Auditions and Scholarships

Instrumental/Band Audition & Scholarship Information

Band Scholarship Auditions

Scholarships are available to any student wishing to participate in band (regardless of major) and nearly all students in the 51黑料网 band program benefit from a band scholarship. 51黑料网 Bands offers both on-campus and virtual auditions for scholarships.

Audition Dates

  • January 24, 2026
  • February 28, 2026
  • March 14, 2026

Need a different date? Please indicate "Alternative Date" on the and email Monty Hill, Director of Bands, with your availability.

On-Campus Audition Process

STEP 1: Apply for a Band Scholarship Audition

  • Complete the .

STEP 2: On-Campus Audition

  1. Indicate your preferred audition date on the . (If you need to set up an alternative submission date, please email Monty Hill, Director of Bands.)
  2. Your audition will consist of the following:
    • A slow, lyrical piece 鈥� Please select music that demonstrates your best tone quality and musicianship.
    • A fast, technical piece 鈥� Please select music that showcases your technical skills.
    • Sight-reading. (MUSIC MAJORS ONLY)
    • Percussionists should prepare pieces to be played on at least two of the following instruments: snare drum, timpani, and keyboards. However, students are encouraged to perform works on all three instruments if possible.
  3. All prospective music majors will be given a brief diagnostic exam in music theory and aural skills (sight singing) to aid in appropriate placement in these courses. This exam is meant to assess each student's existing knowledge, and no additional preparation is expected or necessary. Please know that the results of these exams will have NO impact on your eligibility for a band scholarship or your award amount.
  4. All students who audition for a band scholarship on campus will participate a "Question & Answer/Meet & Greet Session." During this session, you will receive an overview of the band program, have the opportunity to ask questions, and interact with HSU music faculty and current students.

Virtual Audition Process

STEP 1: Apply for a Band Scholarship Audition

  • Complete the .

STEP 2: Submit Video Recordings

  1. Complete video recordings of the following:
    • A slow, lyrical piece 鈥� Please select music that demonstrates your best tone quality and musicianship.
    • A fast, technical piece 鈥� Please select music that showcases your technical skills.
    • Percussionists should prepare pieces to be played on at least two of the following instruments: snare drum, timpani, and keyboards. However, students are encouraged to perform works on all three instruments if possible.
  2. Upload recordings to Google Drive or YouTube. If using Google Drive, please make certain that the share settings are set to "anyone with the link can view." If using YouTube, please upload the link as "unlisted."
  3. Email links to recordings to Monty Hill, Director of Bands. Music majors should send recordings at least three days prior to their scheduled audition date. Non-majors may submit on or before their scheduled audition date.

STEP 3: Participate in a Virtual Sight-Reading Audition (MUSIC MAJORS ONLY)

  • Monty Hill, Director of Bands, will contact you one week prior to your virtual sight-reading audition date to establish a specific audition time.
  • Video recordings of prepared pieces (see Step 2) should be submitted three days prior to your virtual sight-reading audition date.

STEP 4: Participate in a Music Theory and Aural Skills Diagnoistic Exam (MUSIC MAJORS ONLY)

  • All prospective music majors will be given a brief diagnostic exam in music theory and aural skills (sight singing) to aid in appropriate placement in these courses.
  • This exam is meant to assess each student's existing knowledge, and no additional preparation is expected or necessary.
  • Please know that the results of these exams will have NO impact on your eligibility for a band scholarship or your award amount.

STEP 5: Participate in a virtual "Question & Answer/Meet & Greet Session" with Music Faculty & Students

  • Monty Hill, Director of Bands, will email an invitation to you to participate in a virtual "Question & Answer/Meet & Greet Session" with music faculty and students.
  • Several of these sessions will be offered throughout the year to accommodate various students' schedules.
  • During these sessions, you will receive an overview of the band program, have the opportunity to ask questions, and interact with HSU music faculty and current students.

Guidelines for Applying for Academic Scholarships/Virtual HSU Campus Tour

  • If you are considering attending 51黑料网 in the Fall of 2026, you should complete an Application for Undergraduate Admission as soon as possible.
  • All fully admitted first-time freshman students, who submit their official high school transcripts, will be evaluated for a scholarhsip, no test score required. Academic scholarships range from $750 to $6,000 per year and are awarded to students based on cumulative high school GPA. A Distinguished Freshman Scholarship (full tuition) is available to a limited number of qualifying students who choose to submit ACT scores.

For more information, please contact:
Monty Hill, Director of Bands
870-230-5253
band@hsu.edu