Are you in your senior or junior year of high school? Are you looking for a university that offers a superior academic environment AND an amazing college band experience at an extremely affordable price? If so, we believe you are looking for McNeese State University, and we are definitely looking for you!

All of the ensembles that comprise the MSU Cowboy Bands (see the “ensembles” section for descriptions) and the corresponding service awards (scholarships) are open to all MSU students, regardless of academic major. In order to secure a place in one of these ensembles and be eligible for the band service awards, high school students must complete a simple entrance audition during the fall or spring of their senior year. MSU offers several official audition dates each year, and students may also schedule individual audition dates.

2011-2012 Official Audition Dates:

Saturday, November 12: 10:00 A.M.

Spring Date: Saturday, March 10: 10:00A.M.

Individual auditions available on Fridays, by appointment only

In this section, you will find the following information:

What It Takes

– Information on how being in an ensemble affects your time and experience as a college student, including videos of current student perspectives

FAQ’s

– Typical questions from incoming freshmen

Band Service Awards and Scholarships

– Descriptions and Requirements

Audition Procedures

– What to prepare and what to expect

Colorguard

– More information on becoming a member of the Colorguard.

MSU Bands Interest Form

– Complete and submit this form to receive more information

Resources

– Links to additional university resources

Regardless of how “good” of a musician you think you are, we encourage you to audition and participate in the college band experience for at least one year. You have spent many hours working on your chosen instrument. College is the time to make that instrument work for you in helping pay for that college education! Please take a moment to look through this section of the website and complete the interest form. We would love to hear from you!