Concert Ensembles
Every semester, Purdue Bands & Orchestras provides a variety of indoor ensembles that students can perform in.
You do not have to be in a drumline to audition for these ensembles.
You do not have to be in a drumline to audition for these ensembles.
Concert Bands & OrchestrasPurdue Bands & Orchestras offer many different concert bands and orchestras, each of which require a different number of percussionists. Percussionists of all types are welcome and encouraged to perform with these groups. More information can be found on the Purdue Bands & Orchestras page.
Concert band auditions occur every semester! For incoming freshmen, auditions will occur during your Summer Transition, Advising, and Registration (STAR) Day over the Summer. For current Purdue students, auditions for the following semester will usually occur within the last month of the previous semester.
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Jazz BandsPurdue Bands & Orchestras is proud to have many different big bands and numerous combo opportunities. Membership is determined through auditions every semester. Audition material can be found on their website.
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Athletic BandsPurdue hosts three athletic bands: Boiler Brass for men's basketball, Gold and Black Sound (GABS) for women's basketball, and Boiler Box Band for volleyball. Purdue is proud to be a huge source of university spirit no matter the sport or time of year. Follow this link for more information.
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Percussion Ensemble

The Percussion Ensemble rehearses during the Spring semester and is open to anyone that also participates in a Spring concert ensemble. Concert repertoire can feature battery percussion, keyboard instruments, full percussion ensembles, and much more.
It is not required to audition for this ensemble. Instead, parts are assigned based on Dr. Nave’s assessment of your playing abilities. Student who are interested are often granted opportunities to perform their own solos or smaller ensemble pieces in addition to the large ensemble pieces they have been assigned.
The Percussion Ensemble performs their annual concert in late April. Group rehearsals are held in the evening once a week with each piece rehearsing at a specific time. While it is uncommon to be denied a role in this ensemble, lack of preparation can put you at risk of being cut from your part. Individual practice is required to fully learn each piece.
For more information about Percussion Ensemble, feel free to contact one of our student leaders.
It is not required to audition for this ensemble. Instead, parts are assigned based on Dr. Nave’s assessment of your playing abilities. Student who are interested are often granted opportunities to perform their own solos or smaller ensemble pieces in addition to the large ensemble pieces they have been assigned.
The Percussion Ensemble performs their annual concert in late April. Group rehearsals are held in the evening once a week with each piece rehearsing at a specific time. While it is uncommon to be denied a role in this ensemble, lack of preparation can put you at risk of being cut from your part. Individual practice is required to fully learn each piece.
For more information about Percussion Ensemble, feel free to contact one of our student leaders.