FSU BANDS have a long and distinguished history, appearing frequently at regional and national conferences. Their performances have been praised by such leading figures as Aaron Copland, Karel Husa, Vincent Persichetti, Gordon Jacob, Fisher Tull, Clare Grundman, Leslie Bassett, Morton Gould, Frederick Fennell, Per Lyng, Keith Brion, Timothy Renish, Steve Stucky, David Maslanka, William Penn, and Samuel Adler. The bands can be heard on nationally distributed Golden Crest records and Pro Arte CD's and cassettes. They frequently perform world and American premieres and are active in a variety of recording projects and consortia that include such distinguished figures as Robin Holloway, Ellen Taafe Zwillich, Gunther Schuller, Sir Michael Tippett, John Harbison, Fridges Hidas, and Adam Klemens.

THE SYMPHONIC AND CONCERT BANDS maintain an active performance schedule on campus and in the community. The Symphonic Band often represents the School of Music at major professional conferences. Membership is open to all university students by audition and is offered fall and spring semesters. Concert Band is offered only during the spring semester.

THE WIND ORCHESTRA engages in professional level study of wind literature important to contemporary performing practices. As with the Chamber Winds, the instrumentation is determined by the repertoire. Performers rotate with principal assignments. Many American and world premieres have been presented by this ensemble.

THE CHAMBER WINDS is a multi-faceted organization which studies and performs the finest in wind chamber music. Instrumentation ranges from the traditional Viennese octet to larger ensembles of as many as 16 players. The instrumentation is always determined by the repertoire selected for performance. There are two chamber wind ensembles. The Graduate Chamber Winds consists of graduate assistants from the applied studios. The Undergraduate Chamber Winds is an auditioned group of upperclassmen.

THE FSU JAZZ ENSEMBLES have received critical acclaim for their high performance standards and their creative approach to big band jazz. Literature includes both traditional as well as contemporary works. The ensembles also read and perform student compositions and arrangements. An active performance and touring schedule is maintained.

THE CAMPUS BAND consists of students who simply enjoy playing quality band music in a relaxed, non-auditioned environment. Campus Band is offered fall and spring semesters.

THE MARCHING CHIEFS, perhaps one of the largest university marching bands in the country, is comprised of FSU students from virtually every academic department within the University. They have gained national and international recognition as "the band that never lost a half-time" (Sports Illustrated). Past performances, seen and heard by millions, include the Sun, Gator, Tangerine (now Citrus), Peach, Fiesta, Sugar, Cotton and Orange Bowls. In 1974 they traveled to Syria on a State Department sponsored visit to perform at the International Trade Fair. The Chiefs perform at all Seminole home football games, local parades, selected away games, and appear at the annual post-season bowl game.

CHIEFLY BRASS generates the excitement which fills the Civic Center and Tully Gym at Seminole basketball games. Students representing a variety of academic disciplines perform a highly stylized repertoire. With strong men's and women's basketball programs, Chiefly Brass can be heard often on the major networks and at post-season tournaments.

AUDITION INFORMATION
You do not have to be a music major to participate in the band organizations, but everyone is asked to play an audition for the purpose of placement in one of the bands.
  
Auditions for all the concert ensembles are held the first week of the semester. You should prepare a solo or contrasting etude of your choice. You will also be asked to play a few scales and sight read a short selection. Auditions are held in the Housewright Music Building. Check the band office (Room 101) for locations. Please note that Campus Band does not require an audition. Interested members should simply register for the course and attend the first class session.
  
Auditions for the Jazz Ensemble are also held on the first day of classes. Be prepared to sight read various jazz styles. You are encouraged to demonstrate any improvisational skills. Auditions are held in the Housewright Music Building.
  
Auditions for wind and percussion positions in the Marching Chiefs are held during Pre-season Training which is about ten days before the start of classes. A complete packet of information on the FSU Marching Chiefs is available by request. Auditions for the Flag Corps and Majorettes take place on campus in April for the following marching season. If you wish to audition for these groups contact the Band Office by February for additional audition details. Auditions for Chiefly Brass are held in the early part of the fall semester.