Band Audition and Scholarship Information

If you are interested in auditioning for the North Carolina A&T State University Band Program, please email the following directors:

Audition Criteria

Blue & Gold Marching Machine (BGMM) Summer Instrumental Auditions:

  • Must be a current or accepted student and attending the university.
  • May audition via video or in person at the New Student Orientation.
  • Percussion auditions for cymbals, bass drum and snare only.

For requirements, please contact the Assistant Director of Bands, Dr. Lamon Lawhorn at lblawhorn@ncat.edu.

Band Audition and Scholarship Standards

All auditioning students must provide proof of their application or acceptance to the university before being granted an audition request. Auditions do not include concert band literature, standard wind band marches, or popular tunes. Please refer to your local all county or all state solo and ensemble audition requirements for examples.

Wind Instrumentalist


Priority Scholarship (Level 1)

  • Regular admission to the university.
  • Chromatic Scale: Full range of the instrument.
  • All Major Scales: Two or more octaves within the capability of the instrument.
  • Prepared Material: Lyrical and Technical (Scores = 26-30 pts).
  • Sight Reading (Scores= 26-30 pts).

Scholarship Consideration (Level 2)

  • Regular admission to the university.
  • Chromatic Scale: Full range of the instrument.
  • Major Scales: At least 8 scales performed one or more octaves.
  • Prepared Material: Lyrical and Technical (Scores= 20-25 pts).
  • Sight Reading (Scores= 20-25 pts).

Band Participation (Level 3)

  • Regular admission to the university.
  • Chromatic Scale: Full range of the instrument.
  • Major Scales: At Least 6 scales performed one or more octaves.
  • Prepared Material: Lyrical and Technical (Scores= Below 20 pts).
  • Sight Reading (Scores= 19 and below).

All scales should be performed at a minimum tempo of 112 bpm, eighth notes, to be considered for a scholarship.

Percussion Audition

Each student must know:
  • 40 basic rudiments
  • Steel Essential Rudiments
    •  Snares/Quints - All 14
    • Tonal Bass- #1-10
    • Tenor-1-4,10
    •  Bass-1 & 10
    • Cymbals - exercises (flashes, control, listening and reading)
  • Prepared piece/performance on drum or cymbals
  • Sight Reading

In order to be placed under percussion scholarship consideration, in addition to the above requirements, the student must perform the LEVEL 2 requirement listed under Wind Instrumentalist. (Single marimba solo/etude required.)

Scholarship Opportunities

Incoming freshman should reference the North Carolina A&T audition standards for scholarship levels. The amounts vary based on the criteria.
As a continuing member of the Marching Machine, students receiving scholarship dollars must be enrolled in the band course or provide evidence from your academic advisor that the course cannot be taken for credit. Additionally, all students must be in compliance with student conduct codes for the University and not on probation, suspension or expulsion. Priority scholarship consideration will be based on university application/acceptance, instrumental need and performance ability.


Application Deadline

All materials must be received in the Marching Band's office by May 1 at 5:00 p.m. The application can be mailed or hand-delivered. Please contact the Director of Bands for additional eligibility information and to get an application.

Do you see yourself in the BGMM?

The Machine is Fueled and Ready… The ONLY Person Missing Is You!


Contact the Marching Machine:

N.C. A&T Blue & Gold Marching Machine
1601 East Market Street
The Band Center
1120 E. Bessemer Ave
Greensboro, NC 27411
Phone 336-334-7776
Fax 336-334 7311