Ensemble Auditions

UNC Ensembles are open to students of all majors. Click on the links below to find more information about the audition requirements and to schedule an audition. 

Schedule Audition

 

To make changes to your scheduled audition, log in to the online scheduling portal.

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Woodwinds & Brass

Auditions for Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble & UNC Symphony Orchestra Winds

Audition Details

• Students wishing to be considered for either Wind Ensemble or Symphonic Band must play the prescribed excerpts. Any additional audition material will be provided by the studio teacher for your instrument, and you are to reach out to the teacher ASAP. NO audition is necessary for Concert Band consideration. (Percussionists: your specific audition information is listed below in a separate section.)
• All wind/brass students who wish to be considered for the UNC Symphony Orchestra are to audition during the band audition days/times (August 27 & 29). Be prepared to play any prescribed orchestral excerpts required by the studio teacher in addition to the band excerpts.  
• If you wish to audition on multiple instruments for either Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, or UNC Symphony Orchestra, you must prepare each set of excerpts for those instruments (ex., flute/piccolo, Eb/Bb clarinet, Bb/Bass clarinet, any of the saxophones, or any of the brass doublings).  Again, be prepared to play any prescribed orchestral excerpts required by the studio teacher in addition to the band excerpts.  
• Ensemble Auditions will take place during the first week of classes on both Tuesday (August 27) and Thursday (August 29).  Be sure to sign up for an audition time on the scheduling portal.  All auditions are 10-minutes in length and in-person in the Campus Commons Performance Hall.  (Percussionists, see the audition details and scheduling information below.)
• All ensemble assignments (Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, University Orchestra Wind Section) will be posted on or before Friday, August 30 in time for you to register for your ensemble(s).  

• Woodwind Audition Excerpts

  Piccolo

  Flute

  Oboe

  Eb Clarinet

  • Bb Clarinet (all auditionees)
  • Bb Clarinet (orchestra auditionees only)

  Bass Clarinet

  Bassoon

  • Alto Saxophone
  • 90-second excerpt of choice

  • Tenor Saxophone
  • 90-second excerpt of choice

  • Baritone Saxophone
  • 90-second excerpt of choice

   
• Brass Audition Excerpts

  Trumpet

  F Horn
  
  

  Tenor Trombone

  Bass Trombone

  Euphonium

  Tuba

• Audition Excerpt Recordings

  Roberto Sierra's Alegria (Transcribed by Mark Scatterday)

  Joni Greene's Moonscape Awakening

  Percy Grainger's The Gum-Suckers March (Edited by J. Mark Rogers

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Percussion

Audition Details

• Instruments will be provided.
• All students interested in playing percussion in Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, and the UNC Symphony Orchestra must audition.
• Participation in Percussion Ensemble is either by successful audition or permission of the instructor. The ensemble auditions will serve as the Percussion Ensemble audition. If one does not do the ensemble audition, they need Dr. Feerst’s permission to participate.

24-25 Percussion Auditions

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UNC Symphony Orchestra Strings

Audition Details

Please prepare a piece of your choice that best demonstrates both your musical and technical abilities. In addition, please prepare the following specific orchestral excerpts from Peer Gynt by Edvard Grieg. Audition information will also be communicated via email. 

Important Notes:

• ALL string students currently enrolled or wishing to enroll in Orchestra must audition.
• Make sure you read the audition excerpts carefully to identify exactly what you need to prepare.
• Listen to a good reference recording while reading your part and take notes on tempos and phrasing. 
• Make sure you read and execute correctly all the notes, rhythms, tempos, and dynamics from your part. 
• Above all, make sure you have fun! 

24-25 Symphony Orchestra Strings Auditions Details

• Audition Excerpts

  Violin I

  Grieg – Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46

  • Mov. I “Morgenstimmung”: A until 5 after D
  • Mov. III “Anitras Tanz”: 4 after A with pick up until 5 after C
  • Mov. IV “Tanz in der Halle des Bergkönigs”: B until D 

  Grieg – Peer Gynt Suite No. 2, Op. 55

  • Mov. I “Der Brautraub”: m.15 (Andante Doloroso) until B
  • Mov. II “Arabischer Tanz”: 6 before D until F
  • Mov. III “Peer Gynts Heimkehr”: 15 after B until C

  Violin II

  Grieg – Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46

  • Mov. I “Morgenstimmung”: A until 5 after D
  • Mov. III “Anitras Tanz”: m.15 until m.22 and C until the end (always pizz!)
  • Mov. IV “Tanz in der Halle des Bergkönigs”: B until D 

  Grieg – Peer Gynt Suite No. 2, Op. 55

  • Mov. I “Der Brautraub”: m.15 (Andante Doloroso) until B
  • Mov. II “Arabischer Tanz”: A until D
  • Mov. IV “Solvejg’s Lied”: 8 before B until the end.

  Viola

  Grieg – Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46

  • Mov. I “Morgenstimmung”: A until 5 after D
  • Mov. III “Anitras Tanz”: m.15 until m.22 (always pizz!); and B until 12 before C (1st divisi)
  • Mov. IV “Tanz in der Halle des Bergkönigs”: B until D 

  Grieg – Peer Gynt Suite No. 2, Op. 55

  • Mov. I “Der Brautraub”: B until 4 after C
  • Mov. II “Arabischer Tanz”: 5 before K to the end
  • Mov. III “Peer Gynts Heimkehr”: m.1 until 7 after A

  Cello

  Grieg – Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46

  • Mov. I “Morgenstimmung”: A until D
  • Mov. III “Anitras Tanz”: m.12 until the repeat sign (1st div); 16 before A until A (any divisi); and 11 before C with pick-up until the end (1st divisi).

  Grieg – Peer Gynt Suite No. 2, Op. 55

  • Mov. I “Der Brautraub”: m.1 until A
  • Mov. II “Arabischer Tanz”: G until I
  • Mov. III “Peer Gynts Heimkehr”: 7 after B until C; and E until F

  Bass

  Grieg – Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46

  • Mov. II “Ases Tod”: m.1 until A
  • Mov. IV “Tanz in der Halle des Bergkönigs”: m.1 until A; and B until D

  Grieg – Peer Gynt Suite No. 2, Op. 55

  • Mov. I “Der Brautraub”: m.15 (Andante Doloroso) until C
  • Mov. II “Arabischer Tanz”: 7 before K until K
  • Mov. III “Peer Gynts Heimkehr”: 7 after B until C; and E until F

   

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UNC Choirs

See below for important information regarding choral auditions.

Audition Details

Our auditioned choirs include (these ALL qualify as a major musical organization for music majors):

• Chamber Choir MUS 266/466/666 
• Concert Choir MUS 280/480/680 
• Treble Choir MUS 281/481/681 
• Tenor/Bass Choir MUS 284/484/684

Our non-auditioned choir:

• University Singers MUS 282/482/682 (this does not qualify as a major musical organization for music majors)

We look forward to your audition. For more information, contact Dr. Jill Burgett at jill.burgett@unco.edu.

• Audition Material
  1. You do not need to bring music to the audition.
  2. Auditionees will be asked to sing the first verse melody of a familiar tune (“My Country Tis of Thee” or “Amazing Grace” -your choice) and vocalize on scales and arpeggios. If you would like to take a look at these pieces, here are links: 
     • My Country: https://hymnary.org/media/fetch/136476
     • Amazing Grace  https://hymnary.org/media/fetch/96169
  3. Auditionees will also be asked to sight read and demonstrate aural skills and interval recognition proficiency.
• Selecting the Correct Audition Type
  1. All incoming undergrad soprano/alto voices should audition with Dr. Clelyn Chapin.
  2. All incoming undergrad tenor/bass voices should audition with Dr. Burgett.
  3. All incoming graduate S/A/T/B voices should audition with Dr. Jill Burgett.
  4. Returning Treble Choir, Concert, or Chamber Choir Students will not need to reaudition. Simply sign up for the course.
  5. All returning singers auditioning for our Tenor/Bass Choir will need to audition with Mr. Talley.
  6. All students who would like to audition for another choir WILL need to schedule an audition with Dr. Burgett. This includes those who would like to move up from Treble Choir to Concert Choir/Chamber Choir and from Concert Choir to Chamber Choir.
• Notes
  • There is no audition required for University Singers, MUS 282. Register for the class through URSA and attend the first rehearsal. 
  • Based on your audition, you will be placed in the appropriate choir. Students wishing to “pre-register” register for a specific ensemble may do so prior to auditions but may need to change to their assigned choir afterwards. Students may also delay registering for an ensemble until auditions are completed on the Friday of the first week of classes.  
  • Acceptance into a choir carries with it the expectation of participation in both the fall and spring semesters. General exceptions to this would be student teaching or mid-year graduation, or other situations as determined.

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 Opera

Audition Details

Please prepare two arias or art songs in contrasting in style in any two of the following languages: French, German, Spanish, English. A pianist will be provided.  Arias from the season repertoire are acceptable.

24-25 OPERA THEATRE AUDITION DETAILS

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Spectrum Studio Orchestra

Audition Details

24-25 Spectrum Auditions

• Audition Excerpts

  Bassoon: Just Ask Tomorrow

  Horn in F: Maybe Someday
  Horn in F: Suite for the Americas
  Horn in F: Take the A Train

  Flute: Saudade e Piaxiao

  Oboe: Saudade e Piaxiao

  Mallet Percussion: Saudade e Piaxiao

  Violin: Saudade e Piaxiao
  Violin: West Side Story

  Viola: Rhapsody in Raag Jog
  Viola: West Side Story

  Cello: Rhapsody in Raag Jog
  Cello: West Side Story

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Instrumental Jazz

Audition Details

All jazz groups are open to all students, not only jazz studies majors or music majors. If you are interested in exploring jazz music, we hope you will audition.

Please join us for the UNC Jazz Welcome Concert!

Friday, August 30, 12:20pm | Campus Commons Rehearsal Hall

• Ensemble Rehearsal Schedule

  Instrumental Jazz Ensembles

  Lab Bands (big bands)

  • Compass Jazz Orchestra: MWF 11:15-12:05, Frasier Hall room 90, Dana Landry-Director
  • Lab II: MWF 11:15-12:05, Frasier Hall room 63, Jim White-Director
  • Lab III: MWF 11:15-12:05, Campus Commons Rehearsal Hall

  Bop Shop (focused instruction and practice on standard jazz repertoire and styles):

  • MW 1:25-2:15, Frasier 0090

  Funk/Soul Band

  • Meets MW 1:25-2:15, Campus Commons Rehearsal Hall

  Small Groups (jazz combos)

  • Meet together for Combo Forum Wednesdays 12:20-1:10*
    • This can be waived if your instrumental studio class meets at this time.
  • Rehearsal time: organized around members’ schedules- 75 minutes once a week*
    • Vanguard Combo meets Thursdays at 11:00-12:15
    • Birdland Combo meets Tuesdays at 11:00-12:15
• Audition Components

  Audition Components

  1) Prepared Piece (required for all auditions)

  • There are audition etudes for Alto, Tenor and Bari Sax; Lead and Section Trumpet; Lead, Section, and Bass Trombone; Guitar; Piano; Bass; and Drums.
  • Etudes for the saxophones also include short excerpts for woodwind doubles (these are optional, but please prepare these if you play these instruments).
  • Saxophonists who wish to be considered on a second saxophone type may include that in their audition, no need to sign-up for an additional time slot.
  • Trumpet and Trombone players who wish to be considered for section positions in addition to lead and/or bass chairs may perform both études during their audition, no need to sign-up for an additional time slot.

  2) Melody/Improv (for all but drums; drums please see below)

  • Required for jazz studies majors and for anyone auditioning for small ensembles (combos).
  • Optional for those who are only auditioning for Large Ensembles (Big Bands, etc.). However, if you are comfortable including this, please do so.

  Select one of these songs:

  • Moment’s Notice (Aebersold vol 38)
  • On Green Dolphin Street (Aebersold vol 34- in Eb, has a 4-bar intro)
  • Stablemates (Aebersold vol 14)
  • Bb Rhythm Changes (Aebersold vol 65 “Oleo”)
    • (Play any melody of your choice: Moose the Mooch, Oleo, etc.)
  • F Blues (Aebersold vol 42)

  You will play with the backing tracks which will be provided at the audition.

  • For all but Guitar, Piano and Bass: Play the melody, then solo for 3-4 choruses, then begin the melody again.
  • For Piano and Guitar: Play the melody, then comp for one chorus, then play a solo for 2-3 choruses, then begin the melody again.
  • For Bass:
 Play the melody, then walk for one chorus, then play a solo for 2-3 choruses, then begin the melody again.

  2) Drums: Styles (Required for all drum auditions)

  Drummers will also be asked to demonstrate different jazz styles and to alternate time and soloing over different forms.

  3) Sight-Reading

  Sight-reading will be included in all auditions.

  Sign-up For an Audition

• Audition Etudes 

  Audition Etudes

  Lead Trumpet

  Alto Sax

  Piano

  Section Trumpet

  Tenor Sax

  Drums

  Lead Trombone

  Bari Sax

  Guitar

  Section Trombone

  Bass

  Bass Trombone

 

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Vocal Jazz

• Audition Repertoire

  Audition Details

  Auditions will be in person. All audition materials are available and linked in a tab below. Additionally, please be sure to fill out the audition form, review ensemble meeting times/ important dates, and sign up for a Round 1 audition time. If you have any questions, please email Marion.Powers@unco.edu.

  Download Audition Materials

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  Audition Round 1

  1. Perform a prepared medium tempo swing tune of your choice (100-130bpm).
     • We will provide an accompanist but you’re welcome to bring your own or sing with a track or iRealPro. You only need to sing through the tune once. Improv is optional.
     • Song suggestions if you need them: All of Me, Autumn Leaves, Almost Like Being In Love, On The Sunny Side of the Street, Lullaby of Birdland, There is No Greater Love, etc.
     • If you’d like to demonstrate improv skills, you are also welcome to improvise over a blues instead of your chosen tune, if you are more comfortable doing that. This is also optional-improv is not required to be in an ensemble.
  2. Prepare to sing along with 1 ensemble excerpts.
     • The tracks and music are provided. You will sing live with the recording for this part of the audition.
       • Too Close for Comfort Intro (Please sing with the track on the part(s) you wish to audition up to m10.)
  3. Prepare to vocalize to test your range.
     • I will play through some vocal exercises to get an idea of how and high you’re able to sing comfortably. Please come warmed up.
  4. Prepare to sing a chromatic scale.
     • You can choose your starting pitch- make sure the scale is in a comfortable part of your range overall. You will play your first and last notes on the piano. You can use solfege if you’dlike, but are not required to.

  Audition Round 2

  • Everyone will learn the same excerpts ahead of time on their respective parts, and I will have you sing them in a variety of group combinations. 
  • The excerpts don’t need to be memorized, and we will review the parts at the beginning of this “callback” session.
  • You are welcome to learn just one part (S, A, T, or B) for the audition, but I suggest looking over any part in your range as I may try combinations with students singing different voice parts.
  • Please come prepared to sing the following excerpts (linked above):
    • Daahoud  (Measure 8 to the end of m38)
    • Strollin (Measures 5 to the end of m20)
  • I will have paper copies in my office during the solo audition if you'd like to pick some up. Otherwise I'll bring them to the live audition.
• Ensemble Meeting Times & Schedule

  Ensemble Meeting Times & Dates

  Rehearsals begin the second week of classes

  • T/Th @2-3:15pm: Campus Commons 1321
  • T/Th @2-3:15pm: FRAS 63
  • T/Th @3:30-4:45pm: FRAS 63 

  Important Dates: These are mandatory depending on which group you arein.

  • Fall Concert Date:October 10 at 7:30pm 
    • You must be available for this performance date in order to participate in an ensemble. 
  • Holiday Concert: December 5 at 7:30pm