EIU Department of Music

FAQ

Do I have to be a music major to be in the bands?

No! The University Bands at EIU are open to any and all EIU students, regardless of major. In fact, almost all academic majors on the EIU campus are represented in the bands! Musicians of all levels with some playing experience are welcome as long as they wish to make a musical contribution. See below for more specific information about each of the bands.

What bands can I join?

EIU has three concert bands–Wind Symphony, Concert Band, Symphonic Band–the Panther Marching Band (fall only), and the EIU Basketball Band (spring only). There are also two Jazz Big Bands and three Jazz Combos. Click here to be re-directed to the Jazz Ensembles page.

Do I have to audition to be in the band?

The Wind Symphony requires an audition, and the Panther Marching Band drumline and color guard requires an audition. The Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and the Marching Band require part placement hearings at the beginning of the academic year. Part placement auditions for the  are designed to place you on the part you are best suited to play, and these auditions include no prepared pieces for the first class meeting. A couple of very short excerpts from the band music will be assigned at the first class meeting and part placement auditions will take place at the second class meeting.

How much time is involved?

We know how busy you'll be as a college student, so we work diligently to minimize the time involved, while maximizing the musical experience. The concert bands meet between 1:40 minutes–4 hours per week depending on the ability level of the group.

Tell me about the Panther Marching Band.

Please click here to visit the Panther Marching Band website for more information and to register for the band.

How do I audition for the Wind Symphony or the Concert Band?

Please click here to be re-directed to the Wind Symphony page where you can print the audition music.

How do I sign up to be in the Concert or Symphonic Band?

All you have to do is register for the Concert or Symphonic Band as if it were a normal academic class and show up the first day the class meets. The course number for first semester freshmen is:

MUS 0201R—Concert Band

MUS 0203R—Eastern Symphonic Band