. Most music majors (especially music education majors) will need to take ensembles for 1 credit. However, if you are a non-major and want to or if you are a student who needs to fill-out their credit load, you may elect to take a large ensemble class for 2 or 3 credits. The last digit in the course number tells you how many credits the class is. For example: MUS 3831 would be 1-credit. MUS 3833 would be 3-credits.
WHAT IF I STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
If you still have questions, you’re encouraged to contact the ensemble director, your advisor, or the Director of Instrumental Ensembles, Dr. Zarco.
Wind Ensemble: Prof. Ron Ellis
Symphonic Band: Dr. John Zarco
University Band: Prof. Hector Garcia
Jazz Ensemble: Prof. Chris Villanueva
Jazz Combos: Prof. Chris Villanueva
Percussion Ensemble: Prof. Sherry Rubins