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School of Music

Ensemble Auditions

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

Auditioned Ensembles

  • UNC Symphony Orchestra
  • Jazz Combos
  • Lab Bands I, II, III, Funk/Soul Band
  • Vocal Jazz Ensembles
  • Percussion Ensemble
  • Chamber Choir, Concert Choir, Glee
  • Opera 
  • Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble

Non-Auditioned Ensembles

  • Alternative Styles
  • Chamber Music (based on area)
  • Contemporary Music Ensemble
  • Marching Band, Concert Band
  • World Music Ensemble
  • Early Music Ensemble (Email Dr. Fulks for Instructor Approval)
  • Campus String Orchestra
  • University Singers

Woodwinds

Brass

Percussion

Strings

CHOIR

Opera

Jazz

 

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

Woodwinds & Brass

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

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Audition Dates & Locations

Aug 22, 2023 | 9am - 5pm
Aug 24, 2023 | 9am - 6pm
Schedule Audition

 

Audition Information and Requirements

  • 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 considerations. (Percussionists:  Dr. Tim Feerst will have audition information specific to you, and it will be posted online.)
  • All wind/brass students who wish to be considered for University Orchestra are to audition during the band audition days/times (August 22nd & 24th ). 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 University 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 22nd) & Thursday (August 24th).  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 Performance Hall of Campus Commons.  (Percussionists, please contact Dr. Tim Feerst, tim.feerst@unco.edu to determine your audition day/time and audition material.)
  • All ensemble assignments (Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, University Orchestra Wind Section) will be posted on or before Friday, August 25th , in time for you to register for your ensemble(s).  
  • All auditions will be IN PERSON at Campus Commons Performance Hall.  Should a virtual audition need to be scheduled in place of the in-person audition, the student should contact Dr. Wesley Broadnax (Director of Bands) ASAP via email at wesley.broadnax@unco.edu.  

Contact Wesley.Broadnax@unco.edu for questions.

Reference Recordings:
Symphony No. 3 for Wind Band by Vittorio (with score)
Vittorio Giannini Symphony No. 3 (1958)

 

Woodwinds

PiccoloFLUTE

B-Flat CLARINETE-Flat ClarinetBASS CLARINETOBOEBASSOONALTO SAXOPHONETENOR SAXOPHONEBARI SAXOPHONE

Brass

TRUMPET

TRUMPET EXCERPTS

HORNTENOR TROMBONEBASS TROMBONEEUPHONIUMTUBA

Percussion

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Audition Date

Aug 22, 2023, starting at 1pm

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Audition Location

CC Rehearsal Hall

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Audition Requirements

Fall 2023 Audition Requirements

  • Instruments will be provided.
  • All students interested in playing percussion in Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, and the UNC Symphony Orchestra must audition.
  • Only students not enrolled in the percussion studio will need to audition for Percussion Ensemble.

UNC Symphony Orchestra Strings

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Audition Dates

Aug 21, 2023 | 2:30pm - 4:25pm
Aug 23, 2023 | 2:30pm - 4:25pm
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Audition Location

CC Rehearsal Hall

Schedule Audition

Audition Requirements

Please prepare a piece of your choice that best demonstrates both your musical and technical abilities. In addition, please prepare the following orchestral excerpts from Dvorak’s Symphony No.8:  

  • Violin I

    Dvorak Symphony No. 8

    Download Violin I Part

    First movment
    4 after B with pickup until 5 after C
    5 after E until F
    8 before J until J

    Second movement
    3 before H until 2 after J

    Third Movement
    m. 1 until A
    4 before B until C

    Fourth movement
    E to 10 after F

  • Violin II

    Dvorak Symphony No. 8

    Download Violin II Part

    First Movement 
    9 after B until 5 after C
    E until F

    Second movement
    9 after D until 6 after F

    Third movement
    4 before B until C

    Fourth movement
    E to 10 after F
    H to L

  • Viola

    Dvorak Symphony No. 8

    Download Viola Part

    First movement
    D to E
    H until 9 after H
    M to 2 before N

    Second movement
    9 after D until 6 after F

    Third movement
    4 before B to 2 after C

    Fourth movement
    E until 10 after F
    K to L

  • Cello

    Dvorak Symphony No. 8

    Download Cello Part

    First movement
    m. 1 until 10 before A
    D to E
    5 after E until 2 before F
    M to N

    Third movment
    D to G

    Fourth movement
    A to C
    6 before N to Q

  • Double Bass

    Dvorak Symphony No. 8

    Download Double Bass Part

    First movement
    D to E
    7 after J until 16 after K

    Second movement
    H until 2 after J

    Third movement
    F until G

    Fourth movement
    A to D
    E to 10 after F

UNC Choirs

See below for important information regarding choral auditions.

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Audition Dates

Aug 21, 2023 | 10am - 3pm

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Audition Location

Frasier 122E

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Audition Materials and Information

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: 
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. Jill Burgett.
  3. All incoming graduate S/A/T/B voices should audition with Dr. Jill Burgett.
  4. Returning Glee, Concert, or Chamber Choir Students will not need to reaudition. Simply sign up for the course.
  5. All students who would like to move to another choir WILL need to schedule an audition.
Notes
  • Glee will be comprised of primarily Treble repertoire. TTB repertoire may possibly be added dependent on participant vocal ranges/parts.
  • 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.

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

 Opera

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Audition Dates

  • Aug 21, 2023

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Audition Location

  • Frasier 90

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Audition Requirements & Notes

Auditions for all Opera Theatre productions during the 2023-24 academic year will occur on Monday, August 21, from 3pm to 8:45pm in Frasier 90. Callbacks for l’Elisir d’amore will occur on Monday, August 28, at 3pm. Please prepare two arias or songs, preferably one in English and one in Italian. Pianist will be provided.

23-24 Opera Theatre Audition Details

Instrumental Jazz

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Audition  Dates:

Aug 21-23, 2023

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Audition Location

  • Piano/Brass/Bass/Sax - Frasier 0063
  • Drums/Guitar - CC Rehearsal Hall

Schedule Audition

Instrumental Jazz Audition Information

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!

Wednesday, August 23, 7:30pm | Frasier 90

  • Ensemble Rehearsal Schedule

    Instrumental Jazz Ensembles

    Lab Bands (big bands)
    • Lab I: MWF 11:15-12:05, CCPH, Dana Landry-Director
    • Lab II: MWF 1:25-2:15, CCPH, Jim White-Director
    • Lab III: MW 11:15-12:05, Frasier Hall room 90, Shawn Williams-Director
    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, Frasier 0063
    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 and Birdland meet 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

 

Vocal Jazz

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Audition Dates

Round 1: Solo Auditions
Tues, Jan 9, 2024 | 11am - 12:15pm, 2 -  4:45pm
Wed, Jan 10, 2024 | 11:10am - 12pm, 1:20 - 3:30pm

Round 2: Callback for everyone
Wed, Jan 10, 2024 | 5 - 7:30pm 

Round 2 (Callbacks) time, 5pm, is mandatory for all returning auditioners.

Email Marion.Powers@unco.edu in case of time conflicts asap.

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Audition Location

Jan 9 & 10: Frasier 201 (Marion Power's Office)
Jan 10: FRAS 63

 
 

SCHEDULE AUDITION

  • Audition Repertoire

    Audition Information & Materials

    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.

    Ensemble Meeting Days/Times:

    FRAS 63 - T/Th | 11am - 12:15pm
    FRAS 63 - T/Th | 2 - 3:15pm
    FRAS 63 - T/Th | 3:30 - 4:45pm

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

    • Valentine's Day Concert: Wednesday, Feb 14 | 7:30pm
    • Spring Concert Date: Tuesday, April 4 | 7:30 pm
      • You must be available for this performance date in order to participate in an Ensemble.
    • Jazz Fest: Thursday April 14, Time: tbd
    • Retreat: TBD (within the first few weeks of school)

    Fill out the audition form before Round 1 audition.

    Audition Form

    Audition Materials

    Bli Blip Audition Excerpt

    Caravan Audition Excerpt

    Detour Ahead Audition Excerpt

    BlI BLIP 84% Recording

    CARAVAN 70% RECORDING

    Detour Ahead Recording

    BLI BLIP 100% RECORDING

    CARAVAN 89% RECORDING

    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.
        • Caravan
          • Please sing with the track on the part(s) you wish to audition over “A” including the repeats.
    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.

    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):
      • Bli-Blip
        • Measures 33-42
      • Detour Ahead
        • Measures 36 to the end
    • I will have paper copies in my office on Tuesday 8/22 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

    • Verve: T/Th, 11:00am - 12:15pm, CC Rehearsal Hall (1321)
    • Vocal Lab: T/Th, 2:00pm - 3:15pm, CC Rehearsal Hall (1321)
    • NoCoVo: T/Th, 3:30pm - 4:45pm, CC Rehearsal Hall (1321)
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