WVU School of Music TRUMPET applicants may find audition requirements below.
Undergraduate
Music Education, Music Performance, Music Business and Industry, Bachelor of Arts in Music, Music Composition, Music Therapy, and Music and Health.
Trumpet candidates are encouraged to showcase their versatility in classical and jazz idioms.
Please prepare the following:
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Three contrasting pieces of choice (i.e. solos, etudes, movements from concertos or sonatas, jazz standard highlighting improvisation ability, jazz transcription, lead trumpet part from a swing, funk, Latin/salsa chart). One piece must be from the classical trumpet repertoire. Jazz/commercial playing is strongly encouraged but not required.
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Suggested solos (but not limited to the following):
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Balay, Prelude et Ballade or Andante et Allegretto; Barat, Andante et Scherzo; Bozza, Badinage; Cornet solo by Herbert Clarke; Delmas, Chorale et Varations; Kennan, Sonata; Pennequin. Morceau de Concert; Ropartz, Andante et Allegro; Senee, Concertino; Turrin, Three Episodes.
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Suggested etudes (but not limited to the following):
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Arban, Characteristic Studies; Arban, Style Etudes; Bordogni, Melodious Etudes; Charlier, 36 Études Transcendantes, Concone, Lyric Studies.
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Suggested jazz tunes to showcase improvisation (but not limited to the following):**
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Standards - All of Me, All the Things You Are, Autumn Leaves, Blue Bossa, But Not for Me, Four, It Could Happen to You, Have You Met Miss Jones, Recorda-me, There Will Never Be Another You.
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Blues - Billie’s Bounce, Mr. P.C., Sandu, Things Ain’t What They Used to Be.
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Rhythm Changes - Anthropology, Oleo, Lester Leaps In.
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Chromatic scale from lowest to highest notes.
**Applicants must provide their own accompaniment. Play-alongs or good-quality accompaniment tracks are acceptable.
Jazz Emphasis and Minor Requirements
One piece from the classical trumpet repertoire (i.e. a solo, etude, or movement from a concerto or sonata) that demonstrates an understanding of classical trumpet sound, 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): All of Me, All the Things You Are, Autumn Leaves, Blue Bossa, But Not for Me, Four, It Could Happen to You, Have You Met Miss Jones, Recorda-me, There Will Never Be Another You.
Applicants must provide their own accompaniment. Play-alongs or good quality accompaniment tracks are acceptable.
Sight-Reading
(Optional but encouraged): Demonstrate lead 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 required to perform one piece or movement on piccolo trumpet and are encouraged to showcase ability on C and D/Eb trumpets.
(MM)
Four contrasting pieces of choice (i.e., solos, etudes, movements from concertos or sonatas, jazz transcription or lead trumpet excerpt from a swing, funk, Latin/salsa chart).
A variety of “standard” and “non-standard” works that highlight your individual career interests and musical background are welcomed.
At least one of the four contrasting pieces must be on piccolo trumpet (original or transcription).
Choose one of the following options:
Four standard orchestral and/or military excerpts if applicable to the candidate's desired career path.
Two standard orchestral and/or military excerpts if applicable to the candidate's desired career path and 1-2 jazz standards that showcase improvisation ability.**
Three contrasting jazz standards showing improvisation ability.**
**Applicants must provide their own accompaniment. Play-alongs or good quality accompaniment recordings are acceptable.
Additional Components to the Audition:
Sight-Reading
Transposition
Chromatic scale from lowest to highest notes