Audition Information

Please keep in mind that auditioning into the School of Music requires that you be acceptance by both the university and the trombone studio. Therefore, there are two separate routes that you must follow to ensure your admission.

UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS PROCESS

Your university application will be processed by the undergraduate admissions office. They review things like your grade point average, class standing, and test scores (ACT or SAT) to determine acceptance.

In addition, entrance into the School of Music requires that you audition for the trombone professor. These typically occur at one of four New Student Audition Days. Auditions for the spring semester are typically held in November, while students planning to begin during the fall semester audition at one of three dates in February and March. If you are unable to audition at one of the scheduled dates, a separate audition prior to the last New Student Audition Day can be arranged by contacting Professor Wolfinbarger. However auditioning at one of the four dates is your best option, since you will have the opportunity to tour the facility, hear many of the ensembles, and attend meetings related to your major. While recordings are accepted on rare occasions, a live audition is strongly encouraged. Simply complete an undergraduate audition form to secure your place on a New Student Audition Day.

UNDERGRADUATE AUDITION PROCESS

The audition serves two purposes: 1) to determine the performance level of each student and 2) for the most outstanding students, to determine who will receive a trombone studio music scholarship (See scholarship opportunities below). Keep in mind that the audition is where you demonstrate your performance ability. This is where we determine whether your background and abilities are at a level where you can succeed as a music major. The competition can vary from year to year, depending on the number of studio openings and the level of competition. There are usually between two and four undergraduate openings most years.

Auditions on a New Student Audition Day are typically scheduled in 15 minute intervals. You should expect to play the following:

At least one solo or two etudes of your choice that demonstrate your best technical and lyrical playing. Please note that piano accompaniment is not required for any solo material. However you may bring a pianist if you wish.
One or two scales to demonstrate both your high and low register;
Simple repeated-note double and triple tonguing on a scale of your choice;
Sight reading;

Another part of the New Student Audition Day process is the Basic Music Qualifying Exam. The test covers the fundamentals of music theory: major and minor key signatures, interval qualities, triad qualities, all forms of scales, and rhythmic values. Although the performance is the most important part of the audition process, the test results may be considered as acceptance decisions are made.

Typically the New Student Audition Day results are not announced until after the final audition in March. Therefore there is no advantage to auditioning earlier rather than later. Once the results are announced, you may expect to be notified with one of three possible decisions:

Accepted: You may begin course work as a music major.
Waiting List: Your audition qualified you for acceptance, but enrollment limitations in the studio have resulted in the need to create a waiting list for admission. Your name is now part of that list and, when space becomes available, you will be notified of your acceptance to the major.
Not Accepted: This is an indication that we feel you will not be successful in our music curriculum. You may not begin course work as a music major at this time, however you may audition again at a later date. Students may audition a maximum of two times for any studio.

UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

A number of scholarship or funding opportunities exist for entering freshmen. Several of these opportunities include:

Trombone studio awards: At the audition, each student will be considered for a trombone studio scholarship. These are competitive awards given for up to four years.
Jazz scholarships: Students auditioning for the Jazz Area will automatically be considered for a jazz award. To be considered, students should expect to play a selection of your choice in 12-bar blues form with two or three improvised choruses to follow, a jazz standard of your choice with improvised choruses, and sight reading of jazz pieces.
Medallion Scholarships: WMU offers several outstanding academic awards, the most notable of which is the Medallion Scholarship. The Medallion Scholarship, one of the most outstanding academic awards in higher education, has a $10,000 annual value. It is renewable for up to four years of consecutive enrollment with a maximum value of $40,000 based on maintaining a minimum grade point average. To be considered for a Medallion Scholarship, you must have a cumulative GPA of 3.70 or higher at the end of your junior year and an ACT composite of 26 or higher (SAT math + verbal of 1170 or higher). Those who meet this criteria will be invited to attend a January 26, 2008 competition at WMU, Of those who attend, 17 students will be offered the Medallion Scholarship. All other competitors will receive the Dean’s Scholarship.
Dean's Scholarships: This is a one time, $3,000 scholarship which will be awarded to those who participate in the Medallion Scholarship Competition but don't receive one of the top awards.
Presidential Scholarships: The Presidential Scholarship is a four year, $8,000 per year academic scholarship ($32,000 over four years) intended for new first time non-resident students enrolling at WMU for the Fall 2008. Awards will be made to the first 100 students who apply for admission and meet the following criteria for this award:
- Non-resident of Michigan;
- Minimum overall high school GPA of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale);
- Minimum ACT score of 25 (SAT of 1130);
- Renewal requires a WMU cumulative GPA of 3.0 and acompletion of 24 credits each academic year;
- Must maintain non-resident status to continue award;
Obtaining in-state residency: After one year of study at WMU, may apply for in-state residency by completing the Application for Resident Classification for University Admissions and/or Fee Purposes (pdf) and submitting it to the Office of the Associate Vice President for Business. Prior to completing the form, you'll need to make sure that you meet the requirements for residency (see the application).

GRADUATE ADMISSIONS PROCESS

Your university application will be processed by both the Office of Admissions and Orientation and the School of Music. After completing your application, Professor Michael Miller, Coordinator of Graduate Studies in Music, will act as the liaison between the School of Music and the graduate admissions office. International students may obtain admissions information through the Office of International Student and Scholar Services. If you're not a resident of the United States, be sure and review the School of Music's Information for international students..

GRADUATE AUDITION PROCESS

In addition to completing an application, entrance into the School of Music requires that you audition for the trombone professor. While most undergraduate students choose to audition at one of the New Student Audition Days, most graduate students set up a separate audition to allow more time for the audition process. For international students, a recorded audition may be accepted. Please contact Professor Wolfinbarger for more detailed information regarding the exact tape requirements.

Typically no more than two graduate trombone students are allowed in the program at any one time, although exceptions can be made. Students auditioning for the graduate program should expect to play the following:

At least two solos of your choice from the trombone repertoire that demonstrate your best technical and lyrical playing. Please note that piano accompaniment is not required for any solo material. However you may bring a pianist if you wish.
A sampling of orchestral excerpts of your choice.
Sight reading may also be required.

Entering students will be required to take exams in music history and literature and music theory. Although the results of these exams have no effect on your acceptance into the trombone studio, they may ultimately be used in determining your course requirements at WMU. You are encouraged to use the study guides suppied by the School of Music for both the theory and history exams to assist in your preparation.

GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP, FELLOWSHIP, SCHOLARSHIP,
AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

A number of funding opportunities exist for entering graduate students. They include:

Trombone Graduate Assistantship: Graduate assistantship applications (pdf) must be submitted by February 15. The application cannot be given consideration unless the student has applied for admission to both the Graduate College and the School of Music. The form should then be mailed to: Coordinator of Graduate Studies, School of Music, Western Michigan University, 1903 W. Michigan, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5434.
Graduate College Fellowships: Non-renewable graduate college fellowships (pdf) are offered to outstanding students (3.25 undergraduate gpa and above) entering master’s degree programs.
Thurgood Marshall Assistantship: Thurgood Marshall Assistantships are offered to US citizens from historically underrepresented groups beginning their first master’s degree program, who have regular admissions to the program. The assistantship requires ten hours of service per week from the student in the department of academic unit.
Trombone studio awards: Graduate students auditioning for the trombone studio will automatically be considered for trombone studio awards.
Jazz scholarships: Students auditioning for the Jazz Area will automatically be considered for a jazz award. To be considered, students should expect to play a selection of your choice in 12-bar blues form with two or three improvised choruses to follow, a jazz standard of your choice with improvised choruses, and sight reading of jazz pieces.



Welcome Biography Audio Clips Gallery Student Success Meet the Studio Alumni News Audition Information Recent Guest Artists Upcoming Events Resources Links	Audition Information Please keep in mind that auditioning into the School of Music requires that you be acceptance by both the university and the trombone studio. Therefore, there are two separate routes that you must follow to ensure your admission. UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS PROCESS Your university application will be processed by the undergraduate admissions office. They review things like your grade point average, class standing, and test scores (ACT or SAT) to determine acceptance. In addition, entrance into the School of Music requires that you audition for the trombone professor. These typically occur at one of four New Student Audition Days. Auditions for the spring semester are typically held in November, while students planning to begin during the fall semester audition at one of three dates in February and March. If you are unable to audition at one of the scheduled dates, a separate audition prior to the last New Student Audition Day can be arranged by contacting Professor Wolfinbarger. However auditioning at one of the four dates is your best option, since you will have the opportunity to tour the facility, hear many of the ensembles, and attend meetings related to your major. While recordings are accepted on rare occasions, a live audition is strongly encouraged. Simply complete an undergraduate audition form to secure your place on a New Student Audition Day. UNDERGRADUATE AUDITION PROCESS The audition serves two purposes: 1) to determine the performance level of each student and 2) for the most outstanding students, to determine who will receive a trombone studio music scholarship (See scholarship opportunities below). Keep in mind that the audition is where you demonstrate your performance ability. This is where we determine whether your background and abilities are at a level where you can succeed as a music major. The competition can vary from year to year, depending on the number of studio openings and the level of competition. There are usually between two and four undergraduate openings most years. Auditions on a New Student Audition Day are typically scheduled in 15 minute intervals. You should expect to play the following: At least one solo or two etudes of your choice that demonstrate your best technical and lyrical playing. Please note that piano accompaniment is not required for any solo material. However you may bring a pianist if you wish. One or two scales to demonstrate both your high and low register; Simple repeated-note double and triple tonguing on a scale of your choice; Sight reading; Another part of the New Student Audition Day process is the Basic Music Qualifying Exam. The test covers the fundamentals of music theory: major and minor key signatures, interval qualities, triad qualities, all forms of scales, and rhythmic values. Although the performance is the most important part of the audition process, the test results may be considered as acceptance decisions are made. Typically the New Student Audition Day results are not announced until after the final audition in March. Therefore there is no advantage to auditioning earlier rather than later. Once the results are announced, you may expect to be notified with one of three possible decisions: Accepted: You may begin course work as a music major. Waiting List: Your audition qualified you for acceptance, but enrollment limitations in the studio have resulted in the need to create a waiting list for admission. Your name is now part of that list and, when space becomes available, you will be notified of your acceptance to the major. Not Accepted: This is an indication that we feel you will not be successful in our music curriculum. You may not begin course work as a music major at this time, however you may audition again at a later date. Students may audition a maximum of two times for any studio. UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES A number of scholarship or funding opportunities exist for entering freshmen. Several of these opportunities include: Trombone studio awards: At the audition, each student will be considered for a trombone studio scholarship. These are competitive awards given for up to four years. Jazz scholarships: Students auditioning for the Jazz Area will automatically be considered for a jazz award. To be considered, students should expect to play a selection of your choice in 12-bar blues form with two or three improvised choruses to follow, a jazz standard of your choice with improvised choruses, and sight reading of jazz pieces. Medallion Scholarships: WMU offers several outstanding academic awards, the most notable of which is the Medallion Scholarship. The Medallion Scholarship, one of the most outstanding academic awards in higher education, has a $10,000 annual value. It is renewable for up to four years of consecutive enrollment with a maximum value of $40,000 based on maintaining a minimum grade point average. To be considered for a Medallion Scholarship, you must have a cumulative GPA of 3.70 or higher at the end of your junior year and an ACT composite of 26 or higher (SAT math + verbal of 1170 or higher). Those who meet this criteria will be invited to attend a January 26, 2008 competition at WMU, Of those who attend, 17 students will be offered the Medallion Scholarship. All other competitors will receive the Dean’s Scholarship. Dean's Scholarships: This is a one time, $3,000 scholarship which will be awarded to those who participate in the Medallion Scholarship Competition but don't receive one of the top awards. Presidential Scholarships: The Presidential Scholarship is a four year, $8,000 per year academic scholarship ($32,000 over four years) intended for new first time non-resident students enrolling at WMU for the Fall 2008. Awards will be made to the first 100 students who apply for admission and meet the following criteria for this award: Non-resident of Michigan; Minimum overall high school GPA of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale); Minimum ACT score of 25 (SAT of 1130); Renewal requires a WMU cumulative GPA of 3.0 and acompletion of 24 credits each academic year; Must maintain non-resident status to continue award; Obtaining in-state residency: After one year of study at WMU, may apply for in-state residency by completing the Application for Resident Classification for University Admissions and/or Fee Purposes (pdf) and submitting it to the Office of the Associate Vice President for Business. Prior to completing the form, you'll need to make sure that you meet the requirements for residency (see the application). GRADUATE ADMISSIONS PROCESS Your university application will be processed by both the Office of Admissions and Orientation and the School of Music. After completing your application, Professor Michael Miller, Coordinator of Graduate Studies in Music, will act as the liaison between the School of Music and the graduate admissions office. International students may obtain admissions information through the Office of International Student and Scholar Services. If you're not a resident of the United States, be sure and review the School of Music's Information for international students.. GRADUATE AUDITION PROCESS In addition to completing an application, entrance into the School of Music requires that you audition for the trombone professor. While most undergraduate students choose to audition at one of the New Student Audition Days, most graduate students set up a separate audition to allow more time for the audition process. For international students, a recorded audition may be accepted. Please contact Professor Wolfinbarger for more detailed information regarding the exact tape requirements. Typically no more than two graduate trombone students are allowed in the program at any one time, although exceptions can be made. Students auditioning for the graduate program should expect to play the following: At least two solos of your choice from the trombone repertoire that demonstrate your best technical and lyrical playing. Please note that piano accompaniment is not required for any solo material. However you may bring a pianist if you wish. A sampling of orchestral excerpts of your choice. Sight reading may also be required. Entering students will be required to take exams in music history and literature and music theory. Although the results of these exams have no effect on your acceptance into the trombone studio, they may ultimately be used in determining your course requirements at WMU. You are encouraged to use the study guides suppied by the School of Music for both the theory and history exams to assist in your preparation. GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP, FELLOWSHIP, SCHOLARSHIP, AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES A number of funding opportunities exist for entering graduate students. They include: Trombone Graduate Assistantship: Graduate assistantship applications (pdf) must be submitted by February 15. The application cannot be given consideration unless the student has applied for admission to both the Graduate College and the School of Music. The form should then be mailed to: Coordinator of Graduate Studies, School of Music, Western Michigan University, 1903 W. Michigan, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5434. Graduate College Fellowships: Non-renewable graduate college fellowships (pdf) are offered to outstanding students (3.25 undergraduate gpa and above) entering master’s degree programs. Thurgood Marshall Assistantship: Thurgood Marshall Assistantships are offered to US citizens from historically underrepresented groups beginning their first master’s degree program, who have regular admissions to the program. The assistantship requires ten hours of service per week from the student in the department of academic unit. Trombone studio awards: Graduate students auditioning for the trombone studio will automatically be considered for trombone studio awards. Jazz scholarships: Students auditioning for the Jazz Area will automatically be considered for a jazz award. To be considered, students should expect to play a selection of your choice in 12-bar blues form with two or three improvised choruses to follow, a jazz standard of your choice with improvised choruses, and sight reading of jazz pieces.

Contact Information: Steve Wolfinbarger School of Music Western Michigan University 1903 W. Michigan Avenue Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5434 Send e-mail to Steve Wolfinbarger 269 387-4699 Last Revised: December 5, 2007