Western Music Institute
July 31 – August 8, 2026
University of Redlands

Requirements
Ages 14 – 25 (must be 14 by 12/31/2026)
Must be a Junior or Senior Soldier in good standing
Must be approved by Corps Officer, DMD, Divisional & Territorial Headquarters

WMI APPLICATION
Electives
Vocal Auditions
Soloist Auditions
Brass Band Auditions
Praise & Worship Auditions

Electives List

When you fill out your WMI Application, you will be asked to select an Elective. Please choose your first, second and third choices. 

  • A Capella Vocal Ensemble

    Leader: Evan Figueras - Do you enjoy Pentatonix, Voctave, or Home Free? Explore the world of vocal harmony in this year’s a cappella choir elective! This group will focus on contemporary pop, rock, and jazz style arrangements performed entirely without instruments. Singers will work on blend, balance, rhythm, and vocal technique, while developing both solo and ensemble skills. Whether you're new to a cappella or an experienced singer, this group offers a fun and challenging opportunity to make music at a high level.

  • Bible Application

    Leader: Rick Potter - Biblical Application is an engaging elective designed for young people seeking to deepen their knowledge of the Bible and its relevance in today’s world. This course explores key biblical principles, stories, and teachings, guiding students in how to apply them to everyday life decisions, relationships, and personal growth. Through discussions, real-life scenarios, and practical exercises, students will learn how faith shapes character, influences ethical choices, and provides wisdom for navigating challenges. Whether new to the Bible or looking to strengthen their understanding, participants will gain valuable insights to live with purpose and integrity.

  • Big Band

    Leader: Daniel Prince -

  • Choreography

    Leader:

  • Dance

    Leader:

  • Electronic Music

    Leader: Marlon (Andy) Jones

  • Gospel Choir

    Leader: Terron Craig - Powerful voices, tight harmonies, and singing with heart, if you love to sing, Gospel Choir is the elective for you. Join us was we explore style, history, and energy of gospel music while building confidence and performing together as a choir. Come ready to sing, move, and make great soul-stirring music together!

  • Guitar 101 - Beginner

    Leaders: John Opina and Keith Almanza, - If your chord chart reads ‘G7sus4/D' do you know what to play? If your answer is “of course not, that’s nerd stuff”, then this is the guitar class for you!

  • Guitar 201

    Captain Fabio Simoes, Leader - Unlock the fretboard and play with true freedom. Are you stuck in the same position? Move beyond shapes and truly understand the neck. Our advanced improv classes dive deep into modal interchange, jazz harmony, chord-melody and advanced arpeggio concepts.

  • Hand Bell

    Leader: Jonah Perine - Playing Bells with your hands. Our special guest leader, Professor Jonah Perine has traveled the world as a performer and lecturer. He has performed for the Pope at the Vatican and the prestigious Town Hall in Sitka Alaska. He is best known for the development of the "Perine Clapper" which has revolutionized the Hand Bell World.

  • Leading Worship

    Leader: Nico Gil - This elective is designed for delegates already involved in worship groups at their Corps who feel called to take on leadership roles. You will learn how to lead and prepare your Corps' worship team, including choosing songs for your group and congregation, helping musicians get ready, leading rehearsals, creating set lists for Sunday services, managing transitions, arrangements, and dynamics, and tips for sound checks in your Corps worship ministry.

  • Life Calling

    Leader:

  • Life Skills

    Leader: Eric Petersen

  • Musical Theater

    Leader: Vanessa Gamble - This class we’ll be learning the basics of musical theater while on our feet leaning an ensemble piece to perform together! Sound too good to be true? Well, believe it! See you there!

  • Percussion Ensemble

    Leader: David Dickinson

  • Piano for Worship 101

    Leader: Kevin Larsson - Piano 101 is for beginner piano students who want to learn to play keyboard in a worship team setting. Taking a similar approach to beginning guitar, the piano students will focus on chord shapes, utilizing chord inversions and other techniques to quickly establish an authentic, contemporary sound.

  • Timbrels

    Leader: Sarah Stillson - Rhythm. Precision. Praise. Timbrels at Western Music Institute combine choreographed drills, dynamic rhythms, and colorful ribbons to create a powerful expression of worship. It’s movement, music, and teamwork woven together in a beautiful and exciting way.

  • Ukulele

    Leader: Kenneth Santiago - We’re in for a lot of fun in the ukulele elective this year! We’ll be learning a wide variety of songs and playing styles, ranging from contemporary worship music to traditional Hawaiian music. You can expect to learn a ton, grow as a musician, and have an absolute blast along the way!

  • Visual Art

    Leader: Ashley Stillson - In this elective, we’ll experiment with a bunch of different art mediums like mini canvas painting, clay, and other fun materials. The goal is to try new things, get creative, and make some cool projects along the way. 🎨

  • Writing Worship Songs

    Leader: Phil Laeger - Crafting songs for corporate worship that reflect God’s heart and build up His Church. Learn how to take a song from inspired idea to finished offering.

Vocal Auditions

Instructions for WMI vocal audition.

  1. Print or download the Vocal Audition Sheet.
  2. You can practice as much as you like with the recored audio. There are also practice tracks for two sections of the audition you’ll need to complete. 
  3. The best way to record your audition is to play the track on one device like your computer with headphones and record yourself with your phone.
    1. On iPhone use the voice memos app
    2. On Android phones use the voice recorder app 
  4. Once you are ready, click on the appropriate Audition Track below for your voice. (Located at www.usamusicwest.org/wmi2026)
  5. Start Recording on your phone.
  6. Make sure you do the hand clap when asked.
  7. Go through the whole audition (roughly seven minutes), and then press stop on the phone.
  8. You can try the audition as many times as you like, but you can only upload ONE UNEDITED VERSION!
  9. Upload the recording by clicking on the ‘Upload Vocal Audition’ button below (on www.usamusicwest.org/wmi2026). Follow the instructions to upload your audition.

Note: if you cannot submit your audition following the directions above, we can setup an online audition.  Please email musicwest@usw.SalvationArmy.org to request an online audition.

Vocal Auditions Need to Be Submitted by July 17, 2026

Vocal Audition Sheet

 

Vocal Audition – Soprano Track

Vocal Audition – Alto Track

Vocal Audition – Tenor Track

Vocal Audition – Bass Track

Practice Files

I Will Worship You Always – SATB Demo


I Will Worship You Always – Soprano


I Will Worship You Always – Alto


I Will Worship You Always – Tenor


I Will Worship You Always – Bass

I’m In His Hands – Demonstration 

Upload Vocal Audition

Upload Vocal Audition Music

WMI Soloist Showcase 2026
On-Line Audition Guidelines

This year at WMI, we are asking all the students who want to participate in the event to record their solos and submit an online audition. It will save us some time at camp.

  • To be able to participate at camp, you must submit an online audition by July 17, 2026. 
  • Once that audition is submitted, you must sing, dance, play the same piece when you arrive at WMI.
  • There will be rehearsal time for you and an accompanist if you need one.
  • All sheet music and tracks (dance) must be uploaded at the time of submitting your audition.
  • If you are a vocalist or dancer, please also upload a typed/printed copy of the lyrics.
  • For monologues, the full script must be uploaded
  • Full uniform/fatigues should be worn for the WMI Showcase unless you need a costume/dance attire.

IMPORTANT

You can choose your music from

  • CLASSICAL MUSIC REPERTOIRE for your instrument/voice
  • WORSHIP songs – properly arranged for voice/instrument – no scraps of paper with chords on
  • MUSICALS – ONLY appropriate songs from APPROPRIATE musicals can be chosen. Songs must use language appropriate to our Christian Environment
  • DANCE TRACKS must use camp appropriate lyrics/music
  • NEW MUSIC  – You may submit a song that you have composed yourself.  Your song must be appropriate for our camp setting and is subject to approval by the THQ Music Department.  

We are looking forward to seeing and hearing you using the talents that God has given you when you arrive at WMI.

HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR SOLOIST AUDITION

Record yourself performing your solo. If you need to perform to a track, use the guidelines for the Vocal Auditions. Otherwise, just use your phone. When you are ready, click on the button below to submit your solo.

Upload Solo Audition

Upload Soloist Audition

Brass Band Audition Material

Use this Music to prepare for your Brass Audition which take place on the first day of WMI. 

Cornet
Alto Horn
Baritone
Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
Percussion

Right Click to Download

Praise and Worship Audition Material

Instructions for WMI Praise & Worship audition.

  1. Print or download the Chord Chart or Lead Sheet.
  2. You can practice as much as you like with the accompaniment track. 
  3. The best way to record your audition is to play the track on one device like your computer and record yourself with your phone.
  4. Once you are ready, click on the appropriate Accompaniment Track. (Located at www.usamusicwest.org/wmi2026)
  5. Start Recording on your phone.
  6. Play along or sing with the song.  We need to hear you so the track can be a lower volume. 
  7. You can try the audition as many times as you like, but you can only upload ONE UNEDITED VERSION!
  8. Upload the recording by clicking on the ‘WMI Praise & Worship Audition Upload’ green button below (on www.usamusicwest.org/wmi2026). Follow the instructions to upload your audition.

Note: if you cannot submit your audition following the directions above, we can setup an online audition.  Please email musicwest@usw.SalvationArmy.org to request an online audition.

Praise & Worship Instrumental Auditions

Guitar, Bass Guitar, Keyboards & Drums send us a video of yourself playing along with this track. Play the accompaniment track on another device in the background.  It is important for use to be able to hear and see you as you play.

The King is in the Room – Chord Chart in A
The King is in the Room – Accompaniment Track

Keyboards, also send us a recording of yourself playing along to this accompaniment track to demonstrate your ability to play in different tempos and volumes. 

What a Beautiful Name – Chord Chart in D
What a Beautiful Name – Accompaniment Track

Praise & Worship Vocal Auditions

Watch the demonstration video to familiarize yourself with the song “I Know A Name”

Send us a video of yourself singing along with the track the best suits your voice.  In the key of E if you normally sing in a high range (soprano and tenor) In the key of G if you have a lower voice (alto & bass). Play the accompaniment track on another device in the background.  It is important for use to be able to hear and see you as you sing.

I Know a Name – Demonstration Video

High Voice
I Know a Name – Lead Sheet in E
I Know a Name – Accompaniment Track

Low Voice
I Know a Name – Lead Sheet in G
I Know A Name – Accompaniment Track

WMI Praise & Worship Audition Upload

WMI Starts in

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds