Frequently Asked Questions - Concert Bands
whO CAN play in the UTSA Bands?
ALL UTSA students are eligible to play or sing 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 just wants to play in the UTSA University Band, then NO. If you are a NON-MUSIC MAJOR who wants to be placed into the UTSA Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, or Orchestra, then YES. 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.
I only want to play in orchestra AND NOT A BAND. Can I JUST do that?
If you are an UNDERGRADUATE MUSIC MAJOR or GRADUATE STUDENT ON A BANDS ASSISTANTSHIP, then NO. To play in the UTSA Orchestra, you must do BOTH a concert band in addition to orchestra, unless you are a percussionist.
If you are a NON-MUSIC MAJOR or GRADUATE STUDENT, who indicates interest on the audition form AND has been placed into the orchestra through the audition, then YES.
Are auditions “blind” (behind a screen)?
Yes. There are music faculty evaluators 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 (typically major and/or a chromatic scale), the prepared excerpts (on pdfs linked to each instrument), and do some sight-reading. Auditions usually only last about 6-8 minutes.
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 3-4 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 PLAYERS PERFORM in the concert bands at UTSA?
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 65-80 students in the UTSA University Band.
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.
When do I register for my ensemble?
You should register for your ensemble AS SOON AS ensemble placements are sent out/posted, usually on the Thursday right after auditions. If you registered for a specific ensemble course prior to auditions and were placed in a different ensemble, you are responsible for changing your registration to the correct (assigned) ensemble course. This is not automatically done for you. If you are a non-music major and want to participate in University Band, you may register at any time during the registration period (ideally prior to the first day of classes).
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. Remember to find the correct SECTION of the course number that corresponds to the ensemble you are participating in.
WHAT IF I STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
If you still have questions, you’re encouraged to contact the ensemble director:
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