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If you want to learn more about the audition process, you’re in the right place. See below to learn about each section and audition requirements.
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Get Started
Begin the audition process by filling out the Intent to Audition form by clicking on the button below. This prompts us to send audition materials and instructions to you in early March. This part of our system was recently automated (except for the color guard materials) and should send you the audition materials within minutes after submitting your intent to audition form. If you were somehow missed before the system was automated, feel free to fill out an intent to audition form again.
Sections and Audition Requirements
Brass & Woodwind
The Power of the Wasatch has 175 brass and woodwind members. The BYU Cougar Marching Band fields:
- Piccolos
- Clarinets
- Alto Saxophones
- Tenor Saxophones
- Trumpets
- Marching French Horns
- Trombones
- Baritones
- Tubas
The Cougar Marching Band does not march mellophones or flutes but applicants are welcome to use these instruments for their audition on French horn and piccolo, respectively.
Auditions
After submitting an intent to audition form, audition materials will be sent in early March including the following:
- (Woodwinds) 4 scales and the chromatic scale
- (Brass) 2 scales and the chromatic scale
- Long tones
- 1 lyrical etude
- 1 technical etude
- Optional etudes/solos of the applicant’s choice as supplemental materials
Your audition should be an audio recording of the material in wav or mp3 format.
Drumline
The BYU Drumline typically fields 25-28 total members including:
- 8 to 10 Snares
- 4 to 5 Tenors
- 5 Bass Drums
- 6 to 8 Cymbals
The Cougar Marching Band does not have a front ensemble with keyboards, timpani, etc.
Auditions
After submitting an intent to audition form, audition materials will be sent in early March including the following:
- Rhythm, Timing, & Listening Exercises
- Etudes
- Optional etudes/solos of the applicant’s choice as supplemental materials
Your audition should be a video recording showing you performing the material and your feet simultaneously marking time. All video should be in mp4, mpeg, or wmv format.
Color Guard
The BYU Color Guard is a group of 25-30 members who have experience and training with flags, rifles, and other visual equipment.
Auditions
After submitting an intent to audition form, audition materials will be sent in early March with requirements for the video and live auditions These include basic flag and dance technique along with required choreography to learn flag and pom stand dances.
Auditions for color guard will be held in-person on Saturday, April 15th, 2023 in Provo, UT. Video auditions will also be accepted through May 1st. More details and instructions will be sent upon completion of the Intent to Audition form.
Auditions Due May 1st
Acceptance Into the Band
Positions are awarded as qualified players audition and announcements of membership and scholarship awards will be sent after May 15. Color Guard members will receive acceptance a few weeks after the audition. Please be considerate and patient, as we receive between 350-400 applications for the band each year.
Additional audition recordings will be accepted until the band is completely staffed. Those who audition late have a much lower chance of getting a position. Filling all positions may extend to the middle or end of May for a few sections. However, most sections are extremely competitive. We urge prospective members to audition as soon as possible.
After receiving admission to BYU, and as you receive notification of acceptance into the band, you can register for the marching band class (Music 322R, Section 1). Registration is through MyMap on your myBYU account.
Talent and Service Awards
Scholarships, also known as talent/service awards, are available to all members of the Cougar Marching Band and are automatically awarded to students when they accept membership and agree to the scholarship policy. All scholarships are for the fall semester unless otherwise indicated.
Marching Band Membership
All membership awards begin at $600 with increasing amounts determined by ability, instrumentation needs, and prior service to the band.
Concert Band Acceptance
Marching band members who are accepted to and concurrently enrolled in Symphonic Band or Wind Symphony are awarded of $200 in the fall and $200 in the winter. It is required to be enrolled in these concert bands into the winter semester.
Music Major Status
Students who have been admitted into the BYU School of Music and are participating in Marching Band are awarded $200.
Marching Band Leadership
Band members who are also in a leadership position for the marching band receive varying awards. (i.e. Section Leader, Uniform Committee, etc.)
Mission Deferment
Before Your First Semester
Students who are preparing to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints before attending their first semester at BYU are invited to complete the audition process now while your playing abilities are still prime.
- Complete the intent to audition form and select the mission deferment option.
- Audition materials will be sent to you to practice and record.
- Submit your audition materials.
- During auditions for the season you plan to return for, your audition will be reviewed and acceptance will be considered then.
Current Marching Band Members
Cougar Marching Band members who participate in a large ensemble during the winter semester do not need to re-audition for the next season of marching band. Members who do not participate in a large ensemble during the winter semester will be required to re-audition for the marching band for the following season.
Large ensembles that fulfill the requirement include:
- University Band
- Symphonic Band*
- Wind Symphony*
- University Orchestra
- Symphony Orchestra*
- Philharmonic Orchestra*
*Audition or director’s consent required.
Jazz and small ensembles DO NOT qualify for this requirement.
Members that depart for a mission during the winter semester and are unable to take classes do not need to re-audition.
Begin the audition process by filling out the Intent to Audition form!
Band Camp Dates for 2023
- Friday, Aug. 25th Leadership Camp (only involving certain student leaders & staff)
- Saturday, Aug. 26th Drumline & Color Guard Camp begins
- Sunday evening, Aug. 27th Freshman Fireside
- Monday, Aug. 28th Marching Band Camp begins for everyone else
If you have more questions about the band, auditioning, or anything else please see the frequently asked questions or send us a message.
BYU Cougar Marching Band
3134 Music Building
Provo, Utah 84602
801-422-2510