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Symphony Band

The Miami University Symphony Band is offered every spring semester for students to study and perform the finest original and transcribed repertoire for wind band. Under the direction of Ryan Yahl, the ensemble typically performs concerts twice a year for the Miami community. Comprised of approximately fifty-five performers, the Symphony Band consists of music majors and students across the entire university, providing a challenging rehearsal and performance experience for qualified students. In addition to traditional works by composers such as Holst, Vaughan Williams, Persichetti, and Schuman, the ensemble performs works by emerging composers that are rapidly joining the standard repertoire.

Spring 2026 Instrumental Ensemble Auditions

Brass and Woodwind Auditions

Woodwind and brass players wishing to perform in the Wind Ensemble or Symphony Orchestra take one audition to be considered for either or both ensembles. First, be sure to fill out the Spring 2026 Ensemble Audition Form! Next, access the Brass and Woodwind Audition Excerpts. The audition will comprise a lyrical and technical excerpt plus a brief sight-reading excerpt. Finally, use the following link to sign up for an audition time.

Select an audition timeslot

Auditions take place in Presser 100 on the following dates:

  • Monday, November 17 - Oboe/Bassoon/Tuba
  • Tuesday, November 18 - Trumpet/Horn/Trombone
  • Wednesday, November 19 - Saxophone/Euphonium
  • Thursday, November 20 - Flute/Clarinet

All woodwind and brass students interested in auditioning for Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, or Symphony Band should complete an audition form and signup for an audition slot by Friday, November 8th.

Only woodwind and brass players will complete this audition process. Percussion players should contact Mr. Michael LaMattina at: lamattm@MiamiOH.edu

Instructions for Music Majors

  • Perform 16-32 measures of a technical excerpt of solo literature demonstrating range and facility.
  • Perform 16-32 measures of a lyrical excerpt of solo literature demonstrating range and facility.
  • Perform a short sight-reading excerpt.

Instructions for non-Music Majors

Access Spring 2025 Non-Music Major Etudes

  • Perform the technical etude
  • Perform the lyrical etude
  • Perform a short sight-reading excerpt.

Questions? Contact us!

If you have an unavoidable conflict during the specified audition date or time for your instrument, please contact the conductors to setup a different audition time. We are available to answer any questions you may have!

Ricardo Averbach, DMA, Director of Orchestral Studies (MUSO): averbach@MiamiOH.edu

Ryan Yahl, DM, Visiting Associate Director of Bands (Symphony Band): yahlr@MiamiOH.edu

Daniel Farr, DMA, Director of Bands (MUWE): farrd@MiamiOH.edu

Department of Music

The Miami University Department of Music encourages its students to develop their relationship to the discipline of music as they explore the world through the lens of a superb liberal arts education.