U of A Bands to Hold Spring Concert Band Auditions

The U of A Bands will host placement auditions for five Spring 2023 concert bands from Monday to Thursday, Dec. 5-8, in the Lewis E. Epley Jr. Band Building. Students may sign up for an audition now.

Sign up for an audition.

Each audition will consist of two contrasting excerpts chosen from audition materials found in the "Band Members Only" section of the band's website. Any student may use a university user ID (no "@uark.edu" necessary) and password for access. Auditions will be "blind" with two faculty members listening to auditionees from behind a screen, allowing each performer to be evaluated solely on their performance without regard for classification or major.

Enrollment in the spring ensembles is expected to be over 300 students, made up from every college on campus. Chris Knighten, director of bands, says that over two-thirds of students across the band program are not music majors. "Music is a universal language spoken by students regardless of their course of study," Knighten said. "Students in engineering, business, architecture or sciences — all have a place on campus to make music." Students in any degree plan may receive credit for participation, and it is a unique way to meet more students from across campus. Even students who may have played instruments before but not played recently are encouraged to audition.

After auditions students will be placed into one of the five ensembles, each available as a one-credit-hour course offered through the Fulbright College. Occasionally, time conflicts are allowed for students whose required courses overlap with rehearsal times.

Those with questions about auditions can reach out to Knighten at knighten@uark.edu.

Wind Ensemble

Mo 3:05-3:55 p.m., Tu/Th, 2-3:45 p.m., Chris Knighten (MUEN 1691, 2691, 3691, 4691, 4861 and 5691)

Wind Symphony

Mo 3:05-3:55 p.m., Tu/Th, 2-3:45 p.m., Jeffrey Summers (MUEN 1461, 2461, 3461, 4461, 4661 and 5461)

Symphonic Band

Mo 4:10-5 p.m., Tu/Th, 4:10-5 p.m., Chase Jones (MUEN 1511, 2511, 3511, 4511, 4811)

4:00 Concert Band

Mo 4:10-5 p.m., Tu/Th, 4:10-5 p.m., Jeffrey Summers (MUEN 1491, 2491, 3491, 4491, 4831 and 5491 - Sec 001)

5:00 Concert Band

Mo 5:10-6 p.m., Tu/Th, 5-5:50 p.m., Chase Jones (MUEN 1491, 2491, 3491, 4491, 4831 and 5491 - Sec 002)