Ensemble Auditions

For Concert Choir, Glee Club, Oriana Singers, Essence of Joy, and University Choir

Tuesday/Wednesday, January 19-20: 9:30AM-12:00PM and 1:00PM-4:00PM.

We are intending to offer choral experiences in a hybrid fashion – rotating smaller groups of singers rehearsing safely in person, with others attending via Zoom. We also hope to perform via Livestream.

Only new students to the choral program, or returning students who wish to add a choir, or change choirs will need to audition. If a student was in a particular ensemble last semester, they can register for that group in the Fall.

All auditions will be remote using the Zoom platform. Links will be shared with you once you have signed up for your audition.

The sign-up form and audition form must be completed prior to the audition.

It is not necessary to prepare a piece for the audition, and tests include sight-singing, ear tests and simple vocalizes to determine range and voice part.

Questions should be directed to Dr. Christopher Kiver, Director of Choral Activities at cak27@psu.edu

Link to Choir Audition Sign-up Form to be completed before your audition.

For Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and Concert Band:

Auditions are required for all students wishing to participate in Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and Concert Band.  Auditions will occur through recorded video submission. For students wishing to be considered for orchestra as well, you will need to fill out the form on the orchestra page, but you can upload the same Youtube video.

Woodwind and Brass Auditions are due TUESDAY, JANUARY 19th by NOON

Percussion Auditions are due FRIDAY, JANUARY 22nd by 5:00pm

CLICK HERE to fill out the audition form and to upload your audition video 

Audition Material: 

Prepare the required etudes/excerpts for your studio:  

CLICK HERE for Spring 2021 Audition Material

Submitting Your Video: 

Submit your audition as an unlisted Youtube video following the guidelines below: 

1. Turn off all loud devices (fans, dishwasher, space heater, etc…)
2. The etudes/excerpts and optional orchestral solo must be performed in a single take (not including percussion)
3. Videos should not be edited, mastered, or altered in any way

Before submitting a video, please make sure you have time in your schedule to participate in the ensemble you wish to be placed in.  Click here for ensemble rehearsal times.

Note: Those who audition for Symphonic Wind Ensemble or Symphonic Band who are not placed in one of these ensembles are invited and encouraged to participate in Campus Band. 

If you have questions, please contact Dr. Tonya Mitchell-Spradlin, tmitchellspradlin@psu.edu 

For Campus Band:

There is no audition for Campus Band in the Spring. Please attend the first class meeting of Music 83 (TR 6:30-7:45) in the O. Richard Bundy Blue Band Building with your instrument for the first rehearsal. Music will be assigned to you during the first class meeting.

Auditions are required for all students wishing to participate in various Jazz Ensembles.  Auditions will occur through recorded video submission. You will need to create your own unlisted Youtube video.

All Auditions are due on Wed., JANUARY 20th by 5pm.

Click Here to fill out the audition form and to upload your audition video

Audition Material:

Prepare the required jazz information that pertains to your primary instrument.

Click Here for Spring 2021 Audition Material

Submitting Your Video:

Submit your audition as an unlisted Youtube video following the guidelines below:

1. Turn off all loud devices (fans, dishwasher, space heater, etc…)
2. The etudes/excerpts and scales must be performed in a single take.
3. Videos should not be edited, mastered, or altered in any way

Before submitting a video, please make sure you have time in your schedule to participate in the ensemble you wish to be placed in.

If you have questions, please contact Prof. Marcinko,  mum385@psu.edu

For Vocal Dimensions: meets M/W 6pm to 8pm room 122 MB2.

Contact Prof. Marcinko for the requirements and audition information.  mum385@psu.edu

Program and Audition Information TBA

For Philharmonic Orchestra

Here is the link to fill out the audition form and upload your video:

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=RY30fNs9iUOpwcEVUm61LizX2lqlLR5PjGjjXEPL3_BUMEE2SE45MFZBOE9XVjZLTjNTWVRUMURCNi4u 

Deadlines for submitting your videos:

Strings: Wednesday, January 20^th at Noon

Woodwinds, Brass: Tuesday, January 19^th at Noon

Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and university regulations, the make-up of the orchestras will be quite different this semester. We will work together to ensure you have a valuable, meaningful and rewarding experience.

Please do not hesitate to contact me at gfe1@psu.edu if you have any questions.

Prof. Gerardo Edelstein, Director of Orchestral Studies

For Campus Orchestra

Auditions are required.

In accordance with best practices for Penn State’s return to campus, and to accommodate students who have opted for remote learning, Campus Orchestra will only be accepting video auditions for the Fall 2020 semester. For students already enrolled in MUS100, audition materials will be sent out via email during the first week of August. If you are not yet enrolled in MUS100 but would still like to audition, please contact the director (listed below), as soon as possible to request your audition materials. Your audition for Campus Orchestra will consist of the following:

• 2 excerpts from the upcoming semester’s program, approximately 1 minute in length each.
• 2 contrasting samples of the performer’s choosing. Approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute in length.
• A sight-reading sample may be done live over zoom during the first day of class.

Videos must be done in a single take and may not be edited. Videos must be submitted by the first rehearsal (Tuesday, August 25^th, 8PM). Audition materials will be sent out with recommendations for recording your audition as well as instructions for video submission. If a student is unable to meet the deadline or would like to schedule a live audition over zoom, they should contact the director as soon as possible. Please also contact the director if you are a student for whom a video audition may not be physically possible.

The director, David Flowers, can be reached at daflowers@psu.edu

For Early Music Ensemble:

While there is no audition required for Early Music Ensemble, it does require permission of the instructor. Please contact Professor James Lyon at jpl5@psu.edu if you are interested in joining the ensemble.