Wind Symphony

The North Dakota State University Wind Symphony is the premier collegiate wind band performing group in the state of North Dakota. Students who participate experience the highest quality of music literature. Comprised of both Music Majors and Non-Majors, the members of the NDSU Wind Symphony come from a wide array of backgrounds and disciplines. Under the direction of Dr. Warren Olfert, students work tirelessly from practice room to the concert hall to create musical artistry for audiences across the Midwest and the Nation. Now they would like to bring that high level of excellence to the other side of the world.

In the Fall of 2017 on campus, the NDSU Wind Symphony had the opportunity to work with Colonel Václav Blahunek, conductor of the Prague Castle Guard and Czech Symphonic Police Band. It was through this experience, and the impression made upon Col. Blahunek, that the NDSU Wind Symphony received an invitation from The Ministry of Culture for the Czech Republic to perform with the Czech Police Symphonic Police Band in the Spanish Hall in the New Royal Palace of Prague Castle.

The NDSU Wind Symphony, led by Professor Warren Olfert, embarked on a tour of Eastern Europe, visiting and performing in Budai Vigadó (Hungarian Heritage House) in Budapest, the Slovak Radio Hall in Bratislava, and culminating with a prestigious performance in the Spanish Hall in the Prague Castle to a sold-out audience of over 600 dignitaries. The group was the first American ensemble to ever perform in the Spanish Hall. Over 65 students, faculty, chaperones, and alumni participated in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Nelhybel: Symphonic Movement (Bratislava Performance)

NDSU Wind Symphony Audition Information Fall 2024

Who Needs to Audition

All instrumental music majors and minors will need to audition for placement in ensembles (you will be placed in Symphony Orchestra, Wind Symphony, or University Band). Any non-music major wanting to play in Symphony Orchestra and/or Wind Symphony will also need to audition. Non-music majors do not have to audition if they intend to play in University Band.

Audition Sign-Ups

This Fall, all auditions will take place on Wednesday, August 28th. In the shared Google folder above, open the file labeled “Instrumental Auditions Signup – Fall 2024” and click on the tab with your instrument listed. Put your name and instrument in any of the available time slots that work for you. Please do not remove or alter another student’s signup, unless you’ve worked out a change with them. Instructor names and email addresses are listed on these sheets.

Audition Repertoire

Audition repertoire can also be found in the shared Google folder linked above. Please download your excerpts to a personal device or print on your own. Plan on bringing your own copy (on paper or on your device) into the room for auditions.

Day of Auditions

On the day of auditions, please make sure you are warmed up and ready to play as soon as you enter the room. Although there are signup times, auditions often run a little ahead or behind, so it may be a good idea to check on how the room is doing when you first arrive, before your warm-up. While waiting in line outside the audition room, it’s fine if you talk quietly with others or finger through things, just please don’t play your instrument or speak loudly. Again, make sure you have your own copy of the music ready in case your audition room doesn’t have a copy for you. Feel free to dress casually/comfortably.

Audition Results

Because these auditions all take place on Wednesday, 8/28, our goal/plan is to announce the ensemble placements early on Thursday. However, if we run into the issue of being unable to hear all students in a given studio that Wednesday, the results for that studio may be held until we’ve had a chance to hear all students.

Audition Music for the Wind Symphony may be downloaded at the following web address:

Wind Symphony Audition Material

If you have any questions, contact Dr. Lee either at daniel.lee.3@ndsu.edu.