Fall 2024 Band Scholarship Auditions
Scholarships are available to any student wishing to participate in band (regardless of major) and nearly all students in the Henderson State University band program benefit from a band scholarship. In the interest of better protecting the health of our community and state, the Henderson State University Bands is offering on-campus and virtual auditions for fall 2024 scholarships.
Audition Dates
December 2, 2023
February 10, 2024
March 2, 2024
April 13, 2024
Need a different date? Please indicate "Alternative Date" on the Audition and Scholarship Application and email Nevada Mills, Director of Bands, with your availability.
On-Campus Audition Process
STEP 1: Apply for a Band Scholarship Audition
- Complete the Audition and Scholarship Application.
STEP 2: On-Campus Audition
- Indicate your preferred audition date on the Audition and Scholarship Application. (If you need to set up an alternative submission date, please email Nevada Mills, Director of Bands.)
- Your audition will consist of the following:
- A slow, lyrical piece – Please select music that demonstrates your best tone quality and musicianship.
- A fast, technical piece – 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.
- 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.
- 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 Audition and Scholarship Application.
STEP 2: Submit Video Recordings
- Complete video recordings of the following:
- A slow, lyrical piece – Please select music that demonstrates your best tone quality and musicianship.
- A fast, technical piece – 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.
- 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."
- Email links to recordings to Nevada Mills, 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)
- Nevada Mills, 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
- Nevada Mills, 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 Henderson State University in the Fall of 2024, 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 a virtual campus tour, please visit https://tour.hsu.edu/
For more information, please contact:
Nevada Mills, Director of Bands
band@hsu.edu
(870) 230-5648