​Audition Requirements for Fall 2025

 

Audition information for Fall 2025 is here! See this 2025-26 Auditions page (click on the Band and Orchestra Auditions document) for all the information you need to prepare for your audition. Please be sure to read it carefully and thoroughly, as it contains a lot of information! It is easiest to access the audition music on a laptop/computer where you are logged into your GW email account. If you have any access issues, please email band@gwu.edu.

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Students who need to check out a school-owned instrument and/or rent an instrument storage locker should see Professor Schmitz on Thursday, August 21st, or Friday, August 22nd, from 1-4 pm in Phillips Hall B-135. An instrument can be temporarily issued for the audition period and then permanently checked out after auditions have concluded and enrollment in an ensemble is finalized. There is no charge to use a school-owned instrument, but there is a $10/semester (or $20/year) fee to rent a locker. Payment information can be found in the Audition document linked above. 

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Please note: Any wind players who want to audition for GW Bands and GW Orchestra only need to audition once. Professor Schmitz (band) and Professor Wood (orchestra) will both be present for your audition. The audition music is the same, and details can be found in the Audition document linked above. 

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Additionally, any students interested in playing bass guitar in band should visit Professor Schmitz during the locker/instrument rental period for more information and to discuss any questions or concerns. 

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Open Rehearsal Schedule (Phillips Hall B-120):

Join an informal rehearsal, see the ensembles in action, and meet some of the returning members! Bring your instrument and play along as we sightread some music, or just sit in and listen!

- Concert Band: Tuesday, August 26th, 5:10-6:10 pm

-Foghorns (pep band): Tuesday, August 26th, 7:10-8:15 pm

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Audition Schedule (Phillips Hall B-120): 

Please sign up for a 5-minute audition time slot through the appropriate link in the Auditions document found above!

- Brass auditions: Wednesday, August 27th

- Woodwind auditions: Thursday, August 28th

- Percussion auditions: Monday, September 1st

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* Practice rooms will be unlocked in the basement level of Phillips Hall prior to the audition period *

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Please email the Band officers at band@gwu.edu or Professor Schmitz at schmitz_m@gwu.edu with any questions or concerns!

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General Information

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Admission into the George Washington University concert band program is determined through a relaxed audition process administered at the beginning of the fall semester. Every member of GW Bands must audition. However, this should not be a source of stress; auditioning is only for chair placement and placement in Wind Ensemble. Anyone who auditions is welcome to join the Symphonic Band and Foghorns. All students who have experience performing in a wind ensemble or concert band, regardless of major, are encouraged to schedule an audition. 

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It is common for new students to be nervous about their first audition. However, GW Bands has a long tradition of serving performers from all musical backgrounds. There are members of the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band with a wide range of ability and experience levels, including many that never performed an audition until their first semester as a GW student. GW Bands strives to accommodate all students and will work hard to make sure that you feel comfortable and relaxed during your audition.

Initial auditions are usually held during the first week of classes of the Fall semester. However, students are encouraged to join even if they miss the initial audition period. Simply reach out to Professor Schmitz (schmitz_m@gwu.edu) and we will get you placed. Additionally, auditions will be held at the beginning of the Spring semester for anyone who studies abroad in the Fall, transfers to GW, or otherwise decides to join in the Spring. Returning members must re-audition at the beginning of each school year. Members who joined in the Fall semester do NOT need to re-audition in the Spring. 

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