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  FAQs

Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band

1. Do I have to be in the Corps of Cadets to be in the Aggie Band?
Yes you do. Go to http://www.aggiecorps.org/ for more information.

2. What about auditions for the Aggie Bands?
When: During the student's New Student Conference the summer prior to entry. Most auditions are done during the time for the Corps Luncheon in the conference schedule. (Attend the luncheon first and directions will be given.) If that time is not possible in your schedule, audition between 8-5 at some point during the conference visit.

Where: E.V. Adams Band Building

What to Play: Auditions consist of basic major scales and sight reading. For drums, the material will be basic rudiments and sight reading. For a PDF file of the music so that you may prepare ahead of time and not be sight reading click here.

DRUM SPECIAL NOTICE: It has become necessary for us to limit the number of members in the drum section. Spots will be given on a competitive basis based on the audition. For this reason, it is HIGHLY recommended that percussionists print and prepare your music ahead of time.

Instruments: It is recommend that you bring personal instruments to the audition but instruments will be provided if needed.

3. Can I be in the Aggie Band and another band?
Yes. Membership in a concert ensemble or jazz band is open to (but not required of) members of the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band.

4. Are instruments available for me to use?
Yes. We encourage you to use your own instrument but certain instruments are provided when needed.

5. Is there a military obligation after college if I am in the Corps?
Maybe. You will decide after your first two years in the Corps if you want to follow a military career path. If you choose not to, you can remain in the corps and band and will be considered a "drill and ceremony" cadet.

6. Will I be able to do well in classes and be in the Aggie Band?
Yes. There are no class conflicts with Aggie Band rehearsals or activities. Each day from 8-4:30 is considered the Academic Day when there are no Corps activities and there is Call to Quarters each evening when you are expected to be studying. There is also academic help and tutoring available through the band and the Corps.

7. When does the Aggie Band practice?
The Texas Aggie Band rehearses Monday through Friday, 7:00 – 9:00 AM. Indoor rehearsals are held in the E.V. Adams Band Building and drill rehearsals take place on the Haney Drill Field located adjacent to the band hall.

8. Are scholarships available for being in the Aggie Band?
Not directly through the band but there are many scholarships available through the Corps of Cadets.

9. What is the difference between the outfits?
There is no official difference. The personalities within the units make the difference. Plan to attend a Spend the Night with the Corps to see which one is for you.

10. Can I be in the Aggie Band and other student activities?
Yes. In fact you are encouraged to do so.

Concert Bands

1. Do I have to be in the Corps of Cadets to be in a concert ensemble?
No. Each of the concert ensembles are open to all students of the University.

2. What do I do about auditions for a concert ensemble?
When: Auditions should take place in the late Spring or early Summer prior to the student's New Student Conference. Many students who can not make an extra trip to College Station find that the day before their conference begins is an ideal time to audition.

Where: E.V. Adams Band Building

What to play: Audition material is selected by the student and should include two contrasting excerpts which exhibit both technical facility and lyrical qualities. Students should prepare approximately two minutes of each style. Percussionists should prepare three selections: one each on timpani, snare and mallets. Sight-reading is also included in the audition process for all instruments. No scales are required.

To schedule an audition: Contact Mr. Almany at 979-845-3529 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or Dr. Rhea at 979-845-3529 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Please indicate what instrument you play, what date you would like to audition (M-F), and a preference for morning or afternoon. All directors can be reached by telephone at 979-845-3529.

3. Are there instruments available for my use?
Maybe. We encourage you to use your own instrument but certain instruments are available when needed.

4. Will I have time to be in a concert ensemble with my heavy course load?
Yes. Depending on which band you are in, you will only meet two or three times a week. We do not do sectionals, extra rehearsals etc.... You will find band takes far less time at A&M than you are used to in high school. In addition you get VPA credit which will be required for your degree.

5. Are there Scholarships available for playing in the concert ensembles?
No. However, with A&M's "flat tuition" policy, it will not cost you any extra tuition to be in the band.

6. Are there winds and percussion in the String Orchestra?
When full orchestra works are performed, wind and percussion players are selected from enrolled members of the University Bands.

Jazz Ensembles

1. Do I have to be in the Corps of Cadets to be in a jazz ensemble?
No. Membership in each of the jazz ensembles is open to all students of the University.

2. What do I do about auditions for the jazz bands?
When: Freshman should audition while they are on campus for their New Student Conference.

Where: E.V. Adams Band Building

What to play: Wind, piano and guitar players should prepare to demonstrate scale proficiency and two contrasting standard jazz melodies or solo pieces that best demonstrate their performance and improvisational abilities. Play along material is recommended for lead player auditions.

• Wind players should prepare 4 Major scales in concert Bb, F, Eb and Ab through the comfortable range of the instrument. Students should prepare one medium swing tempo or faster selection and one ballad or Latin style selection. Students may use region jazz etudes, melodies from standard jazz tunes, or transcribed jazz solo’s that demonstrate style, musicality and technique on the instrument. For lead player auditions, one piece may be performed to a play along accompaniment to include improvisation.

• Guitar / Piano players should prepare Major scales covering the range of the instrument and demonstrate 4 basic chord types: major, minor, augmented, and diminished. Students should prepare 2 jazz tunes demonstrating melody and comping techniques in 2 contrasting jazz styles. One or both pieces may be performed to a play along accompaniment to include improvisation.

• Bass players must be proficient reading bass music and chord progressions. Bass players should prepare major scales through the range of the instrument. Students should also prepare two choruses of a blues selection or one chorus of a 32 bar jazz standard utilizing walking quarter note bass lines. The audition will also include sight-reading a quarter note bass line and a more rhythmically challenging funk bass line.

• Drummers should have some previous fundamental drum set experience or training. Students should be prepared to demonstrate specific drumming abilities for playing time and improvising fills in various styles of jazz music including medium or up–tempo swing, basic Latin, and rock or funk. The audition will also include sight-reading a simple big band style kick chart.

To schedule an audition: Contact Chris Hollar at 979-845-3529 (mornings only) or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

3. Are instruments available for my use?
Maybe. We encourage you to use your own instrument but certain instruments are available when needed.

4. Will I have time to be in the band with my heavy course load?
Yes. Depending on which band you are in, you will only meet two or three times a week. We do not do sectionals, extra rehearsals etc.... You will find band takes far less time at A&M than you are used to in high school.

5. Are there scholarships available for playing in the band?
No. However, with A&M's "flat tuition" policy, it will not cost you any extra tuition to be in the band.

Orchestra

1. When do I audition for the orchestra?
For incoming freshman and transfer students, Orchestra auditions take place beginning two weeks prior to the fall semester. For current A&M students, auditions take place toward the end of each semester.

2. What do I play for the audition?
The audition will consist of two prepared excerpts and sight-reading. Students should prepare two excerpts, each about two minutes in length. One excerpt should be fast and technical in nature and the other slow and lyrical. Students choose their own audition material with many students using past etudes or solos. Violinists wishing to play 1st part should demonstrate their ability to play in 4th position and higher. The sight-reading material will be taken from music the orchestra will be performing in the upcoming academic year.

To schedule an audition: Contact Dr. Sikes at 979-845-3529 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Please indicate what instrument you play, what date you would like to audition (M-F), and a preference for morning or afternoon.

3. Can woodwind, brass and percussion players sign up for orchestra?
The woodwind, brass and percussion players are taken from the university bands when the orchestra performs full orchestra literature. To perform with the orchestras, these students must first complete an audition and join one of the concert bands. Students volunteer for the orchestra and are taken based on their placement in the university bands.

4. Are there instruments available for my use?
The orchestra has a number of string basses which are available for checkout at no charge. All other instruments must be provided by the students.

5. Will I have time to be in a concert ensemble with my heavy course load?
Yes. The orchestras only meet for 2 1⁄2 hours a week and have few outside rehearsals to prepare the full orchestra literature. We do not have outside of class sectionals. You will find orchestra takes far less time at A&M than you are used to in high school.

6. Are there scholarships available for playing in the orchestras?
No. Students play in the orchestra at A&M on a volunteer basis. Scholarships should be pursued at the local level or through the college the student will be entering.