WVU School of Music TROMBONE applicants may find audition requirements below.
Undergraduate
Applicants are encouraged to prepare the following:
- Two contrasting movements from the solo repertoire. Suggested works:
- Tenor: David Concertino (mvt 1+2), Saint-Saens Cavatine or comparable selection
- Bass: Lebedev Concerto in One movement, Koetsier Allegro Maestoso or comparable selection
- At least one etude. Suggested etude books:
- Tenor: Bordogni Vocalises, Voxman Selected Studies
- Bass: Bordogni Vocalises (down octave)
- (Optional, but encouraged) - Showcase ability in jazz/commercial/electronic music. This can take the form of preparing a lead/bass trombone part from a swing, funk, Latin/salsa chart, and/or improvising over a blues, rhythm changes, or other standard tune(s).
Additional Requirements for Performance (BM)
- At least three standard excerpts (e.g. Berlioz: Hungarian March, Wagner: The Ride of the Valkyries).
- One contrasting etude (e.g. Bordogni, Kopprasch, Blazhevich, Tyrell).
Jazz Emphasis and Minor Requirements
Applicants are encouraged to showcase their versatility on the trombone and use appropriate stylistic effects (e.g. plunger mute). Please prepare the following:
- One piece from the classical trombone repertoire (i.e. a solo, etude or movement from a concerto or sonata) that demonstrates an understanding of classical trombone tone, phrasing, and style.
- Major scales. Additional scales are encouraged if prepared. (you may submit these with your audition videos, but may be asked to play again during your interview with the Jazz faculty)
- Chromatic scale from lowest to highest notes.
- Solo transcription, or jazz etude (in swing, funk or Latin/salsa styles).
- Play the melody and improvise over one jazz standard and medium tempo blues of choice. Be prepared to improvise for several choruses.
- Possible jazz standards options (but not limited to these): There Will Never Be Another You, Autumn Leaves, It Could Happen to You, All the Things You Are, Blue Bossa, All of Me, Four, On Green Dolphin Street, etc.
- Applicants must provide their own accompaniment! Play-alongs or good quality accompaniment tracks are acceptable.
- (Optional but encouraged): Demonstrate lead or bass playing ability by preparing two contrasting excerpts.
Graduate
(DMA)
Prepare three contrasting solo works. Selections should include repertoire from various composition style periods as applicable to your instrument.
Prepare a minimum of five orchestral or military band excerpts covering an array of technical and musical skills.
Students are encouraged to showcase their versatility through their repertoire choices (i.e., jazz, commercial, electronic, arrangements, original compositions, etc.).
Applicants are encouraged to consult with the teacher in their area to discuss repertoire selections.
Applicants are encouraged to perform on alto or bass in addition to tenor.
(MM)
Applicants are encouraged to prepare the following:
Four contrasting pieces of choice (i.e., solos, etudes, movements from concertos or sonatas). A variety of “standard” and “non-standard” works that highlight your individual career interests and musical background are welcomed.
Five orchestral excerpts. Suggested excerpts:
Tenor Trombone - Mozart: Requiem (Tuba Mirum); Berlioz: Hungarian March; Saint-Saëns: Symphony No. 3; Ravel: Bolero; Wagner: Ride of the Valkyries, or comparable excerpts.
Bass Trombone - Berlioz: Hungarian March; Haydn: Creation; Schumann: Symphony No. 3; Wagner: Das Rheingold; Kodaly: Hary Janos; Wagner: Ride of the Valkyries, or comparable excerpts.
Applicants may prepare additional selections from the solo, etude, and excerpt repertory that may strengthen their audition.