Auditions
Auditions for entry into a musical ensemble within the School of Music vary according to a variety of factors that can change on a semester by semester basis. Read below to find out the latest information on the musical ensembles you are interested in joining.
Vocal placement is contingent upon one’s individual vocal Fach, a method of classifying singers according to the range, weight, and timbre of their voice. For any questions, please contact Dr. Joshua Palkki.
Vocal placement is contingent upon one’s individual vocal Fach, a method of classifying singers according to the range, weight, and timbre of their voice.
For Fall 2023: All students are encouraged to attend ‘Choir Kickoff Evening,’ on Wednesday, August 16, 2023. More information one each of the ensembles will be provided at that time.
Vocal placement in Chamber Choir is based upon an audition and issue of ‘Permit to Register.’ The audition includes sight-singing, tonal memory, and vocalizing.
Fall 2025 Chamber Choir Audition- August 18 & 19, 2025
Audition Protocol 10 minutes (all times approximate)
Introductions, 1 minute: This a time for the you and the director to get to know one another and to feel comfortable.
Solo, 1 minute: Sing 30 seconds of anything…. yes absolutely anything that features your voice. Any genre, no restrictions. You will be asked to sing a cappella (without accompaniment).
Vocal Exercises, 3 minutes: You will be asked to sing a series of vocal exercises that asses range, tone, timbre, agility, and dynamic and articulatory ability.
Sight Singing and Tonal Memory, 3 minutes: You will be asked to sing back a series of pitches from the piano. You will also be asked to sight read one or more examples. You may utilize solfège, number systems, a neutral syllable, or text while singing.
Interview and question, 2 minutes: You will be asked a question about your choral journey and development and will also have the time to ask any questions you may have.
Please sign up for a time here and also complete this questionnaire. For any questions, please contact Dr. Joshua Palkki.
Auditions for the Jazz Ensemble & Combos are held at the beginning of each academic semester. For Fall 2025, the sign-up sheet will be on my NEW office door, West Village 271 after Tuesday, August 12th. For the requirements of each area, please check the jazz program page or contact Dr. Chip Crotts.
The ensemble is primarily geared towards guitarists, bassists, keyboard players, drummers, and vocalists. We are also open to live sound engineers and artists who play other “pop-music technology”: turntables, Ableton Live, etc.
We typically have space for 12-18 members (two bands) per course section, including two drummers, two bassists, 2-4 keyboardists, 2-4 guitarists, 4-6 vocalists, and 1-2 producers/engineers. Players are selected primarily based on their fit within the band(s), not skill. Only basic instrumental proficiency is required for the ensemble; you need to be able to play pop/rock songs in tune and in time, but you don’t need to be a virtuoso shredder. We do not use written scores.
Each semester, our first two rehearsal/class sessions are an open jam and try-out session for prospective players/vocalists. During the try-outs you will be asked to freely jam, play prepared songs (list below), share your musical tastes and influences, and propose ideas for music to perform. Bring your own guitar, bass, and/or drum sticks; drumsets, keyboards, microphones, guitar/bass amps, and all cables will be provided.
To facilitate jamming, please learn to play one or more of the following songs on your instrument (or vocals):
• Californication (the Red Hot Chili Peppers)
• Let It Be (the Beatles)
• Rolling in the Deep (Adele)
• Superstition (Stevie Wonder)
• This Love (Maroon 5)
• We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together (Taylor Swift)
• When I Come Around (Green Day)
For questions, contact Nat Condit-Schultz.
Auditions take place the first week of each semester for placement in Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Orchestra and the Percussion Ensembles.
While there is no set prepared music, each student will be asked to demonstrate their proficiency on as many or a few standard instruments that they feel comfortable. (snare drum, keyboard percussion, timpani, drum set, ethnic percussion)
If a student is not assigned to their preferred ensemble, they will be eligible to participate in another ensemble based on the results of the audition.
Consideration will be taken into account for schedule conflicts.
For Orchestra related inquiries, please first check the orchestra website before e-mailing Dr. Ting.
The Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and Orchestral Winds auditions are now video submissions, due the Friday before school starts each semester.
Winds will be required to play prepared piece(s), 3 chromatically adjacent major scales, and the chromatic scale for the practical range of their instrument. Auditions are done through video submissions.
Please click on the ensemble page for audition materials and requirements:
Contact Professor Diden if you have questions about these requirements.
All students MUST sign up for the appropriate Concert Band, Symphonic Band or Orchestra class after auditions have been completed.
For Orchestra related inquiries, please first check the orchestra website before e-mailing Dr. Ting.