Auditions · CBWE
Take your seat.
If you are an accomplished amateur or professional musician and are looking for an opportunity to perform in a professional concert band, the Chesapeake Bay Wind Ensemble is the perfect ensemble for you. Come share your talents with the community!
Open to adult musicians and serious young players.
Amateur or Pro
Any adult musician with a strong command of their instrument. We don’t require a music degree — we require a love for the repertoire and a willingness to prepare.
Auditioned Youth
Students who have successfully auditioned for their District Band, or who play in an auditioned youth ensemble like Bay Youth Symphony, Peninsula Youth Orchestra, or Williamsburg Youth Orchestra.
Volunteer Ensemble
All CBWE musicians are volunteers and serve without compensation. Section seats are limited to proper instrumentation.
Four easy steps.
Tell us you’re interested
Use the form below. Pick your section on the seating chart, share a little about your playing background, and submit.
Record one etude
Choose ONE etude from our list for your instrument. Record yourself performing it on video or audio — phone-quality is fine.
Submit your recording
Upload your recording here or share a URL. The music director will review it personally.
We’ll be in touch
We respond shortly with further information!
Pick your seat — send us your tape.
Quick Facts
- Rehearsals
- Sundays · 6:00 — 8:30 PM
- Where
- Fort Monroe Band Hall
Hampton, Virginia - Director
- Dr. Tyler Austin
- Contact
- cbweband@gmail.com
Common questions.
Do I need to audition in person?
No. All CBWE members submit a recorded playing audition. Audio or video both work. You can record on a phone — no studio required.
Are there dues?
Season dues are $50, which helps cover music, venue, and operating costs. Dues are waived for students.
What if my section is full?
Section seats are limited to balanced instrumentation. We maintain a sub list to fill in for individual concerts and to fill permanent positions when they become available.
How often do you rehearse?
The full ensemble rehearses Sunday evenings, 6:00 to 8:30 PM, roughly between August and May, at the Fort Monroe Band Hall in Hampton. Members are expected to attend regularly and prepare music before rehearsal.
Where can I find the etudes?
The etude list is linked in the form panel above. Pick your desired section and the corresponding etude download link will appear. If you’re between two instruments, pick whichever you’d most like to play in CBWE.
Still have questions?
Email cbweband@gmail.com