Performance is a fundamental part of Cornell’s cultural life. The Department of Music encourages music-making through a wide array of chamber and large ensembles, as well as its offerings in private lessons and directed coaching by members of the music faculty. Master classes, degree and non-degree recitals, contemporary music concerts, and an annual concerto competition supplement the music department’s concert offerings.

^{Spring 2018 Audition Information}

Choral Ensembles:

The choirs have been lending their voices and bringing spirit to occasions at Cornell since the beginning of the university's history. The student-led choral programs at Cornell offer truly unique experiences for members--perks which bring us together and motivate our members to lead and inspire. The four department choral ensembles (Chorus, Glee Club, Chamber Singers, and Chorale) hold joint auditions. The audition dates and times are as follows:

Thursday, 1/25
2 pm - 8 pm Sign-ups at Lincoln Hall Atrium
8pm - 9pm Walk-ins at Lincoln Hall Atrium

Friday, 1/27
2 pm -7 pm Sign-ups at Lincoln Hall Atrium
7pm - 9pm Walk-ins at Lincoln Hall Atrium

To sign up for an audition, please visit http://sage.music.cornell.edu/

Please explore singatcornell.com for a comprehensive overview of all the choral ensembles at Cornell and for more audition information. Also, visit the websites for the individual ensembles to learn more about unique experiences each one has to offer: cornellchorale.com, cuchorus.com, and gleeclub.com.

Cornell Orchestras:

Audition will be on Tuesday, January 23, 1-4 pm in B20. Students MUST sign-up for an audition online. Once you complete the form, Professor Chris Kim will assign an audition time for you via email. For information, go to http://cuorchestra.org or contact Chris Kim (cyk8@cornell.edu).

CU Winds:

For information, please contact James Spinazzola (jms862@cornell.edu).

Jazz Ensembles:

For more information, please contact Paul Merrill (pm75@cornell.edu) and visit http://jazz.arts.cornell.edu/.

Chamber Music Ensembles:

Please contact Miri Yampolsky (my86@cornell.edu) fto set up the audition time. Cornell faculty meet with groups individually each week for an hour, in addition to a bi-monthly chamber music class, in which student play for each other and receive feedback from students and faculty alike. Groups will be expected to rehearse on their own at least once a week. All students will perform in a Student Chamber Music Recital near the end of the semester.

Chamber Flute Ensemble:

For information, please contact Juliana Pepinsky (jm857@cornell.edu) .

Cornell Baroque Orchestra:

One prepared piece, preferably composed before 1800 (e.g. J.S. Bach, Handel, Vivaldi, Corelli, etc.). By appointment. Please contact Morton Wan (mtw74@cornell.edu).

Deixa Sambar (Brazilian Ensemble):

Deixa Sambar performs several styles of samba, Brazil’s national music. Members need not have prior background in music-making, but a good sense of rhythm is desirable. Members include students as well as Ithaca community members, “brasileiros” as well as newcomers to Brazilian culture. No audition necessary. For more information, contact Professor Steven Pond (sfp8@cornell.edu).

Gamelan Ensemble:

The Gamelan Ensemble is open to the Cornell community by permission of the instructor. For information, please contact Christopher Miller (cjm299@cornell.edu).

Improvisation Ensemble:

Auditions take place during the first class meeting in B20 Lincoln Hall from 7:00pm to 9:30pm on Wednesday, January 24, 2018. For more information, please contact Annie Lewandowski (APL72@cornell.edu).

Steel Band:

For information, please contact Christopher Miller (cjm299@cornell.edu).

Cornell Percussion Group:

For information, please contact Mike Sparhuber (mas847@cornell.edu).

Violin Lessons: Please prepare two contrasting solo works of your choosing and contact Dr. Kim at arianakim@cornell.edu to set up the audition time.

Individual Lesson Auditions

Piano Lessons:

Auditions schedule: Auditions will be held from 3 pm on Saturday, January 27th in 331 Lincoln Hall. A sign up sheet will be posted on the door of 331 Lincoln. Students are asked to prepare two contrasting pieces for their ten-minute audition, and they will be asked to sight read a short selection. Those who are accepted to lessons must sign up for the course, and those receiving more than 1 credit hour must take a history or theory course concurrently (please see course catalog). Contact Professor Xak Bjerken (xb10@cornell.edu) for more information.

Violin Lessons: See ‘Violin Auditions’

Voice Lessos:

Schedule: Please contact Patrice Pastore (pep58@cornell.edu) to set up the audition time. Auditioners should bring one or two pieces that best demonstrate their current level, both musical and vocal. Placement options are sometimes available for beginners without repertory. Those students will be asked to vocalize for range identification and musical skill. for more information.

Students interested in taking lessons for the first time on any other instrument should audition during the instrument’s scheduled ensemble audition time. Students do not need to re-audition if they have taken lessons in the past, unless they are taking lessons on a different instrument for the first time. Contact the Faculty Sponsor for your instrument (a list of these sponsors can be found at music.cornell.edu/performing/private-lessons/)

Featured Ensemble Performance: Symphony Orchestra with Glee Club and Chorus, 5/6/17

Cornell Symphony Orchestra (CSO), led by conductor Chris Younghoon Kim, with the Cornell University Chorus and Glee Club, directed by Stephen Spinelli. Features Sibelius Symphony No. 7 and Lili Boulanger’s Psalm 130 (Du fond de l’abîme).