OU Bands Audition Information
The OU Bands department holds auditions for large ensembles and "The Pride of Oklahoma" marching band. When those auditions are approaching, additional information will be available below. For Jazz Band auditions, see the Jazz Auditions page.
Note: If you are planning on pursuing a music major or music minor degree program, you will have a separate audition to be accepted into the degree program. See the School of Music's Auditions & Admissions page for more details.
Pride of Oklahoma Audition Information
Since 1904, "The Pride" has been an integral part of the campus culture and a catalyst
for university spirit. As the largest and most visible student group on campus, we have a
three-point mission:
- Serving our university as first-class ambassadors on and off the field.
- Supporting the Sooners with relentless energy! Win-or lose, rain or shine, the Pride never gives up on OUr team.
- Engaging and inspiring our fans through the highest quality performances our combined efforts can produce.
Class Time / Rehearsals
Fall rehearsals take place during our class meeting time: M/W/R/F from 4:30-6:30p. Drumline and Color Guard sectionals are on Tuesdays. Attendance is required at all rehearsals and performances. Class conflicts can often be resolved through advanced planning and communication and should not deter you from auditioning.
Participation Requirements and Enrollment Information
You must be a full-time student at the University of Oklahoma. Enrollment in one of the following course levels is required: MUTE 1070/3070/5070, Section 1 (University Marching Band). Pride of Oklahoma is a variable credit course for 1 or 0 hours.
Important Information for Everyone Auditioning
Make sure to also read the area-specific information near the bottom of the page, which contains the link to the audition registration form, through which you will get access to download the audition materials.
Who needs to audition?
- We consistently have approximately 500 students audition for the Pride of Oklahoma every year. For this reason, ALL students wishing to participate, audition EVERY year. This includes incoming freshmen, transfer students, and returning Pride members.
- FRESHMAN MUSIC MAJORS PLEASE NOTE: This audition process is completely separate from School of Music admission/scholarship auditions. You must prepare the specific Pride of Oklahoma Audition in order to earn a spot in the marching band and earn this important degree credit.
YouTube Video Details
- YouTube auditions must be recorded in a single take - edited or segmented videos will be disqualified.
- If you are submitting the additional musical material for the non-major scholarship requirements, you should record those immediately after the Pride Audition materials, but still during a single take.
- If you haven't uploaded a video before, please check out this information: YouTube Help: Upload videos
- You will need to make sure that your video is NOT set to private, but "unlisted" so that we are able to watch your video: YouTube Help: Change video privacy settings
- Please test the link before you send it. Log out of YouTube and send the link to a second email address or to a family member to ensure the link is viewable.
- Once your link is working, submit your audition link by May 1st at 11:59pm using the button below.
Audition Results
Students will be notified of their audition results by 5pm, Friday, May 19, 2023.
If I am invited to the Pride of Oklahoma Marching Audition Camp, does this mean I am a Pride of Oklahoma Member?
Yes! Provided you meet the listed requirements, once you have demonstrated that you play well enough to gainfully participate, you are a member of the 2023 Pride of Oklahoma! Marching positions are awarded based on marching ability assessed during Pride Camp.
Based on your marching audition, you will either be awarded a full-time position in the performance block or you will share a spot and alternate with another member. NOTE: If you are selected as an alternate, there will be additional opportunities to perform based on other students becoming ill, injured, or missing performances due to family weddings, birth, or other issues.
I’m a music major. May I audition for a non-major band scholarship as well?
No, as a music major, you are not eligible for non-major scholarship funds. When you audition for admission into the School of Music you will be considered for School of Music and Band scholarship funds earmarked specifically for music majors.
Audition and Registration Information
Pride of Oklahoma Woodwind and Brass Auditions
How Do I Register for Pride of Oklahoma Woodwind and Brass Auditions?
- Complete the registration form (using the button below).
- Watch your OU email for instructions on how to download your audition materials.
- Download the materials and submit your YouTube video on or before May 1st at 11:59pm.
Register for a 2023 Pride of Oklahoma Audition
What is the structure of the Pride of Oklahoma Woodwind and Brass Auditions?
There are two phases of the audition process. You will perform a music audition and a fundamentals marching audition. If awarded a spot within the marching band, you will audition for your marching position during Band Camp in August.
What is included within the music audition?
Technique Packet (to be performed with a metronome as indicated within the audition packet):
- Woodwinds: Chromatic Scale and Major Scales
- Brass: Lip Slurs / Range Extension Exercise
- Two Contrasting Etudes
- NOTE: For non-major music scholarship consideration, students must play an additional 30-seconds of technical or lyrical repertoire.
Woodwind and Brass Audition Questions?
Contact Dr. Brian Wolfe
Pride of Oklahoma Percussion Auditions
How Do I Register for Pride of Oklahoma Percussion Auditions?
- Complete the registration form (using the button below).
- Watch your OU email for instructions on how to download your audition materials.
- Download the materials and submit your YouTube video on or before May 1st at 11:59pm.
- If you chose to audition for a non-major scholarship, you will select and prepare
two excerpts (one snare/timpani and one keyboard) on your YouTube video submission (details below).
Register for a 2023 Pride of Oklahoma Audition
What is the structure of the Pride of Oklahoma Percussion Auditions?
There are three phases to the percussion audition process:
- Submit a music audition video by May 1st at 11:59pm.
- If invited, attend the percussion summer-camp in June.
- If invited, attend a marching audition during Pride Camp in August.
What is included within the music audition?
The audition packet contains all of the material for the Pride audition.
If you chose to audition for a non-major scholarship, that audition requires two contrasting concert percussion etudes selected by the student. See the packet for additional information. All-District, Region or State etudes are good choices of repertoire for this portion of your audition. You may also select excerpts from two contrasting solo movements if you wish. You should pick selections that allow you to demonstrate the breadth and depth of your musical ability, choose wisely!
- 30-second technical excerpt of their choosing (ex. snare drum, timpani)
- 30-second lyrical excerpt of their choosing (ex. mallet piece)
Percussion Audition Questions?
Contact Mr. Ben Holmes at benjamin.holmes@ou.edu
Pride of Oklahoma Color Guard Auditions
Step 1 - Register for an Audition
First, complete the audition registration form linked below.
Register for a 2023 Pride of Oklahoma Audition
Step 2 - Video Audition
- Guard auditions will be held via a YouTube audition for the 2023 Season
- YouTube video audition due May 1.
- Routine - A provided routine video will be sent to you by OU email on April 1.
-
Clinic Options
- April 8, OU – Norman Campus, TBA
- April 29, OU – Norman Campus, TBA
- You will learn the video routine and submit it via YouTube link by May 1.
-
Fundamentals – The following fundamentals will be used in your provided routine:
- Drop Spins (Right & Left)
- Pull Hits
- Single Toss
- Double Toss
- 45-Degree Toss
Step 3 - Marching Audition
- Once you are invited to camp, you are a member of the 2023 Pride of Oklahoma Guard
- Additional information will be available to members about auditioning for the Big 12 Line
Color Guard Questions?
For more information, contact Ms. Blackburn, Guard Director, at tjblackburn@ou.edu
Thank you for your interest in auditioning for an OU Bands non-major scholarship! The OU Band awards non-major band scholarships to students majoring in fields other than music, who:
- Demonstrate musical excellence on their instrument at a level that places the student among the top of all OU Band students
- Participate in “The Pride of Oklahoma” Marching Band in the fall semesters of their collegiate career.
- Participate in a large concert ensemble in the spring semesters of their collegiate career.
NOTE: Since our marching band instrumentation does not include double reeds, non-major double reed students perform in a large concert ensemble both semesters to fulfill their scholarship obligations.
Non-major band scholarships are awarded based on the student’s demonstrated musical abilities via audition, performance history, and the current instrumentation needs of the band program.
Once a scholarship has been awarded, it will be retained by the student, provided the student is making satisfactory progress toward their degree and meet all requirements of their scholarship contract.
Additional requirements for non-major band scholarship consideration
Students will email the following items before May 1st to Dr. Wolfe at wolfe@ou.edu:
- A resume listing the students’ accomplishments in band and school; volunteer and work experience should be included as well.
- Two letters of recommendation. One letter from your band director, and the other letter can be from a teacher, coach, employer, etc.
Questions? Contact Dr. Brian Wolfe, Audition Coordinator via email at wolfe@ou.edu.
