Click for band audition excerpts for Spring 2025
Wind Symphony
The New Mexico State University Wind Symphony is the premier wind band at NMSU. The Wind Symphony’s membership is selected, by audition, from among the finest wind and percussion players at the university. The Wind Symphony, under the direction of Dr. Michael W. Mapp, is dedicated to fostering musical growth within a pre-professional setting and performs a varied repertoire of the highest quality for winds. The ensemble has performed throughout the United States including the New Mexico Music Educators Conference, the Southwest Division of the College Band Directors National Association, the Davies Symphony Hall (San Francisco), and the Kennedy Center. Dedicated to the advancement of repertoire for winds, the ensemble has taken part in numerous commissions and collaborations which include works by Michael Torke, David Maslanka, David Gillingham, and James Syler. The ensemble was the first band from the United States to be featured at the National Band Festival in Paipa, Columbia. For additional information about the ensemble contact Dr. Michael Mapp at
Auditions for Concert Bands will take place January 13-14, 2025. All interested students are encouraged to audition and may participate in music ensembles regardless of major. For more information click the link below for your instrument. If you have any questions please contact Dr. Michael Mapp at mikemapp@nmsu.edu.
Symphonic Band
The New Mexico State University Symphonic Band provides a challenging musical environment for skilled performers. Repertoire performed by the ensemble ranges from chamber works to standards of the band literature. The ensemble provides members a unique opportunity to make music in an enriching, and educational environment performing the finest of band literature. The ensemble performs multiple times each year including the commencement ceremonies in May. Membership is determined by audition and is under the direction of Dr. Steven Smyth. For additional information about the ensemble contact Dr. Steven Smyth at ssmyth@nmsu.edu.
Jazz Ensembles
New Mexico State University has two auditioned Jazz Ensembles made up of the university's finest musicians. The Jazz Ensembles have recently participated and performed in the Reno Jazz Festival, University of Northern Colorado Jazz Festival and have toured Germany, Czechoslovakia and Austria. Recent performances include international jazz musicians Monika Herzig, Byron Stripling, Jeff Jarvis, Dana Landry, Erik Applegate and Chris Vadala. NMSU Jazz One has recorded with Yamaha jazz artist Bobby Shew in the album "Home Grown" released fall of 2008. For additional information about the ensemble contact Dr. Jacob Dalager at jdalager@nmsu.edu.
PRIDE of New Mexico Marching Band
The "PRIDE" of New Mexico is composed of approximately 200 of the finest musicians, dancers, and auxiliary in the nation. The purpose of the "PRIDE" is to give our students a musical experience while providing entertainment at Aggie football games, parades, and many other NMSU events.
There is no audition for the "PRIDE." If a student is a member in good standing of a high school band program, he/she is automatically accepted into the band. All students receive a band grant for participation in the ensemble. Please contact the Band Office for details (575-646-2304).
