FAQs - NSU Band

Yes and No. If you want to be a music major or be considered for a band scholarship, then you must audition. Membership in the Wind Ensemble is by audition only. Membership in the Communiversity Band, RiverHawk Marching Band, or Basketball Band does not require auditions. In any case, you should contact the director of the ensemble in which you are interested in order to get all the necessary information.

There are 2-3 audition days scheduled for each spring. You simply select which day you would like to audition and contact Dr. Watson to reserve a space. If you have conflicts with all the audition days, please contact Dr. Watson to schedule a private audition.

The simple answer is we want to hear selections that show off your very best playing. Usually that is two contrasting pieces, a lyrical and a technical. Many students audition on all-district or all-state audition etudes or on standard solos for their instruments. If you are having trouble finding a piece or if you have questions about whether your music is appropriate, please contact Dr. Watson.

The NSU Band Program does own a number of instruments that are available for students to check out and use in the ensembles. Generally these are larger instruments, such as tubas, bass clarinets, or baritone saxophones. Students who play smaller instruments are encouraged to purchase their own. All students should own their mouthpieces and reeds. Percussion students are required to provide their own sticks and mallets.

Membership in the NSU bands is open to students of all majors.

Probably not as much as you spent in high school. The Directors of the NSU Band Program realize that students time is very precious and do everything to make sure that our scheduled rehearsal time is used efficiently and effectively. The marching band rehearses three times a week plus Saturdays when we have a home football game. The Wind Ensemble rehearses twice a week and the Communiversity Band only once. Due to the limited schedule, attendance requirements are very strict and students will need to be responsible for being at rehearsal on time and prepared.

Most band scholarships are awarded in the form of Regent Tuition Waiver Scholarships. A limited number of Housing Waiver and Foundation scholarships are also available. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of student talent and accomplishment, ensemble need, and director discretion. Any special circumstances or request should be directed to Dr. Watson.

The band does not travel to regular season away games. The band will travel to post-season and tournament games. When the band travels, transportation, housing, and a per diem are provided by the university.

There are several important student organizations within the Band Program and the Music Department. Kappa Kappa Psi is a national service fraternity whose mission is to support college bands. Membership in Kappa Kappa Psi is open to any student who is an active participant in the NSU Band Program. The fraternity actively supports the band through service projects and social activities.