The U of A Bands will host live placement auditions for five spring 2025 concert bands from Monday to Thursday, Dec. 2-5, in the Lewis E. Epley Jr. Band Building. Students can find the sign-up form, audition excerpts and additional information by requesting access to the U of A Bands Sharepoint.

Each audition will consist of two contrasting excerpts chosen from audition materials found on the U of A Bands Sharepoint. 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, Chris Knighten
MUEN 16901, 26901, 36901, 46901, 48601, 56901
Monday 3:05-3:55 p.m., Tuesday/Thursday 2-3:45 p.m.
 
Wind Symphony, Chase Jones
MUEN 14601, 24601, 34601, 44601, 46601, 54601
Monday 3:05-3:55 p.m., Tuesday/Thursday 2-3:45 p.m.
 
Symphonic Band, Chris Agwu
MUEN 15101, 25101, 35101, 45101
Monday, 4:10-5 p.m., Tuesday/Thursday 4-5:10 p.m.
 
Concert Bands, Directors & Graduate Assistants
MUEN 14901, 24901, 34901, 44901, 48301
This ensemble will be evenly divided into two bands. The "4:00 Concert Band" will meet Monday 4:10-5 p.m. and Tuesday/Thursday 4-4:50 p.m. The "5:00 Concert Band" will meet Monday 5:10-6 p.m. and Tuesday/Thursday 5-5:50 p.m.