The UVM Concert Band is open to all UVM students regardless of major, minor, or college. In fact, in a typical semester, many or all of the seven undergraduate colleges are represented in Band.
More information about the UVM Concert Band
Auditions
Each student must take a yearly placement audition for seating. Since these are simply placement auditions, students should register for band before the audition.
Concert Band audition information
Conductor
Dr. D. Thomas Toner, dtoner@uvm.edu
Concert Band rehearses on Mondays and Wednesdays, 3:30-4:55 pm.
Band Music Poll
Links
Fingering Charts (downloadable PDF files)
There are, of course, LOTS of metronome and tuner apps; the following are just examples.
- iPhone/iPad Tuner apps: eTuner
- Android Tuner apps: Cleartune
- "5 best metronome apps"
Past Programs
Friday, November 8, 2019, 7:30 PM
- Flourish - Vaughan Williams
- Undertow - Mackey
- Irish Tune - Grainger
- Vesuvius - Ticheli
- Rhosymedre - Vaughan Williams
- Conversations with the Night - Boysen
- Moorside March - Holst
Spring Concert: Friday, April 12, 2019
7:30 p.m. in the Music Building Recital Hall
- Festive Overture - Shostakovich/Hunsberger
- Canterbury Chorale - Jan Van der RoostGnomon - Thomas C. Duffy
- Easter Monday on the White House Lawn - John Philip Sousa
- O Magnum Mysterium - Lauridsen/Reynolds
- Fortress - Frank Ticheli
- First Suite - Gustav Holst
Fall Concert: Friday, November 9, 2018
7:30 p.m. in the Music Building Recital Hall
- The Redwoods - Rossano Galante
- The Fairest of the Fair - Sousa/Brion & Schissel
- Fantasy on a Theme by Sousa - Andrew Boysen
- Lauda - Timothy Miles
- Benediction - John Stevens
- Puszta - Jan Van der Roost
Spring Concert: Friday, April 13, 2018
7:30 p.m. in the Music Building Recital Hall
- Chorale and Alleluia - Howard Hanson
- October - Eric Whitacre
- Ride - Samuel R. Hazo
- Riften Wed - Julie Giroux
- Skysplitter - Vincent J. Oppido
- March from Symphonic Metamorphosis - Paul Hindemith
Fall Concert: Friday, November 10, 2017
7:30 p.m. in the Music Building Recital Hall
- Arrival Platform Humlet - Grainger
- Courtly Airs and Dances - Nelson
- Serenade - Bourgeois
- Hymn for the Lost and the Living - Ewazen
- Mother Earth - Maslanka
- Africa - Smith
FAQ
Do I have to be a music major or minor to play?
No! Students who play in Band come from all majors across campus - recently, we've had Biology, Business, Education, English, Marketing, and Social Work majors. In fact, that's a great thing about Band: students from all majors come together to make music.
Do I have to audition?
Yes, but it's called a "placement" because the result will generally determine where you sit, not whether you are accepted (although we do need a balanced ensemble, so we can't take 30 alto saxophones....). Contact Prof. Toner to find out about this year's auditions.
What if I don't own an instrument?
Then borrow one of ours! The Band owns lots of instruments, including bari saxes, trombones, and tubas that can be borrowed for the semester.
Do I have to carry my instrument back and forth from my dorm room?
No, lockers are available from Prof. Toner for most instruments at no charge. It is always a good idea to make sure your instrument is covered by insurance (such as a parent's homeowner's policy) before you bring it to school.
What is the atmosphere like during rehearsals?
Professor Toner tries to balance hard work and fun, so you will be encouraged to play better - not screamed at. You'll find Band members to be relaxed, friendly, supportive, and sharing of your love for music.
Can I take Band for credit?
Yes, but if you already have 19 credits, we have a “zero credit” option. Again, ask Prof. Toner (d.toner@uvm.edu) for more information about this.
What kind of music does the band play?
Everything from Sousa marches, Concert Band "classics" like the Holst Suites, and newer pieces like Danza Barbarica, written for the Band by David Myers, '78. Recent concerts have included The Redwoods – Galante, Puszta – Van der Roost, Festive Overture – Shostakovich/Hunsberger, and O Magnum Mysterium – Lauridsen/Reynolds.
How many concerts do you play?
The Band usually plays two or three times per semester. One of the highlights of each year is our performance at the annual Music Department Homecoming Concert.
Can I take private lessons?
The Music Department offers private lessons on most instruments and voice for an additional fee. If you’re a non-major playing in a band, you are eligible for a small scholarship that helps to offset the lesson fee.
Who is the conductor?
Professor D. Thomas Toner is a graduate of the UMass/Amherst, Yale, and the Eastman School of Music. He is the Principal Percussionist of the Vermont Symphony and can be heard on many CD's, including those of the Counterpoint Choir and Trey Anastasio.
What if I have more questions?
You can contact Professor Toner at d.toner@uvm.edu.