Audition Information

All Blue Band members (and prospective Blue Band members) must schedule Marching Blue Band (MUSIC 081).

MUSIC 081 — Marching Blue Band (1 credit)
GA
MWF 4:00–5:45 pm
T 7:30–10:00 pm
Bundy
Audition

Music 081 qualifies as GA (General Arts) credit in all Penn State degree programs. On average, fifteen to twenty percent of the student membership of Blue Band are music majors. The remaining eighty to eighty-five percent of Blue Band members major in non-music degree programs within virtually every college at Penn State University. All returning band members, as well as prospective members, must audition each year.

Blue Band instrumentation includes: piccolo (12), clarinet (24), alto and tenor saxophone (25), trumpet (64), mellophone (24), trombone (32), baritone (16), sousaphone (24) and percussion [snare (10), tenor (6), bass (7), cymbal (8)].

The Blue Band Front units include: Blue Band Silks (32), Touch of Blue [majorettes (14)], and Blue Sapphire [feature twirler (1)].

All Blue Band members are provided with university instruments for performance use during the Fall semester.

Blue Band is a Fall-semester-only class. The Blue Band performs at all home football games and generally travels to one away game during the regular season. When the Penn State football team is appearing in a post-season bowl game, the Blue Band travels to that event as well.

High energy, careful time management, and attention to academics contribute to successful Blue Band membership. In addition to the thrill of performing before hundreds of thousands of fans, Blue Band members frequently cite the lifelong friendships and strong connection to Penn State that they developed as a result of their Blue Band experience. Blue Band is a compelling educational experience for many Penn State students.

Most academic scheduling issues can be resolved with careful academic planning.

If you or your advisor have questions or need more information, contact the Blue Band at (814) 865-3982.

Blue Band is open to all students at the University Park campus by audition. The Blue Band accepts 290–310 student members annually. The Blue Band is a select ensemble with talented musicians and band front performers auditioning in all sections. All prospective members, new and returning, must audition each year for membership; not everyone who auditions is accepted.


Planning to audition?

Here's a checklist to follow to register for and complete your Blue Band audition:

  1. File the proper online Intent to Audition form — either instrumentalist, majorette, or silk. (For Drum Major or Solo Twirler audition information, please see their respective pages.) All prospective new and returning Blue Band members must file an Intent to Audition form so that the band office can effectively plan arrival day and band camp activities. The administrative deadline for filing your Intent to Audition form is July 31, 2013. If you miss this date, please contact the Blue Band office immediately by calling (814) 865-3982.
  2. If you are a prospective majorette, your audition will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2013. For more information regarding majorette auditions, click here.
  3. Prospective silks are encouraged — but not required — to attend the band front clinic on Saturday, April 20, 2013. More information is available here.
  4. Schedule MUSIC 081 — Marching Blue Band when you register for Fall classes. The Fall 2013 schedule number for Blue Band has not yet been published.
  5. Prepare for your audition. For more information regarding instrumentalist auditions, click here.
  6. Expect a mailing from the Blue Band during or around the week of August 1, 2013 with arrival and move-in information.
  7. Arrive on campus between 8 am and noon for auditions and band camp. Band camp is scheduled to begin on August 20, 2013. Note: Do not contact the Housing department regarding early move-in to residence halls. By filing your Intent to Audition form, you will be automatically registered for an early arrival.

Where are auditions/band camp?

Blue Band Building (map)
Services Road & University Drive
University Park Campus (campus map)
Pennsylvania State University


Band camp information

Band camp for prospective new members is scheduled to begin on August 20, 2013. Arrive at the Blue Band Building between 8 am and noon to check in and sign up for an audition time slot. Note: Other than the time you will need to warm up and perform a playing audition, you will not have any other band activities that afternoon until 7:30 pm.

Note regarding early residence hall room availability

If you fill out an Intent to Audition form, and you have a housing contract for Fall 2013, you will be able to check-in to your campus room on August 20. You will need to get a check-in permission form from the Blue Band Office before checking in at your residence area commons desk.


Schedule for move-in/auditions 2013

Monday, August 19, 2013

TBAGuide/officer training

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

8:00 am–NoonCheck-in and audition sign-ups for prospective rookies at Blue Band Building;
Receive dorm room coupon;
Check in to dorms at your residence area commons desk
Noon–5:00 pmMusic auditions
7:30–10:00 pmInformational meeting & field session

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

TBACheck-in and auditions for prospective returnees
TBAProspective rookie marching sessions — Blue Band field

Thursday, August 22, 2013

8:30–11:30 amBand camp
1:30–4:30 pmBand camp
7:00–10:00 pmBand camp

Friday, August 23, 2013

8:30–11:30 amBand camp
1:30–4:30 pmBand camp
7:00–10:00 pmBand camp

Saturday, August 24, 2013

8:30–11:30 amBand camp
1:30–4:30 pmBand camp
7:00–10:00 pmBand camp

Sunday, August 25, 2013

1:30–4:30 pmUniform fitting and distribution
7:00–10:00 pmRehearsal

Monday, August 26, 2013

4:00–5:45 pmClasses begin; Blue Band class schedule begins

More information

Frequently asked questions
Instrumentalist audition information
Majorette audition information
Silk audition information
Scheduling information

Note: The audition pages are updated throughout January for the current year's auditions.