School of Music & Theater

PSU Wind Symphony bowing after a performance in Lincoln Performance Hall.

Bands

The Portland State University Band Program offers outstanding musical opportunities for students of all majors and experience levels. Whether you are seeking a highly competitive performance experience, an opportunity to develop your musicianship, or simply a welcoming community where you can continue playing your instrument, PSU Bands has an ensemble for you.

PSU Bands Ensembles Include

Ed Protzman conducting the PSU Wind Symphony.

Wind Ensemble

Premier ensemble.

The Wind Ensemble is PSU's premier concert band and performs the most advanced repertoire in the program.

Features include:  windsymphonydec23-42 (2048x1363px)

  • One player per part whenever possible
  • Grade VI and advanced Grade V literature
  • Chamber music opportunities
  • High expectations for preparation and attendance
  • Full-year membership commitment
  • Professional musician augmentation when needed
  • One on campus and the possibility of one off-campus performance each quarter

This ensemble explores major works from the wind band canon alongside contemporary repertoire by today's leading composers.

Auditions are required and open to all students regardless of major.

PSU student playing flute in a concert.

Orchestral Winds

Selected from members of the wind ensemble.

Students interested in orchestra participation must first enroll in a PSU band ensemble.

Wind players are selected each term based on:

  • Audition results
  • Ensemble needs
  • Instrumentation requirements

Because rehearsal time is limited, positions are highly competitive and generally limited to principal orchestral wind parts.

Auditions are required.

Ed Protzman conducting the PSU Wind Symphony.

Wind Symphony

Advanced ensemble.

The Wind Symphony performs substantial wind band literature while providing an environment focused on artistic growth and musical development.

Features include:

  • Grade IV–V repertoire
  • Expanded instrumentation
  • Strong emphasis on musicianship and ensemble skills
  • High expectations for preparation and attendance
  • Full-year commitment preferred
  • One on campus and the possibility of one off-campus performance each quarter

With director approval, Wind Ensemble members may also participate in Wind Symphony on their primary or secondary instrument.

Auditions are required and open to all students regardless of major.

Members of the PSU Wind Symphony playing clarinets in a concert.

University Band

Open to all students and community members.

University Band is open to all PSU students and community members.

Features include:

  • Welcoming and supportive atmosphere
  • Standard concert band instrumentation
  • Grade III–IV repertoire
  • Flexible participation
  • Opportunity to continue playing regardless of major or experience level
  • Once concert per quarter

Many music majors, non-music majors, graduate students, faculty, staff, and community musicians participate in University Band each year.

Students in Wind Ensemble or Wind Symphony may also participate on a primary or secondary instrument with director approval.

Auditions are not required, participation is open to all students regardless of major.

We believe that exceptional music-making happens in supportive, collaborative environments where every student can grow as a performer, educator, and artist.

Audition & Participation Information

Wind Ensemble, Wind Symphony, and Orchestral Winds

All auditions for the 2026–2027 academic year will be conducted as live auditions. Students will perform behind a screen so evaluators do not know the identity of the performer. Auditions will be adjudicated by a panel of two to four evaluators. Dr. Protzman will not serve as an evaluator. Applied faculty members may participate in evaluating students from their respective studios. All auditions will be scored using a standardized rubric.

Audition Registration

Students interested in Wind Ensemble and Wind Symphony auditions should complete the audition registration form by September 18, 2026. 

Registration Link

Audition Music

Click this link for audition music (I will update in the next few weeks)

Brass Auditions

Monday, September 28, 2026

TimeInstrument
3:00 PMTrumpet
4:00 PMHorn
4:30 PMTrombone/Euphonium
5:00 PM

Tuba

 

 

Woodwind Auditions

Tuesday, September 29, 2026

TimeInstrument
2:00 PMFlute
3:00 PMClarinet
4:00 PMOboe & Bassoon
4:45 PM

Saxophone

 

Percussion Auditions

Percussion auditions are coordinated separately by Dr. Whyte.

Non-music-major percussion students should contact Dr. Protzman so their information can be shared with Dr. Whyte.

Wind Ensemble

Students auditioning for the Wind Ensemble will perform:

  • Three audition excerpts from 2026–2027 Wind Ensemble repertoire
  • One two-octave major scale selected by the panel on the day of the audition
  • One two-octave natural minor scale selected by the panel on the day of the audition
  • A short sight-reading excerpt

Audition excerpts will be emailed to students and posted on the PSU Music website in mid-July.

A second Wind Ensemble audition will take place at the beginning of Winter Term. This audition will open to all students allowing for students to enter the Wind Ensemble or Wind Symphony for the Winter and Spring quarters. 

Wind Symphony

Students auditioning for the Wind Symphony will perform:

  • The first two excerpts from the Wind Ensemble audition packet
  • One two-octave major scale (any flat-key major scale selected by the panel on the day of the audition) 
  • A short sight-reading excerpt

Audition materials will be emailed to students and posted on the PSU Music website in mid-July.

The Wind Symphony holds auditions only in the Fall. Students wishing to join later in the year must audition directly for the director.

University Band

No audition is required.

Students may register at any time. During the first week of classes, new members will participate in a brief playing session with a director to determine appropriate part assignments.

Students auditioning for the Wind Ensemble may be placed in:

  • Wind Ensemble
  • Wind Symphony
  • University Band

Students auditioning for the Wind Symphony may be placed in:

  • Wind Symphony
  • University Band

*In exceptional cases, a student who auditions for the Wind Symphony may be invited into the Wind Ensemble if openings exist and the audition demonstrates outstanding performance ability.

No student or community member will be placed in an auditioned ensemble without completing an audition.

Flute

Flutists may choose to perform the piccolo excerpt as part of their audition. While not required, a strong piccolo performance may improve placement opportunities.

Saxophone

Saxophonists may audition on the instrument of their choice. Ensemble placement may require performance on a different member of the saxophone family based on ensemble needs.

Percussion

All percussion auditions and assignments are coordinated by Dr. Whyte.

Wind Ensemble MUS195,002 (In course catalog as Wind Symphony)

Tuesday & Thursday, 1:45 PM–4:00 PM

Wind Symphony MUS 195,003 (In course catalog as Wind Symphony II)

Monday & Wednesday, 4:00 PM–5:30 PM

University Band, MUS195,001

Wednesday, 6:00 PM–8:00 PM

*Please note: Ensemble placements cannot be adjusted to accommodate individual class schedules. Students should verify rehearsal availability before auditioning.

Students should register for the ensemble they are most interested in joining prior to auditions. Following auditions, schedules may be adjusted to reflect official placement results.

Current PSU Catalog Listings

EnsembleCatalog Listing
Wind Ensemble listed as:Wind Symphony, MUS195,002, MUS395,002
Wind Symphony listed as:Wind Symphony II, MUS195,003, MUS395,003
University Band listed as:University Band, MUS195,001, MUS395,001
Orchestral Winds:Register for Wind Ensemble

Need an instrument for the summer?

PSU-owned instruments are available for checkout to assist with audition preparation. Students should contact Dr. Edward Protzman at protzman@pdx.edu as early as possible.

Dr. Protzman is also available throughout the summer to answer questions and provide guidance regarding audition preparation and ensemble placement.

If you are unsure which ensemble best fits your musical goals, experience level, or schedule, please contact:

Dr. Edward Protzman, Director of Bands, Portland State University, protzman@pdx.edu

We look forward to hearing your audition and welcoming you to the PSU Band Program for the 2026–2027 academic year.

Please note: Ensemble placements may require adjustments to course registration after auditions. Students may register for any ensemble initially and make changes once official placements are announced. In periods of unusually low enrollment, ensembles may be combined for performance purposes.

PSU does have some instruments that can be rented. Email Dr. Protzman at protzman@pdx.edu to inquire about instrument rental.

Edward Protzman headshot

Edward Protzman - Director of Bands

Edward F. Protzman has an extensive background in Wind Conducting and Music Education. Ensembles under his direction have performed across the United States and abroad, including the Midwest Band and Orchestra International Conference in Chicago, Illinois.

Contact Dr. Protzman

Portland State University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theater (NAST) 
and the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).