Band Audition and Scholarship Information

If you are interested in auditioning for the North Carolina A&T State University Band Program and have specific questions regarding your instrument, please email the following directors:

Audition Criteria

Blue & Gold Marching Machine Instrumental Auditions

Prior to auditioning, all students must have applied or been accepted into the University. Auditions will not be considered without proof of application to the University. We ask that you submit materials as soon as possible or sign up for a time during the designated audition date. Sections with limited numbers of slots for next season may fill up quickly.

The required audition criteria include:

  • The 12 major scales with arpeggios
  • Chromatic scale (full range of the instrument)
  • Prepared pieces such as solo literature or an etude that displays lyrical and technical ability

Percussion students, please contact Mr. Harvey Thompson for specific drumline requirements.

Please consult with your band director or refer to your local all-county or all-state solo and ensemble audition requirements for examples of properly prepared pieces for an audition. Auditions should not include concert band literature, standard wind band marches, or popular tunes. Upload your completed audition video to YouTube (or a comparable media platform) and email the unlisted link to Assistant Director Mr. Aaron Campbell. Once received, your submission will be reviewed, adjudicated by the Director staff, and a response of your audition results will be returned.

Aspiring music majors also direct questions to Mr. Aaron Campbell for further requirements for the Department of Music. 

Scholarship Considerations

Priority scholarship consideration will be given to students based on being accepted into the university, instrumental need, successful performance of scales, prepared literature, and sight-reading ability. All band scholarship offers are renewable for the four years that you are enrolled at the university. That means that you will receive that amount each year while participating in the A&T band program. Students receiving scholarship awards must be enrolled in the band course each semester while enrolled at the university to remain eligible. Woodwinds and auxiliary sign up for MUS 300-01(Dr. Kenneth Ruff). Brass sign up for MUS 300-02 ( Mr. Thomas G. Warner, Jr.), percussion for MUS 300-3. MUSI 300-4 for schedule conflicts or provide evidence from your academic advisor that the course cannot be taken for credit of any schedule conflict. Additionally, all students must be in compliance with student conduct codes for the University and not on probation, suspension, or expulsion. Percussion students, please contact Mr. Harvey Thompson for specific audition requirements.

Wind Instrumentalists

Priority Consideration (Level 1)

  • Regular admission to the University.
  • Chromatic Scale: Full range of the instrument.
  • All Major Scales with arpeggios: Two or more octaves within the capability of the instrument.
  • Prepared Material: Lyrical and Technical 
  • Sight Reading (Scores= 26-30 pts).

Scholarship Consideration (Level 2)

  • Regular admission to the University.
  • Chromatic Scale: Full range of the instrument.
  • Major Scales: At least 8 scales with arpeggios performed one or more octaves.
  • Prepared Material: Lyrical and Technical (Scores= 20-25 pts).
  • Sight Reading (Scores= 20-25 pts).

Band Participation (Level 3)

  • Regular admission to the university.
  • Chromatic Scale: Full range of the instrument.
  • Major Scales: At Least 6 scales performed one or more octaves.
  • Prepared Material: Lyrical and Technical (Scores= Below 20 pts).
  • Sight Reading (Scores= 19 and below).

All scales should be performed at a minimum tempo of 112 bpm, eighth notes, to be considered for a scholarship.

Percussion Audition

Each student must know:
  • 40 basic rudiments
  • Steel Essential Rudiments
    •  Snares/Quints - All 14
    • Tonal Bass- #1-10
    • Tenor-1-4,10
    •  Bass-1 & 10
    • Cymbals - exercises (flashes, control, listening and reading)
  • Prepared piece/performance on drum or cymbals
  • Sight Reading

In order to be placed under percussion scholarship consideration, in addition to the above requirements, the student must perform the LEVEL 2 requirement listed under Wind Instrumentalist. (Single marimba solo/etude required.)


Application Deadline

All materials must be received in the Marching Band's office by May 1 at 5:00 p.m. The application can be mailed or hand-delivered. Please contact the Director of Bands for additional eligibility information and to get an application.

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Contact the Marching Machine:

N.C. A&T Blue & Gold Marching Machine
1601 East Market Street
The Band Center
1120 E. Bessemer Ave
Greensboro, NC 27411
Phone 336-334-7776
Fax 336-334 7311