Performance

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 2020 Audition Information}

Choral Ensembles: Coming soon!

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.

Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra:

For information, please contact Interim Director Katherine Kilburn. For additional information, go to http://cuorchestra.org.

Wind Symphony:

Please direct questions to James Spinazzola, Director of Winds (jms862@cornell.edu). For more information, go to www.cuwinds.com

Jazz: Coming soon!

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

Chamber Flute Ensemble:

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

Chamber Music Ensembles: Coming soon!

Students are asked to prepare two contrasting pieces for their 10 minute audition, and they will be asked to sight read a short selection. 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. Please contact Miri Yampolsky (my86@cornell.edu) or Juliana Pepinsky (jm857@cornell.edu) for more information.

Baroque Orchestra: Coming Soon

For information, please contct 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 22, 2020. For more information, please contact Annie Lewandowski (APL72@cornell.edu).

Steel Band:

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

Percussion Group:

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

Individual Lesson Auditions

Jazz Lessons:

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

Piano Lessons:

Piano lessons auditions will be held on January 20, 1-2 pm, and there is a sign-up sheet on the door of the piano studio: 331 Lincoln Hall. The audition is 10 minutes long, and students should prepare two contrasting works of their choosing, and we will have you sight-read. Contact Professor Xak Bjerken (xb10@cornell.edu) for more information.

Violin Lessons:

For admission into the Violin Lessons Program, please contact Dr. Ariana Kim at arianakim@cornell.edu to schedule an audition time for January 15-16 or January 20.

Voice Lessons:

Audition will beheld on January 25 and 26. All students should fill out this form prior to their audition. Prospective students 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 and to schedule an audition, please contact Lucy Fitz Gibbon (lhf33@cornell.edu) and visit https://blogs.cornell.edu/voice/.

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/)