Bands

A wide selection of ensembles to choose from

Auditions are required to be placed in Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, and University Symphony Orchestra.

Watch this video explaining the audition process.

Auditioning for these ensembles is required for UW–Madison undergraduate music majors, and graduate students depending on degree requirements, with a classical focus degree in woodwind, brass, percussion, and strings; all UW–Madison music majors who have been awarded a scholarship while pursuing a classical focus degree in woodwind, brass, percussion, and strings; and all Summer Music Clinic Tuition Waiver recipients.

Woodwind, brass, and percussion majors re-audition each semester, as do non-majors in Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra. Students can be placed in the University Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, or Concert Band.

All ensembles are open to majors and non-majors. The auditions for the Orchestra and Wind Ensemble are “blind.” This means everyone plays the same excerpts, which are posted online during the early summer. Every student performs these excerpts behind a large curtain. This allows anyone to be placed in one of these ensembles depending on their ability. (See video below)

For non-majors, the Concert Band also has a “Concert Band Only” option for non-majors. If you are a non-major looking for a more challenging experience than the University Band (see below), you should prepare the “Concert Band Only” excerpts posted online. These auditions are informal, in-person, and not behind a screen.

University Bands do not require an audition. They are ensembles for non-majors only and do not count toward a Music degree. Students can sign up to participate in University Band (Music 43, Section 1 (Tuesday), Section 2 (Wednesday), or Section 3 (Thursday). These ensembles are capped at 110 people. You are welcome to sign up for Music 43, with a section of your choice, to fit your schedule.

Please let us know if you have further questions. Welcome to UW–Madison.

Ensemble Descriptions

Wind Ensemble

Scott Teeple, conductor
Rehearsal Schedule: Monday and Wednesday 3:45-5:45 PM, Friday 12:00-1:00 PM

Course Number: 660-040
Prerequisite: Audition required.

Description: The Wind Ensemble comprises some of the most outstanding wind and percussion majors in the Mead Witter School of Music and other talented non-music majors who are selected by audition. The ensemble presents performances of the finest wind repertoire, regardless of instrumentation of period. The Wind Ensemble’s instrumentation fluctuates based on the repertoire. The ensemble actively commissions new works from world-renowned composers and regularly performs with internationally acclaimed soloists and guest conductors.

Open to All Majors (Y/N): Yes, any UW–Madison student wishing to be considered for placement in Wind Ensemble may audition, regardless of degree path.

Concert Band

Corey Pompey, conductor
Rehearsal Schedule: Tuesday and Thursday, 1:10-3:05 PM

Description: Concert Band is comprised of both music majors and non-majors who perform standard symphonic band repertoire, chamber repertoire, and orchestral transcriptions. Concert Band regularly hosts guest conductors and faculty soloists.

Course Number: 660-041
Prerequisite: Audition required.

Open to All Majors (Y/N): Yes, any UW–Madison student wishing to be considered for placement in Concert Band may audition, regardless of degree path.

University Bands

Rehearsal Schedule: 7:00–9:30 PM, one night per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday)

Course Number: 660-043
Prerequisite: No audition required.

Description: Three University Bands are available to non-music majors with an interest in instrumental music. All three University Bands rehearse one night per week and share two concerts each semester, performing a variety of repertoire.

Open to All Majors (Y/N): Yes, any UW–Madison student wishing to be considered for placement in University Bands may enroll, regardless of degree path.

Marching Band (Fall)

Corey Pompey, conductor
Rehearsal Schedule: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday 3:30-5:30 PM

Course Number: 660-042
Prerequisite: Audition required.

Description: Anyone who has ever been a member of the Marching and Varsity Bands won’t hesitate to tell you that the four years they participated were some of the most exciting times in their life. High points over the years include appearances in the Rose Bowl and performances in Tokyo, Tampa, San Antonio, Nashville, Tucson, El Paso, Birmingham, Shreveport, and New York City. Travel includes visits to Big Ten stadiums throughout the Midwest, as well as Lambeau Field to perform during Green Bay Packers games. In Madison, the Marching Band performs weekly in Camp Randall Stadium for more than 80,000 fans during Badger football games. Keeping with tradition, up to 50,000 fans regularly stay after the conclusion of the games to enjoy the famous Fifth Quarter.

Open to All Majors (Y/N): Yes, any UW–Madison student wishing to be considered for placement in Marching Band may audition, regardless of degree path.

Varsity Band (Spring)

Corey Pompey, conductor
Rehearsal Schedule: Wednesday 3:30-5:30 PM

Course Number: 660-042
Prerequisite: Audition required.

Enrollment in Varsity Band is limited to those who have successfully auditioned and previously participated in fall Marching Band.

Description: Varsity Band performs concerts each season throughout Wisconsin. The annual Varsity Band Spring Concert for thousands of fans at the Kohl Center is the most rewarding. The concert has featured many renowned guest artists, including jazz legend Richard Davis, percussionist Steve Houghton, violin virtuoso Vartan Manoogian, trumpeter Stan Mark (lead trumpet, Maynard Ferguson Orchestra), opera star Kitt Reuter-Foss, world-champion steel pan soloist Liam Teague, and more.

Various athletic pep bands also play an important role in the band program and on campus. The Badger basketball and hockey teams attract fans to the Kohl Center, and in recent years, Wisconsin has enjoyed a long history of post-season tournament action.

Open to All Majors (Y/N): Yes, any UW–Madison student wishing to be considered for placement in Varsity Band may audition for Marching Band in the fall, regardless of degree path. Enrollment in Varsity Band is limited to those who have successfully auditioned and previously participated in fall Marching Band.

Summer University Band

Scott Teeple, conductor
Summer University Band (Music 43)
Open to UW–Madison students and members of the community
No audition required

Summer 2026 registration will be available soon.

Schedule:
June 1-June 24, 2026

Rehearsals Monday and Thursday from 7 pm-9 pm at the Hamel Music Center
Concert on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at 7 pm

Additional information:
Community members are responsible for providing their own instrument to participate in the ensemble. The Mead Witter School of Music does offer some instruments for rent, but availability is limited, and rentals cannot be guaranteed for community members. If you are interested in renting an instrument, please contact Dan Brice at dan.brice@wisc.edu for further details and availability.

For additional questions, please email music@music.wisc.edu.

Marching Band/Varsity Band Auditions

Visit badgerband.wisc.edu/join-the-band to learn more about the Marching Band audition process.

Enrollment in Varsity Band is limited to those who have successfully auditioned and previously participated in fall Marching Band. Visit badgerband.wisc.edu/join-the-band to learn more.

Wind Ensemble Concerto Competition

Wind Ensemble Concerto Competition guidelines are available here.

The biennial Wind Ensemble Concerto Competition is open to students of all musical instruments who are full-time students at the School of Music and participating in a large performing ensemble. The competition auditions occur during the fall semester of odd-numbered years.

Winners perform the following semester (spring semester of even-numbered years). Performers compete in a single round competition recital adjudicated by faculty/professional musicians. Solo entries should be original works for wind ensemble. One winner is selected to perform a concerto with the Wind Ensemble.

Musicians who have been named a winner in one of the School of Music Large Ensemble Concerto Competitions are not eligible to compete in a second competition during the same year.