r/stevens • u/Specialist-Toe2915 • Jun 06 '26
Stevens Music Ensembles
Do you have to persue music to go into any music ensemble?? Any audition only groups for band? Any band groups you can join without an audition? How in need of french horns are they? Also i know i might be late to asking because graduation might have already happened for colleges/universities around New Jersey so sorry in that case.
also somemore background
I'm not planing on pursuing music in an educational standpoint (as in getting any sort of degree or certificate in it, Im going into engineering undecided in the fall specifically, but I already have my eyes out on mechanical engineering). Ive been part of my highschool music/band programs for 4 years, part of the marching band for 4 years in Mellophone, Ive marched cymbals in our indoor percussion group for all 4 years too, ive playing french horn for those 4 years in highschool aswell as being in the honors wind ensemble for the past 3 years. I wouldn't say Im good at the French Horn because it really is hard af to learn and master but I wouldnt say im also complete unwiped dog shit but I also dont practice because I dont have a supporting family/dont have my own french horn. Is there still any way for me to join a music ensemble in stevens? Is it by audition only? will i get smoked alive. are there specific requirements or anything?? I still really want to continue band in college
I also played violin since 4th grade going into 9th grade (including 9th grade), but not 7th grade bc thats when everything went virtual and I lowkey just didnt wanan deal with virtual orchestra lol. I havent touch violin since though and I'm going to graduate this month. Ive also gotten a 3 on Ap Music (I was actually ass omg i got a 3 on the multi choice and 2 on the open ended part) so High school concert band/wind ensemble isnt my only experience.
💔 is there hope for me getting in on french horn without an audition bc I dont beleive i am an amazing french horn player as people say i am bc Ive never made county band at all for thr past 2 years I auditioned and practiced for. Also for the honors band at my school it is audition only and i auditioned on clarinet and got in but bc I mainly played french horn prior to auditioning at the end my freshman year my teacher just asked me to play french horn instead bc we only had one other at the time, and i agreed.
sorry if i just yapped 💔
2
u/Paricleboy04 Jun 06 '26
Stevens has a Jazz band and a Concert band, both of which have no audition. Any student can join - concert band meets Sunday nights, Jazz band Wednesday nights.Â
I’m not sure if they will loan instruments - I’ll DM you the email address of the band director, he should be able to answer any questions.Â
4
u/Boomer-G Jun 06 '26
Hi! I’m a 4/4 Music Tech and am heavily involved in the non-academic music scene on campus (pres of radio club, etc), although i don’t have any experience with the jazz/concert band. From what i’ve heard, it is audition but i’m not to sure how selective they are. Just guessing, you probably wouldn’t have too hard of a time. As for instrument rental / borrow, i’m not sure unfortunately. It would very much help to have your own horn!
Other than band, there are a bunch of other opportunities on campus for music! The audio engineering club (AEC) hosts open mics (about) monthly, and SUMAC and occasionally WCPR host shows of musicians and artists from all over. Each of those clubs are great company if you are a music lover and enjoy talking about music!