OSU bands are open to all university students by audition only. You must be accepted to Oklahoma State University in order to audition. You do not need to be a music major to qualify for membership in the Cowboy Marching Band or one of our concert bands. Auditions for Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band take place during the first week of classes in August, and auditions for Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and University Band take place in January. More information about concert ensemble auditions will be posted on the OSU Band website prior to auditions each semester. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (405) 744-6135.
We have openings for flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, trumpet, mellophone, baritone, trombone, and tuba. The audition should consist of two prepared selections showing your lyrical and technical abilities as a player (3 -5 minutes in length). A piece that you might perform at Solo or Ensemble contest or All-State auditions would be appropriate. You do not need an accompanist. Those interested in marching band may contact Dianne Holba to schedule an audition. If you are also interested in auditioning to be a music major, please visit our Michael and Anne Greenwood School of Music website. All auditions are at the OSU Seretean Center for Performing Arts.
Openings for Snare Drum, Multi-Tenor, Bass Drum, and Cymbals. Email Prof. Wayne Bovenschen to receive audition material, or call Mr. Bovenschen at (405) 744-8983 with any questions you might have. You may also visit our percussion website at percussion.okstate.edu.
The position of Feature Twirler is currently filled for the 2022 season.
The OSU Color Guard is open to all university students by audition only. You must be accepted to Oklahoma State University in order to audition. Color Guard audition information for the 2022 season is posted online. Live auditions will take place on March 5th and April 2nd, and virtual video audition submissions are due by April 2nd.
To confirm audition participation and for directions to campus, contact Dianne Holba, Administrative Assistant in the OSU Band Office, at (405) 744-6135.
Note: Be sure to leave plenty of time for parking, as finding a spot can sometimes be difficult!
Do I have time to be in band if I don’t major in music?
YES! The Cowboy Marching Band is comprised of members from nearly every academic major, and a majority of our band is majoring in something other than music! Participation in college band enhances the college experience. The marching band meets Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 4:00 – 6:00 pm.
Does band cost anything?
Very little. Band uniforms and travel expenses are funded by the university, the Michael and Anne Greenwood School of Music, and the OSU athletic department. The only costs to our members are the tuition and fees associated with enrolling in the one-credit hour marching band class, and other small expenses (marching shoes, gloves, T-shirts, etc.) These small expenses are less than $100 per season, and many items you purchase may last several seasons.
How do I audition for the band?
1. Contact the band office at (405) 744-6135 or by email.
2. Auditions include a prepared solo or etude that displays both technical and lyrical playing abilities. A solo that you have previously prepared for music contest or an etude used for most honor band auditions would work well.
3. If you are unable to audition in person, you may submit a YouTube video recording of your audition. Contact the band office for more details.
4. You will be informed of your audition results by letter or email.
Band scholarships at Oklahoma State are awarded on the basis of musical ability and current instrumentation needs. Available scholarship money is limited, and therefore the awarding of scholarship dollars is extremely competitive. Scholarships are available to music majors and talented non-music majors alike. Some out-of-state tuition waivers are also available for participation in the Cowboy Marching Band and are awarded on a competitive basis based on your playing audition. To be fully considered for scholarships, you must audition before March 1. Other awards may be available for auditions that take place after March 1 as funding becomes available.
Contact the Oklahoma State University Band Office at 405-744-6135 for more information.
