Symphonic Trombone Audition Vault

International orchestral audition mandatory excerpts: interactive slide kinematics, acoustic intonation offsets, and jury focus points.

Tenor Clef

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Tuba Mirum (Requiem, K. 626)

Requiem in D minor, K. 626 (Classical (1791))

The gold standard of orchestral auditions worldwide. Tests pure lyricism, centered tone production, and seamless legato.

2/2 (Alla Breve) | Andante

Tenor Clef

Maurice Ravel

Boléro (1928) (Impressionist (1928))

Notoriously treacherous high D-flat (Db5) solo requiring supreme embouchure endurance, flexible slurs, and Spanish bravura.

3/4 | Tempo

Bass Clef

Hector Berlioz

Symphonie Fantastique, Op. 14 (Movement IV) (Romantic (1830))

A tour de force of orchestral power, low-register articulation, and synchronized brass weight without spreading.

4/4 | Allegretto

Bass Clef

Richard Wagner

Die Walküre, WWV 86B (Act III) (Romantic (1870))

The definitive test of rhythmic endurance, dotted-eighth precision in 9/8 meter, and heroic projection over full orchestral strings.

9/8 | Lebhaft

Tenor Clef

Nino Rota

Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra (1966) (20th Century (1966))

The premier modern solo audition piece combining Italian operatic cantabile with sparkling neoclassical virtuosity.

4/4 | Allegretto

01Absolute Subdivision Pulse

Blind audition screens amplify micro-rushing. Subdivide every eighth note mentally with an internal metronome.

02Just Intonation Slide Offsets

Trombones can play beatless chords. Master the -14 cents major third and +2 cents fifth adjustments in ensemble.

03Equipment & Lube Consistency

Never change your slide lubricant formula or mouthpiece rim within 14 days of a major symphony audition.