Auditions
Audition Information
Undergraduate program
Hornists should be prepared to play a brief work or movement from the standard repertoire as well as a contrasting solo or etude, demonstrating both lyrical and technical playing. You will also be asked to sight-read and may be invited to demonstrate other techniques such as multiple tonguing and lip trills.
You must audition during the school's formal audition days to ensure entrance and highest scholarship consideration. All Â鶹´«Ã½s registered to audition for WMU may receive a free lesson with Dr. Baird (contact her to set up a time). The horn studio is limited as to the number of Â鶹´«Ã½s that may be accepted and admission is highly competitive. Bringing supportive material to your audition is highly recommended--this may include letters of recommendation, a repertoire list, a statement of career goals, or any other material that further supports your application. Dr. Baird strongly urges you to review all the links pertaining to auditions on the Irving S. Gilmore School of Music website.
Graduate program
Contact Dr. Baird to schedule an audition time. Hornists should be prepared to play the first movement of a Mozart or Strauss concerto, a contrasting solo or etude, and five contrasting orchestral excerpts. Bringing supportive material to your audition is highly recommended--this may include letters of recommendation, a repertoire list, a statement of career goals, or any other material that further supports your application. See the Irving S. Gilmore School of Music and main campus websites for more specific information about the graduate program at Western.
Graduate assistantship
The horn studio is supported by two graduate assistants in any given year and there is usually one opening each year. Duties include performing in the Graduate Brass Quintet or Graduate Wind Quintet and assisting in the horn studio; other duties are based upon qualifications and interests. Admission qualifications include a BM in music or the equivalent with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a successful audition into the Master's degree program. See the Irving S. Gilmore School of Music graduate assistantship website for specific financial details. Awards are usually renewable for a second year. Interested hornists should contact Dr. Baird to schedule an audition time and see above for repertoire requirements. Apply early as the deadline for application materials is early February. See the Irving S. Gilmore School of Music and main campus websites for more specific information about the graduate program at Western.