Music
Music / Audition, Placement, and Competitions / Ensemble Audition Requirements

Ensemble Audition Requirements

Students -- incoming and returning -- interested in joining a Music ensemble will need to audition during the first week of classes. Please review the requirements for your area of interest below. 

Sign up sheets are posted in the Rogers Music Center, on the bulletin board between rooms 110 and 111.

  • Dr. Qinqing Qian, area coordinator

    Students interested in Orchestra are required to audition in order to determine placement and seating.

    During the audition, you will perform scales and arpeggios, your prepared pieces, and an excerpt from the links below for your instrument. Dr. Qian will ask you questions to see how responsive you are to interpretive or technical suggestions. But most importantly, she will answer your questions about the ensemble, the music, the time commitment, and the experience.

    Auditions will last 10 minutes. If you are interested in auditioning on more than one instrument, then please sign up for two 10-minute slots and indicate each of your instruments.

    If you cannot make any of the audition dates, please email Dr. Qian and schedule a separate time.

    Violin, Viola, Cello

    1. Play one major and one minor scale, and arpeggios (three octaves);
    2. Perform one solo piece with contrasting parts, or two individual contrasting style solo pieces. (total length should be no longer than 5 minutes)
    3. Play the excerpts

    Double Bass

    1. Play one major and one minor scale (two octaves);
    2. Perform one solo piece;
    3. Play the excerpts

    Wind and Brass Instruments
    (Piccolo, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone; Horn, Trumpet, Euphonium, Trombone, Tuba)

    1. Play one major and one minor scale (two octaves), along with arpeggios (both legato and staccato); *Tuba only needs one octave.
    2. Two etudes of different types (total length should be less than 5 minutes);
    3. Play the excerpts (no excerpt needed for bass clarinet, all sax, and tuba)

    Percussion 

    1. Perform three types of rolls on the snare with various dynamics;
    2. One etude of student's choice on mallet or timpani

    Harp, Piano

    1. Play one major and one minor scale (four octaves) and arpeggios;
    2. One etude and one Bach, or one etude and one movement from a sonata (total length should be less than 7 minutes)

  • Dr. James Miley, area coordinator

    • solo piece of student’s choice, any style/genre
    • should be something 1) you enjoy playing and 2) demonstrates your musicality and technical skill
    • jazz excerpt *(parts for all saxophones, brass, and rhythm section -- scroll to your instrument once you download the file)
    • improvise over Bb or F blues (only for those interested in solo chairs and/or jazz combos)
    • sight reading 
    • RHYTHM SECTION players have additional group audition on Tuesday, August 26 @ 2:40pm
      • Play blues w/full rhythm section in various styles/grooves
      • Trade fours with drums
      • Sight read short excerpt from a big band chart

    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 rounds
    First Round: Individual Meetings w/the Director (Matt Sazima)
    Tuesday, August 26 @ 12:30-2:40pm
    • 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 Callbacks
    Thursday, August 28 @ 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)

  • Dr. Qinqing Qian, area coordinator

    Chamber ensembles are staffed according to student interest and faculty recommendation, and do not require a specific audition. Please contact Prof. Qian for more information.