<p>First of all, I'm a rising senior who will NOT be pursuing music as my major. However, I really love playing the flute, and I'd like to think I'm pretty good at it (Section Leader, 1st Chair in Wind Ensemble, 1st Flute in Quartet). Obviously I'm not the BEST since I've never gotten into All-State... but I still want to continue band in college! </p>
<p>Most of the colleges I'm applying to have ensembles that are open to all students (hopefully they're not as competitive?) or marching/pep bands. I know you can submit a Fine Arts Supplement on the Common App with a recording... (I have Cecile Chaminade's Concertino under my belt already, and my teacher is finding something else for me to play). </p>
<p>To be honest, I just don't know how this works... Do I play with accompaniment? If so, do I have to spend another $200 on an accompanist or are there recordings online I can just play with? </p>
<p>I'm assuming that if I get into the school and they liked my recording, I'll have some sort of live audition? Again, I'm not planning on being a Music Major. I just want to be part of some ensemble so I can continue my music education because I really enjoy it. </p>
<p>Any info whatsoever will be WONDERFUL. Thank you! </p>
<p>****ALSO: I play tenor saxophone too... would it be wise to submit a short etude or solo for the sax as well?... </p>
<p>Congrats on your decision to keep music in your life in college - my middle daughter made the same decision and happily participated in orchestra, ensembles and private lessons while in school.</p>
<p>My understanding is that the fine arts supplement is only used to enhance your overall admission to the school. If the music department likes your playing, your app may get a boost. But it’s not used for placement into ensembles (check the specific websites, though, because each school is different). Typically, there will be an opportunity to audition at the beginning of the semester - try emailing the band director at the schools you’re interested in.</p>
<p>Auditions for ensembles have nothing to do with the common app fine arts supplement. As stated above, you audition at the beginning of the semester. To be honest, you should not submit a music supplement unless you have won significant awards (such as all state) or are planning on majoring or minoring in music- colleges do not want to hear the average player, this would overflow their application inboxes (figuratively of course). You do not need to do so to participate in ensembles. If you do submit a supplement however, it should be recorded with live accompaniment. </p>
<p>Okay! That makes a lot of sense. I’ll check the schools’ websites again 
Thank you so much for clearing that up! </p>
<p>By any chance, do you know if it’s better to submit a literal recording (just audio) or an actual video?</p>
<p>It depends on the school, when I did my music auditions last year, all my music supplements were not through the common app. One school specifically requested video, the other two specifically requested audio. For the common app, however, i believe audio is usually fine. The more competitive music programs require video because they want proof that you are actually playing, not someone else.</p>
<p>For reference, which schools did you audition at? I don’t believe any of the schools I checked specified audio or video… However, I might have missed something. </p>
<p>The school that required a video for prescreening was case western. I believe both university of richmond (for richmond scholars) and william and mary arts supplement required audio (at least that’s what i sent). The video thing is kind of a new thing since audio editing is becoming a more prevalent issue. I don’t specifically know of a list of these schools, but schools that require one or the other should list it on their website.</p>
<p>You can call admissions to ask questions about it the best way to submit a sample of your playing for admissions purposes. Sometimes they want you to cue your best 3 minutes. The music department may never hear your submission at all. </p>
<p>As others have said, you will audition in the fall for ensembles on campus, most likely. Admissions is separate from those auditions.</p>
<p>Arts supplements can include a resume, repertoire, recording, concert programs and teacher recommendations.</p>
<p>You don’t say anything about your main interest, your academic qualifications or other extracurriculars or talents. You may not want to submit music at all. Again, I would ask them in admissions. Often the answer from admissions is to submit an arts supplement only if you are an outstanding talent and the supplement will truly affect the admissions decision. </p>
<p>So in your case that may depend not only on your talent in music, but what else you bring to the table. If you are otherwise qualified for the schools you are applying to, you might not need a music supplement at all.</p>
<p>In any case don’t stress too much over this or spend a lot of money. And I think you could play alone, if you really do decide to submit a supplement. If you were applying to conservatory, things would be very different.</p>