Q. Should I perform my music audition component on flute or piccolo? Mellophone or horn? Sousaphone or Concert Tuba? A. Flutists are very strongly encouraged to prepare and audition on piccolo; this can, and often does, influence audition results. We encourage all candidates to audition on the same instrument they use to prepare the audition. Students auditioning for mellophone may audition on F mellophone or horn. Sousaphone music auditions may be performed on any tuba. Q. Does the university provide instruments? A. It depends on the section. In some sections (e.g., Sousaphone, percussion), all instruments are provided by the university. In other sections (e.g., saxophone, trombone), students may use a university-owned instrument or they may provide their own silver instrument. Clarinetists must supply their own instrument, which must be black in color. Q. May I audition for multiple sections? A. We generally discourage this, because it often results in multiple underprepared auditions. If you have extensive performing experience on multiple instruments or sections, you are permitted to audition on each. But you should be well prepared on each and must submit separate applications for each. Q. May I audition if was not in high school marching band? A. Yes! Every year, we welcome members who have never been in marching band before. Some eventually fill our leadership positions. You will have catching-up to do, but this is more common than you might think. Q. Do you recommend any specific scales or other music component repertoire? A. Beginning in 2026, the music component includes one required piece and one additional piece that you may choose to replace. We do not offer recommendations for specific major scales or alternatives to Battle Hymn. We encourage you to select music that shows us what you can do, rather than what you can’t do. Q. What are you looking for in the audition? A. We are trying to determine how likely you are to be a strong contributor to the Redcoat Band. We are interested in finding exceptional musicians of high character who exhibit thorough preparation by performing musically, confidently, and with the following: Clear characteristic tone throughout the range of their instrument Accurate pitch (intonation and correct fingerings/partials as applicable), rhythm, and consistent tempo Wide dynamic range informed by printed instructions and musical judgement An educated and conscientious approach to musical style Attention to detail in every aspect of performance Smooth, well-supported, sustained tone while marching. An instrument that has been well maintained and is in good working order We hope to see you march with: Control of your entire body and the instrument Consistent, accurate step-size Precise timing, ideally with the heel contacting the ground on the beat Well-defined technique and style Horn angle appropriate for marching performance. New members do not need to audition using Redcoat Band marching technique; we just want to see/hear you perform the technique you know with confidence, intention, and attention to detail. Q. What are you looking for in the recommendation? A. We are looking for hard-working, thoughtful, committed, generous students of high character who are outstanding musicians and performers. Q. Is this the only audition Redcoat Band audition I will need to perform? A. This is the only audition you will need to perform for membership in the band for the upcoming season. However, woodwinds and brass in Redcoats may perform one or more placement auditions before or during the season to determine part and marching assignments. Q. May I participate in the Redcoat Band if I am denied UGA admission? A. Fall semester enrollment at UGA, Athens Campus, is a requirement of Redcoat Band membership. If offered Spring admission, you would need to apply and audition in the spring prior to the first Fall Semester when you would be enrolled in classes at UGA. There are no exceptions to this policy. Q. Does an offer of band membership improve my chance of UGA admission? A. No. We typically offer membership after most undergraduate admissions decisions have been shared. While your participation in band and other ensembles in high school may be helpful, an offer of band membership (which is contingent upon your acceptance and enrollment at UGA) does not have an effect. The Undergraduate Admissions website includes a number of resources that may help you understand the admissions process.
