All new members need to complete an audition. Returning members in the percussion and color guard sections must also complete an audition. Returning members in the wind section do not need to complete an audition unless they plan to move to a new section.

The Oregon Marching Band includes the following sections:
Winds: Flute/Piccolo, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Trumpet, Mellophone, Trombone, Baritone, Sousaphone.
Percussion – Battery: Snare, Quads, Bass, Cymbals
Percussion – Front Ensemble: Mallets (xylophone, marimba, vibraphone, bells), Rack-Percussion, Timpani, Keyboard/Synthesizer, Electric Bass, Guitar.
Color Guard – All color guard members will be expected to perform on flags (6-foot, 5-foot, and swing). Opportunities for Rifle and Sabre are also possible. Dance experience is also very helpful.

Do I need marching band experience?
We are looking for confident musicians who can quickly integrate into the band and perform at a high level.  We are also dedicated to education, therefore we are also looking for musicians who want to improve their abilities so they are able to participate at a high level.  If you are interested in being in the band, we encourage you to audition regardless of where you see your abilities.  If you are willing to work to improve your playing, we will be here to help you do it.

High School marching band experiences vary widely, so while marching experience is definitely helpful, you do not need to have previous experience to participate. We have a comprehensive training program that will help you learn how to march.

Due Dates (Winds)
Early Decision: May 1
Regular Audition: June 3

We have membership caps for both marching positions and reserve positions in each section. You are encouraged to get your audition in by the Early Audition (May 1) date to claim your spot early.

Wind Section Auditions

1. All wind section candidates will need to submit ONE video with the following contents:

• Chromatic Scale:   Play ascending and descending. Choose a tempo and pattern that best demonstrates your range, tone quality, and technical proficiency.
• Major Scales: Choose a tempo and pattern that best demonstrates your range, tone quality, and technical ability. Please play two octaves where appropriate.
  • Ab Concert
  • Db Concert
• Prepared Piece(s):  One minute of your best playing. This can be an excerpt from a solo or ensemble piece or several excerpts from concert band or jazz ensemble music.  Choose music that demonstrates both your technical and musical abilities.
• Mighty Oregon: Prepare just the introduction and 32 measures of Mighty Oregon (Up to the Break Strain). Link to the music

2. Practice for your audition:
   Your audition is your first introduction to OMB directors, staff and student leadership, so you will want it to be your best work. Before sitting down to record your video we recommend that you play each required section for someone you trust. This could be your band director, a private teacher, or even a trusted friend. Remember, we want to hear you at your best.

3. Record your audition:
   Your video should be recorded in one continuous take and be unedited. Do not include clips, fades, audio enhancements, or any other editing. Record your video in this order:
   1. 1. Introduce yourself: Include your first and last name, your high school, your high school graduation date, major, and a fun fact about yourself.
      2. Play your Chromatic Scale
      3. Play your Ab Major (concert) scale
      4. Play your Db Major (concert) scale
      5. Play your prepared piece(s)
      6. Play Mighty Oregon
4. Upload your video to YouTube as an unlisted (not private) video. Include your first and last name, high school graduation year, and instrument in the video description. (Example: Eric Wiltshire 2024 – Trombone)
   
5. Complete the OMB membership application
   Please note that completing the application does not enroll you in the course, you will need to do that separately once your application has been accepted.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Who needs to audition?
All new members need to audition for the section (winds, percussion, color guard) in which they plan to participate. All returning members in the percussion and color guard need to audition. Returning members in the wind section do not need to audition unless they plan to move to a new section.

What if I don’t have an instrument?
Mellophone players may audition on Horn (or a combination of Horn and Mellophone). Sousaphone players may audition on tuba. If you have further questions, please send us an email at omb@uoregon.edu

How are Auditions Evaluated?
Auditions will be evaluated by OMB staff, graduate students, and section leaders using the following basic criteria: Tone quality, range, technical ability, tempo control, rhythmic accuracy, and musicality.

When will I get the results of my audition?
Auditions received by the May 1 Early Date will be reviewed and results will be emailed to you by May 15.
Auditions received by the June 3 Due Date will be reviewed and results will be emailed to you by June 15.
Auditions received after June 3 will be reviewed as they are received. Auditions received after June 1 are eligible for membership as reserves only.

What are “Reserve” members?
Reserve members will attend and participate in all rehearsals, play in the stands, and march at least one show each season. They will also be part of the Big Flag Crew in the pregame show. Reserves are expected to work to improve their playing and marching ability. Those who show clear progress will be added to shows later in the season as the schedule allows. Reserves will be added to the Wind Block if positions open.