Audition Information

Choral Ensembles

No audition is required for the World Music Choir (offered spring 2009) or the Sage Chapel Choir (not offered 2008-09).  Auditions for the other choral groups (Glee Club, Chorus, Chorale, and Chamber Singers) are held at the start of every semester.  For information about the audition process and to register for an audition, visit the Glee Club website.

Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra

Auditions take place during the first week of classes.  They include performance of two contrasting pieces or excerpts of between 5 and 10 minutes in length that best demonstrate your abilities.  For additional information, visit the orchestra website.

CU Winds (Wind Ensemble, Wind Symphony, Chamber Winds)

Auditions are required for all ensembles and are held during the first week of classes in both semesters. Please prepare a solo or etude that best displays your musicality and technique.  Your selection should show various aspects indicative of your playing:  articulation, range, tone quality, phrasing, intonation, dynamics, musicality, etc.  You will be asked to perform various major scales and to sight-read during your 10-minute audition.  You may either sign-up on the sheets posted on the band bulletin board in the basement of Lincoln Hall or sign up on line at the CU Winds website.

Chamber Music

Auditions take place during the first week of classes. For scheduling information, please contact coordinator Miri Yampolsky.

Jazz Ensembles

Instrumental auditions are held on the first Wednesday evening of classes each semester.  Vocal auditions are by appointment.  Auditions involve playing and demonstrating knowledge of all major and minor scales, sight-reading, and improvisation on a jazz standard.  For additional information, please visit the Jazz Ensembles website.

World Music and Percussion Ensembles

Gamelan Ensemble and Middle Eastern Music Ensemble:  open to the Cornell community by permission of the instructor.

World Drum and Dance Ensemble: no audition required.  Come to the first rehearsal.

Steel Bands:  Auditions are scheduled by appointment during the first week of classes each semester. It is not necessary to prepare a piece for the audition; prospective steel band members will be asked to show skills in reading music as well as in learning patterns by rote.

Percussion Ensemble: Auditions are scheduled by appointment during the first week of classes each semester.  Students might demonstrate ability in the areas of keyboard percussion, orchestral instruments (snare drum, timpani, etc.), drumset, and/or hand drumming.

For more information about percussion auditions, visit the percussion website.