Band Scholarships
Band scholarships are available to students of all academic majors who participate in the Marching Band in the fall and either the Symphonic Band or the Wind Ensemble in the spring. Students not majoring in music may schedule an audition for band scholarships by contacting Director of Bands Dr. Jim Smisek (205-726-2485 or jjsmisek@samford.edu). Students should audition before February in order to receive priority consideration for band scholarship awards. The instrumentation needs of the Samford Bands will also factor into scholarship awards; specific instrumentation needs for the ensembles include tubas and saxophones.
Students playing woodwind and brass instruments should prepare two short pieces (one lyrical and one technical), major scales, and a chromatic scale. There also will be a short sight reading component to the audition.
Percussionists should prepare rudiments and/or scales particular to the instrument(s) on which they wish to perform and a short etude or solo. It is preferred that students audition on both snare and mallets. Sight reading will be a part of the audition as well.
Our band audition process is very "user friendly." You will be through in less than 10 minutes! We will then visit with you concerning any questions you may have about the Samford Bands.
Scholarships are also available for young women interested in performing in the SUMB Color Guard. Auditions will be held in the Spring for those in close proximity to Birmingham. Candidates residing outside Birmingham are encouraged to prepare and send a video audition tape to
Samford University Bands
800 Lakeshore Drive
Birmingham, AL 35229
Students interested in pursuing music as a major will be considered for band scholarships as part of the School of the Arts audition and interview weekends held in November and February. For more information about School of the Arts scholarship weekends, please contact Arts Recruiter Rachel Lim (205-726-4524 or arts@samford.edu) or visit the School of the Arts website <http://www.samford.edu/arts> .
