Ensemble Audition Requirements
Ready to join a Music ensemble?
Whether you’re brand new to campus or returning for another year, all students audition during the first week of classes! Don't stress—this quick session is just our way of getting to know you and matching you with the ensemble where you’ll shine, grow, and have the best experience.
How to get started:
Check the details: Review the audition requirements for your area of interest below.
Grab a time slot: Head over to the Rogers Music Center (between Rooms 110 and 111) to view audition times and make an appointment.
Production info:
Our Spring ‘26 production isLight in the Piazza (2003)music and lyrics by Adam Guettel.We will be performing with a live chamber orchestra (string quintet, piano, and harp). Dr. Penn will direct. Douglas Schneider (pianist forBreasts of Tiresias) will provide musical coaching in the fall and spring semesters. The production elements will be created by our talented students in the theater department, under the mentorship of theater faculty.
An excellent complete performance is here: The Light in the Piazza | Broadway (June 15, 2006)
If you are cast, expectations for your time and commitment are as follows:
- You will berequired to register for DVA(MUSE-034X) inboth the fall and spring semesters. X credits will never put you into overage or incur a fee.
- Fall semester, begin learning the partimmediately, with the help of your applied music instructor, if you have one.
- In October-November, you will be expected to schedule 5-7 hours of private coaching with Douglas Schneider. These sessions can be scheduled at a mutually convenient time; there is noregular class timein the fall.
- In the spring semester, DVA meets three times a week for 2 hours through the end of the production, then you are released for the rest of the semester. Attendance at all rehearsals is crucial, since rehearsal time is limited. It may be possible to accommodate one or two conflicts during our regular class period in the spring session,with sufficient prior notice.
- Our tech/dress week is March 7-12. You should expect to spend the whole evening in the theater (probably 6:00-10:00) every night this week.
- Our performances are March 13, 14, and 15. The Sunday performance is a matinee.
- We cannot work around conflicts with tech/dress/performances.
Auditions will take place on Wednesday of the first week of class.
For your audition please prepare:
- one song/aria in English, 3-6 minutes in length. Singers interested in being considered for the Italian characters may offer a piece in Italian or Spanish if they prefer. An ideal audition piece will show your vocal range, your acting ability, and your comfort in classical music OR legit/classical musical theater styles.
- a one-minute monologue. If you do not have a monologue we will ask you to read a side from the show.
Dr. Zimmerman will accompany. If possible, plan to perform a piece she has rehearsed with you in previous semesters. We understand that this may not be possible for everyone. Bring a clean, legible, paper copy of your music in a binder. Avoid plastic sleeves (too reflective) and staples (they can injure the pianist).
Character Breakdown
- Margaret Johnson: An elegant, self-possessed, practical American woman. Strong and self-assured. To play mid to late 40′s. Full lyric soprano or mezzo with strong middle. Range: low G (G3) to high G (G5).
- Clara Johnson: Margaret’s 26-year-old daughter. To play mid to late 20′s. Soprano or light mezzo with strong voice in both ends of range. Low A (A3) to high A (A5).
- Fabrizio Naccarelli: A 20-year-old, handsome and charming Florentine. Youthful and passionate. To play early 20′s. Lyric Tenor. Low B flat (Bb2) to high B (B4). Speaks Italian, and speaks/sings English with an Italian accent.
- Giuseppe Naccarelli: Fabrizio’s older brother. A lady’s man. Very Italian. To play late 20′s to mid 30′s. The most physical character in the show. B flat (Bb2) to F (F4). (Tenor or Baritone) Speaks in Italian.
- Franca Naccarelli: Guiseppe’s wife. Very passionate and strong. Unhappy in her marriage but in love with her husband. To play late 20′s to mid 30′s. Darker-timbre soprano, or mezzo-soprano with strong head voice. Low B flat (Bb3) to high B (B5). Speaks Italian, and speaks English with Italian accent.
- Signor Naccarelli: Fabrizio’s father. Very charming, charismatic and insightful. Loves his family. To play 40’s to 50’s. Low A (A2) to E (E4) . (Bass-baritone or bass) Speaks Italian, and speaks English with light Italian accent
- Signora Naccarelli: Fabrizio’s mother. Cunning and intelligent. The foundation of her family. Soprano with strong low range. Low C sharp (C#4) to high C (C6). Strong actress. Speaks in Italian, but sings in English, no accent. To play late 30’s to 50’s.
- Roy Johnson: Margaret’s husband – to match Margaret age range in casting. Non singing (flexible voice type.)
- Priest and others: Flexible voice type (speaking role)
- Artist and others: Flexible voice type (speaking role)
- Tour Guide and others: Flexible voice type (speaking role)
Professor Damian Berdakin, director
Strings and Winds
- Play one major and one minor scale, and arpeggios (2 or 3 octaves);
- Perform a solo piece of your choice;
- Be prepared to sightread a short excerpt.
Percussion
- Perform three types of rolls on the snare with various dynamics;
- Perform one etude of student's choice on mallet or timpani;
- Be prepared to sightread a short excerpt.
Other Instruments
Contact the orchestra director for instructions.
Dr. James Miley, area coordinator
ALL MUSICIANS:- scales, range, tone
- solo piece of student’s choice, any style/genre
- should be something that 1) you enjoy playing and 2) demonstrates your musicality and technical skill
- improvise over F blues (only for those interested in solo chairs and/or jazz combos)
- sight reading
- prepare this excerpt (parts for all saxophones, brass + concert key; scroll to your part once you download)
- play along accompaniment available here
RHYTHM SECTION only: In addition to the individual audition, there is an additional group audition for rhythm section players on Tuesday, August 25 @ 3:00 pm in Rogers Rehearsal Hall- play F blues w/full rhythm section in various styles/grooves
- bassist must demonstrate walking lines
- guitarist/pianists/vibes must comp changes
- all will trade fours with drums
- improvise over the blues form
Additionally, please print and fill out this information form and bring it to your audition.
- Dr. Anna Song, area coordinator
- solo song of student's choice, sung unaccompanied to demonstrate musicality/expression and intonation (any style, does not need to be memorized)
- vocalizing for range
- pitch matching for pitch memory/accuracy
- sight reading
- prior to audition, complete the google form
Matt Sazima, area coordinator
Auditions are held in two roundsFirst Round: Individual Meetings w/the Director (Matt Sazima)Tuesday, August 25 @ 12:30-3:00pm- arrive warmed up and ready to sing
- expect to sing scales, do some interval work, and clap rhythms
- short chat about your musical background, as well as an opportunity to ask the director any questions about the ensemble
Second Round: Group CallbacksThursday, August 27 @ 1:10 - 2:40pm- all students invited will be given a range-appropriate part to prepare in order to hear you sing in a group context
- students will also be given an opportunity to sing solo
note: the director can provide you with an additional piece to prepare unless you already have a stylistically appropriate song you are comfortable performing)improvisation (group workshop)Professor Damian Berdakin, director
Willamette University offers a wide range of chamber ensembles. Interested students should sign up for an orchestra audition and inform the director of their interest in performing chamber music.