Band

The Symphonic Wind Ensemble is our select wind band, while the Concert Band provides an additional outlet for those wishing to further their studies in wind literature and performance or just to enjoy a large wind band experience. Both groups prepare and perform a variety of wind band literature and have at least two performances per semester.

Anyone with at least high school level instrumental music experience can audition for either group. Placements in these ensembles are determined by audition.

Wind and Percussion Auditions for Spring 2025 Concert Band will be conducted by video submission. If you are currently a member of the Concert Band or Symphonic Wind Ensemble, you do not need to audition again. If you play oboe, clarinet, trumpet, euphonium, or tuba and you are interested in joining the Symphonic Wind Ensemble (including current Concert Band members), Dr. Morse will consider audition videos that include the Symphonic Wind Ensemble audition excerpts.

Completing the audition is a three-step process.

1. Fill out the Audition Registration Form
2. Once you have filled out the form above, you should download the appropriate excerpts (they are the same as for Fall 2023) and prepare the excerpts for recorded performance. Practice pads are ok for the snare excerpts if a snare drum is not available.
3. Please video yourself (with a phone or webcam or some other video recording device) performing the excerpts. The camera device should be placed where you and your instrument are in full view and not with the bell pointed directly at the camera. Videos should also not be edited in any way and you should play all required excerpts in one sitting. Once you complete your video, upload it here (you may have to sign in with your Google credentials)

• The Symphonic Wind Ensemble (MUSC 142W) meets Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 12:00-1:15pm.
• The Concert Band (MUSC 142B) meets Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1:30-2:45pm.

Contact
Dr. Matthew Morse, Director of Bands
(916) 278-6468

Choirs

Thank you for your interest in singing in a Sacramento State choir! Our choral ensembles are open to everyone from the University community; you do not need to be a music student. However, you will need to audition first to be placed in the group that is right for you.

During your audition, you will be evaluated on the following key components:

1. Vocalizing: You will be asked to sing some short exercises to help the conductor determine your range and voice type. You may also be asked to match pitch and sing back tonal patterns.
2. Sight-Reading: You will be provided a brief musical excerpt to read and sing on the spot.
3. Solo Vocal Performance: You will present a short 2- to 3-minute prepared piece of your choice. Select a composition that showcases your vocal strengths and artistic sensibilities. An accompanist will be provided at the time of your appointment. Please bring two copies, (one to sing from and another for the accompanist). Make sure the copies for the accompanist are original or hole-punched and placed in a binder, with the pages in order.
4. Interview: You will have a brief interview with the conductor of the University choral ensembles. This interactive session affords you the opportunity to ask questions about the ensemble while allowing the conductor to gain a deeper understanding of your artistic aspirations.

Please contact Brett Judson (info below) regarding auditions for Spring 2025 (new students only)

Sac State currently offers two Classical choirs:

Choral Union (Tuesdays, 6:00-8:30) - 142U-01

University Chorale (T/Th, 3:00-4:50) - 142C - 01

The Sacramento State UNIVERSITY CHORALE, a highly-select group of 12-16 singers (SATB choir), performs challenging a cappella and accompanied choral literature reflecting a variety of styles, genres, and time periods. Membership is open to all students and experienced volunteers by audition, regardless of major or classification. It is expected that members are able to learn notes and rhythms outside of class.

The Sacramento State CHORAL UNION is a larger ensemble (SATB) open to any student with some prior singing experience, regardless of major or classification. The ensemble performs annual seasonal concerts and sings a variety of a cappella and accompanied choral music. All music is learned in class and is geared towards those individuals developing their vocal skills. Also, this choir is a great way to meet people and friends from other majors!

Contact
Dr. Brett Judson, Director
(916) 278-5091

Jazz Ensembles (Instrumental)

Placement in all Sacramento State Jazz Ensembles - big bands and combos - is by audition only. You do not need to be a music major to be considered for these groups. Auditions for Fall 2025 placement in instrumental jazz ensembles will take place on Friday, August 22, 2025. Sign up for a timeslot from the link below.

Audition Signup

• Wind instruments (trumpet, trombone, saxophone): Prepare one medium-tempo or up-tempo jazz standard or etude. Be prepared to accurately perform the melody of the tune and improvise over the chord changes accompanied by live musicians or accompaniment tracks provided by you. We provide a sound system for laptop computers, iPods, iPhones, and similar devices. We do not provide accompanying musicians for auditions. You will also sightread a jazz etude or an excerpt from big band literature to evaluate rhythm, time, and note accuracy in a consistent time feel.
• Guitar, Piano, and Vibraphone: Prepare one medium-tempo or up-tempo jazz standard or etude. Be prepared to accurately perform the melody of the tune, perform a chord melody (solo guitar), “comp” the chord changes, and improvise over the chord changes accompanied by live musicians or accompaniment tracks provided by you. We provide a sound system for laptop computers, iPods, iPhones, and similar devices. We do not provide accompanying musicians for auditions. You will also sightread a jazz etude or an excerpt from big band literature to evaluate rhythm, time, and note accuracy in a consistent time feel. A guitar amp and vibraphone are provided.
• Bass: Prepare one medium-tempo or up-tempo jazz standard or etude. Be prepared to accurately perform the melody of the tune, provide a bass line (comp), and improvise to the chord changes accompanied by live musicians or accompaniment tracks provided by you. We provide a sound system for laptop computers, iPods, iPhones, and similar devices. We do not provide accompanying musicians for auditions. You will also sightread a jazz etude or an excerpt from big band literature to evaluate rhythm, time, and note accuracy in a consistent time feel. A bass amp is provided.
• Drum set: Prepare one medium-tempo or up-tempo jazz standard or etude accompanied by live musicians or accompaniment tracks provided by you. We provide a sound system for laptop computers, iPods, iPhones, and similar devices. We do not provide accompanying musicians for auditions. You will also be asked to demonstrate proficiency in a variety of jazz-related styles and meters and to sightread an excerpt from a big band chart to demonstrate your ability to play a consistent groove in the style, play set-up figures, and notated ensemble cues. A drum kit is provided, but candidates must provide their own cymbals and sticks.

The Jazz Ensembles (MUSC 143J) meets on Tuesday and Thursday from 1:30 – 2:45 pm (section 1) and from 3:00 – 4:20 pm (section 2).

Contact
Dr. Steve Roach, Director of Jazz Studies
(916) 278-7987

Orchestra

SPRING 2025

The orchestra accepts new string players at any time and you do not need to be a music major. If you are interested in auditioning please prepare a short solo piece and a three octave major scale. You can email Ryan Murray for more information or to schedule an audition.

The wind and brass and percussion sections for orchestra are full for the spring semester with the exception of French Horn. Any French Horn players interested in audition for orchestra for the spring should email Ryan Murray for more information.

The Symphony Orchestra meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30-6:00pm.

Contact
Ryan Murray, Director
(916) 278-7987

Vocal Jazz

Auditions for Vocal Jazz Ensembles typically consist of the following:

• Performance of a prepared song, preferably a jazz standard. Examples: "Summertime," "Autumn Leaves," "Route 66," and "My Funny Valentine", etc. You can also audition with a pop song. Please have the sheet music and/or lead sheet available at your audition. If you have questions about this requirement, feel free to email Professor Williams and she will help guide you. Improvisation is not required in your audition.
• Ear training exercises. You will hear a melodic line of three or four pitches on the piano, and you will be asked to sing them back. You will hear a chord with 3-4 notes and in no particular order will be asked to sing each individual note within that chord. You'll be given a starting pitch and asked to sing notes that are certain intervals away (up a 5th, down a minor 3rd, etc.).
• Range testing. You'll be asked to sing major and/or minor triads from starting pitches, and your comfortable and usable voice range will be determined.
• Quick sight-reading and part learning. You will be given a short, one-page section of a vocal jazz ensemble tune, and you'll be asked to sight-read your part along with a recording of the song. The accompanist will work with you on the part briefly and give you another chance to read the line with the recording. Be prepared to stay focused, relaxed, and to demonstrate your flexibility and quick-learning skills, while watching your intonation and blend as well.

Contact
Professor Gaw Vang, Director
(916) 842-0346