Bands
SJSU Bands News and Announcements
Audition Information — Fall 2024
Auditions for Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band will take place on Monday, August 19.
Calling All Incoming and Current SJSU Students!
Are you interested in playing with our bands, orchestras, or choirs in the upcoming semester? We offer a variety of exciting performing opportunities for both music majors and non-majors of a variety of skill levels.
- Go to the SJSU Music "Join" page
- Scroll down to "Want to Join an Ensemble?" and click "Register Here"
- Fill out the information on the form
- We will keep you in the loop about rehearsal times, audition dates, and we'll also include videos of recent performances.
- OPTIONAL: Follow @SJSUBands on all social media platforms for up-to-date information
About our Bands
Wind Ensemble
Directed by Dr. David Vickerman, the Wind Ensemble is comprised of the finest woodwind, brass, and percussion students in the School of Music and Dance. Dr. Vickerman consistently seeks to expose his students and audiences to the highest quality of music written for wind instruments, ranging from Renaissance masters to the most recent prizewinning composers. Through the rehearsal and performance of a diverse repertoire, students are exposed to a wide variety of compositional techniques, rehearsal processes and expressive possibilities. The Wind Ensemble programs are performed in both the fall and spring semesters. In addition to four on-campus concerts, the Wind Ensemble regularly tours throughout California and the Western states, and has regularly performed at the California Music Educators State Conference and at the College Band Directors National Conference.
Music Majors focusing on classical performance must participate in either Wind Ensemble or Symphonic Band as a major ensemble. Auditions are held at the beginning of each semester and are open to all majors (see below). Students will sight-read and perform a prepared piece. Their performance level will determine their chair placement and whether they participate in Wind Ensemble or Symphonic Band. Instruments are available to students who pay the $30 use fee each semester. Scholarship awards are based upon performance level and the needs of the School. There is no additional cost to the student for local and regional band travel and tours.
Symphonic Band
The Symphonic Band performs a wide variety of literature, including the masterworks for band, and contemporary wind literature. Under the direction of Dr. James Long, the philosophy of the Symphonic Band is to encourage musical growth in all students through careful selection of appropriate repertoire. Symphonic Band is open to both music and non-music majors, and performs twice each semester.
Music Majors focusing on classical performance must participate in either Wind Ensemble or Symphonic Band as a major ensemble. Auditions are held at the beginning of each semester and are open to all majors. Students will sight-read and perform a prepared piece. Instruments are available to students who pay a $30 Music Use Fee each semester. Scholarship awards are based upon performance level and the needs of the School. There is no additional cost to the student for local and regional band travel and tours.
Auditions are not required for Symphonic Band, but are used for seating.
Audition information can be found above.
Spartan Marching Band
The San José State Spartan Marching Band is one of the finest collegiate marching bands in the country. Directed by Dr. James Long, this diverse group of approximately 150 students performs a pre-game and half-time show for each of San José State’s home football games. In addition, the band travels to several out-of-town games. The Spartan Marching Band includes Color Guard and the Spartan Spectrum Dance Team.
Members of the Spartan Marching Band have a unique opportunity to broaden the scope of their university experience through interaction with students representing a wide variety of disciplines from various schools within the university. Scholarships are available to all music majors registered in the SJSU marching band. All marching band members receive priority registration privileges as members of this group.
Spartan Pep Band
The Spartan Pep Band is a select ensemble consisting of woodwinds, brass and a rhythm section. Membership is by audition. Participants in any of the athletic bands earn academic credit, have ringside seats for some of the finest basketball action in the county, and play a vital role in creating an atmosphere of school spirit. Traditionally, this band follows their respective teams through post-season tournament action, offering travel opportunities that have taken musicians throughout the West.
Social Media
Follow SJSU Bands
Concert Program Notes
To read program notes for any SJSU Band concert click the following link, then select the document for the concert you are attending.
