BAY Winds 2026

BAY Winds ensembles are designed to challenge and supplement the quality instruction students receive from their local, school-enrolled music programs and private lesson instructors. Students in BAY Winds experience quality training and instruction from well decorated professional musicians and educators, as well as the opportunity to study and perform outstanding and challenging literature with like-minded peers from the Tampa Bay Area.  

Each spring, students audition for acceptance into an ability-based BAY Winds ensemble, including the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Winds. Each ensemble serves intermediate and advanced students in middle and high school band.

The Symphonic Winds is a rich and diverse experience for intermediate students. 

The Wind Ensemble is the most advanced ensemble performing collegiate-level repertoire. 

The student must be clearly visible throughout the entire performance of the audition material. The highest quality of audio/video recording is encouraged as these auditions will determine ensemble assignment and chair placement. Once you have recorded your audition, please upload the video to YouTube (make sure it is marked for unlisted viewing). You may also use alternative cloud-based servers such as Drop Box, Google Drive, One Drive etc. While completing your audition application, you will copy and paste the link into your application under "Video Audition". It is imperative that the video is shared as a link rather than a large file.

Please announce each performance before playing as follows:

• Literature Performance | 3 Minutes Maximum: Announce the specific literature performed. Selections from a solo, etude, or audition excerpt from one or multiple sources that best demonstrate your lyrical and technical abilities. (i.e. Solo & Ensemble performance, All County, All State, All National Excerpts, etc.) Percussionists should prepare one keyboard excerpt and one excerpt on snare or timpani.

• Chromatic Scale: Full range capability on your instrument. 

• Two Major Scales: Students can choose any two major scales, full range on their instrument. Announce each major pitch (your individual starting pitch) before performing. 

• Perform intermediate and challenging music with like-minded peers
• Extra-curricular ensemble experience outside of school
• Qualified portfolio and resume opportunity
• Collaborate on a masterworks series concert with the Florida Wind Band
• Working with experts in the field of music education

• Students must have at least one year of experience playing their instrument
• Private, public, charter, and home-schooled students are welcome to enroll
• Students must be in good standing with their local, registered school music programs

Early Registration Tuition: $225.00 (If received before January 31st)

Registration Tuition: $275.00 (If received after February 1st.)

Tuition is due by the first rehearsal on February 24th, 2025.
 

BAY Winds is a non-profit organization. We rely on tuition revenue to operate and serve our student membership. Tuition is due and payable before the first rehearsal. This fee includes all instruction, materials, and costs related to concert venues, equipment, music, and operational expenses. Outstanding balances will prohibit students from future BAY Winds auditions and seasons until tuition balances have been paid in full.   

Please Note: Tuition does not cover the cost of parking at the university. 

USF School of Music

Instrumental Rehearsal Hall 

3755 USF Holly Drive | MUS 101

Tampa, FL 33260

REHEARSALS MONDAYS 6:00-8:00 PM — USF SCHOOL OF MUSIC 

· February 24 

· March 3, 10, 24, 31 

· April 7, 14, 21, 28 

· May 5, 12 

CONCERT ITINERARY — SUNDAY, MAY 18TH 

· Dress rehearsal at 3:00 PM

· Concert at 4:00 PM

Wind Ensemble Rehearsals: Mondays from 6:00-8:00 PM

Conductor: Dr. Matthew McCutchen

Location: Instrumental Rehearsal Hall (IRH)

Symphonic Winds Rehearsals: Mondays from 6:00-8:00PM

Conductor: Mrs. Devin DeDon

Location: Choral Rehearsal Hall (CRH)

*First rehearsal begins on Monday, February 24th.
*Rehearsals are open to registered performers, teachers, and staff only.
*No rehearsal on Monday, March 17th, 2025 - Spring Break. 

BAY Winds t-shirt, solid black pants, solid black socks, and solid black dress shoes.

Financial aid assistance is offered on an individual need basis. Financial aid applications are due by January 31st, 2025. You will be notified by February 10th, 2025 of your application status.

Please complete and submit your audition video and registration before completing this form for financial aid.