While I do not know particulars about ASU, this has been our experience in voice departments: Presumably, there are only a fixed number of spots for a specific instrument. These spots are filled with undergrads and grad students. So let’s say they have 5 spots available in trumpet between 2 professors and your player ranked 7. He will be wait-listed until the top 5 have communicated their intent. If two choose to go elsewhere, he can move up to accepted status. If it is his top choice, you should definitely communicate to music admissions, and perhaps they will give you some indication of how deep the wait list is. Good luck!
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