Auditions are held at the beginning of each semester for all new and some returning students who wish to participate in musical ensembles, applied lessons, or receive a Music-Department-related scholarship (see Scholarships ). These auditions are usually held the day before classes begin in HU 111. This information should be posted on the class schedule online when you register for classes.

WHO NEEDS TO AUDITION?

You need to audition for the music faculty if you are a …

1. new student wishing to participate in any musical ensemble other than Concert Chorus.

2. new student wishing to take applied lessons.

3. new student wishing to apply for a Music-Department-related scholarship.

4. returning student wishing to participate in new “by audition only” ensemble.

5. returning student wishing to take applied lessons on a second instrument.

6. returning student not currently on a Music Department scholarship, but who would like to receive one.

WHAT TO PLAY FOR THE AUDITION:

In general, you should be looking to play or sing a piece (or pieces) that best display your overall musicianship as well as your technical facility and sound. Some suggestions are listed below.

1. Vocalists

· Choose a song(s) that displays your tone quality, technique & overall musicianship. This may be either classical and/or popular in nature (i.e. show tune). An accompanist will be provided for your audition if you wish, but you may bring an accompaniment CD if you prefer. You may also be asked to vocalize to check your vocal range and/or asked to repeat simple musical patterns.

2. Instrumentalists

· Choose an etude or excerpt from the standard repertoire that best showcases your playing level on your instrument. You may want to consider choosing two short excerpts: one that displays your technical facility and one that displays your tone & lyricism. You may also be asked to play some scales as part of your audition.

3. Percussionists

· Choose etudes or excerpts for each one of the main percussion areas in which you can play: snare drum, timpani, mallets, and/or drum set. If auditioning on snare drum, you may also be asked to play some of the standard rudiments. If auditioning on mallets, you may also be asked to play some scales. If auditioning on drum set, you may be asked to play some basic grooves in the jazz, rock, and Latin styles.

4. Jazz Piano

· Choose a song(s) that displays your ability to play in a jazz style. During this selection you should be prepared to play the melody and the chords that accompany the tune. You may be asked to play a brief improvised solo. You may also be asked to play some scales and chords as part of your audition.

5. Jazz Guitar

· Choose a song(s) that displays your ability to play in a jazz style. During this selection you should be prepared to play the melody, a brief improvised solo, and the chords that accompany the tune. You may bring an accompaniment CD if you wish. You may also be asked to play some scales as part of your audition.

6. Jazz Bass

· Choose a song(s) that displays your ability to play in a jazz style. During this selection you should be prepared to play a walking bass line and the melody (if possible). You may bring an accompaniment CD if you wish. You may also be asked to play some scales as part of your audition.