Audition Updates

Choral Ensembles:

Our choirs have been lending their voices and bringing spirit to occasions at Cornell since the beginning of the university's history. Touring, recording, and outreach 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.

Please explore singatcornell.com for a comprehensive overview of all the choral ensembles at Cornell, including audition information.

Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra

For information, please check the orchestra website https://www.cuorchestra.org/.

Wind Symphony

For information, please check the Wind Symphony website https://www.cuwinds.com/appointments-3 or contact James Spinazzola, Director of Winds (jms862@cornell.edu).

Jazz:

Jazz audition information will be on  http://jazz.arts.cornell.edu/. For more information, please contact Paul Merrill (pm75@cornell.edu).

Chamber Flute Ensemble:

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

Chamber Music Ensembles:

For Spring 2023: All interested pianists should sign up for a live audition at cupiano.org. All other instruments please fill out the online application and submit a video audition as follows: To apply for chamber music, please fill out this form and include a link to a video audition. The video audition should consist of two short, contrasting selections. Excerpts of longer pieces are fine. Be sure the video is set to Unlisted. All students will need to submit the form, but returning students from the fall do not need to submit a video. All materials are due by 11:59 pm on January 22. Students will be notified of groups and coaches during the first week of classes. Please note that placement in a group is not guaranteed. For more information, please contact Juliana Pepinsky (jm857@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:

The Music Improvisation Ensemble provides students with the opportunity to explore the elements of music from an improviser's perspective. This ensemble is open to any level of musician. An audition is required at the beginning of the semester simply as a means of introduction. Please contact instructor Annie Lewandowski for more information: apl72@cornell.edu.

Steel Band:

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

Percussion Group:

For information, please contact Mike Trusedall (mt665@cornell.edu).

Jazz Lessons:

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

Piano Lessons:

Students can sign up for in-person piano auditions from noon to 2 pm on January 21, on the homepage here: cupiano.org. The audition is 10 minutes long, and students should prepare two contrasting works of their choosing, and we will have you sight-read. Contact Xak Bjerken(xb10@cornell.edu) for more information.

Violin Lessons:

Auditions for Spring 2023 are complete, but for Fall 2023, please contact Dr. Kim at arianakim@cornell.edu. Students who plan to audition for the Cornell Orchestras and wish to be considered for the Lesson Program need no audition twice; the orchestra audition will suffice as the studio placement audition as well. Repertoire requirements are two 3-octave scales and two contrasting solo works.

Voice Lessons: Coming Soon

Voice lesson auditions for the Spring 2023 semester will be held in 142 Lincoln Hall on January 21-22. Please email Tamara Acosta (tca46@cornell.edu) to request an audition time or with any questions. Prospective students should prepare two pieces that best demonstrate their current level, both musical and vocal, as well as reflect their musical interests. Placement options are sometimes available for singers without repertory. Please visit https://blogs.cornell.edu/voice/ for sign-ups and 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.