Ensemble Auditions

For Campus Choir, Concert Choir, Glee Club, Oriana Singers, and University Choir

Sunday, August 22, 12:30PM – 4:00PM and Monday, August 23 – Thursday, August 26, 9:00AM – 12:00PM and 1:00PM – 4:00PM 

All choral activities (auditions, rehearsals and performances) are intended to be in-person.  Remote attendance will not be possible. 

All students interested in registering for a choir are required to audition.  Students audition for all choirs and are placed in ensembles that best match their skills and availability.  Audition results are posted at 5:00PM on Friday, August 27, and you have until Sunday, September 5 to register.  

The audition includes sight-singing, ear tests and simple vocalises to determine range and voice part.  It is not necessary to prepare a piece.  

While we hope auditions will be in-person in Room 106, Music Building I, if necessary, we will switch to remote auditions using Zoom. If that is the case, we will send you the relevant link the week of August 16.    

The online sign-up form and audition form must be completed prior to your audition.
Link to Choir Audition Sign-up Form to be completed before your audition.

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

For Essence of Joy:

Sunday, August 22, 5:30PM Returning and new Sopranos and Altos , 6:30PM Returning and new Tenors and Basses
Monday, August 23, 3:35PM All new singers that missed the Sunday audition  

Auditions will be in-person in Room 110, Music Building I, or if necessary, held remotely using Zoom.  If that is the case, Dr. Leach will send you the relevant link the week of August 16. 

The audition process will include vocal assessment and placement; learning a vocal piece with a choral score; and learning a vocal piece by rote. 

The online sign-up form and audition form must be completed prior to your audition.
Link to Choir Audition Sign-up Form to be completed before your audition.

Questions should be directed to Dr. Anthony Leach at atl105@psu.edu. 

For Vocal Dimensions:

Questions should be directed to Prof. Marko Marcinko at mum385@psu.edu. 

For Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band:

Woodwind and Brass auditions for Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band will occur through pre-recorded video submission. Repertoire will consist of 1 piece of choice that demonstrates musicality and an excerpt(s) from the Fall concert repertoire. Percussion auditions will occur in person the first Thursday of classes (8/26) in Esber Hall (room 121 Music Building 1) from 4-6pm. Sign up for a time by filling out the audition form below.

Audition videos (woodwinds and brass) are due Monday, August 23rd by 5:00pm.  Upload your link to the audition form below. Results will be emailed by the end of the week to facilitate registration for the appropriate ensemble.

Click below for the Fall 2021 Audition Excerpt Packets

Woodwinds and Brass

Percussion

CLICK HERE to fill out audition form *required for all auditioning woodwinds, brass, and percussionists

For Concert Band

There is NO audition required for participation in Concert Band. Simply register for MUSIC 82 (Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:35-5:50 in the Blue Band Building). Arrive on the first day with your instrument (large instruments and percussion can be rented on site).

For questions, please contact Dr. Mitchell-Spradlin at tmitchellspradlin@psu.edu.

August 23 and 24, 2021

“Live Auditions” for all big bands, jazz combos, etc… Tell your friends to come and join our great Penn State Jazz and Contemporary Music Program.

For Centre Dimensions, Inner Dimensions, Outer Dimensions  and Combos

All auditions occur in room 128, Music Building II.

Monday, August 23

6:30 p.m. Rhythm section players for all big bands and combos, Horn Players for combos only.  room 128 Music Building II.

Vocal Dimensions auditions will be by appointment only. Audition sign up sheet posted on the Jazz Office Bulletin Board, 105 Music Bld. II.  Vocalists will be asked to sight read, sing intervals and perform a jazz standard or pop tune of your choice.

Rhythm Section Players: For big band and combo auditions, piano, guitar and vibraphone students should be able demonstrate good jazz harmony in proper characteristic style for comping. Bass and Drum Set will need to demonstrate proper time-keeping in a variety of different styles (e.g. swing, bossa nova, ballad, etc.). Students will be asked to perform/sight read standards (as a group), as well as improvise in various styles.

Horn players for combo auditions will be asked to perform (sight read) the standards listed below with a rhythm section, as well as improvise in a variety of styles.

Please bring a Real Book (if you have one) and prepare the following:

Blue Bossa

the following blues: Now’s The Time, Billie’s Bounce

the following ballads:  Body and Soul, In a Sentimental Mood, Misty.

Combos will be formed by the directors in an effort place together students with similar and complementary ability and experience.

For Big Band Ensembles:

Saxophones, Trumpets, and Trombones will be asked to sightread a section from a standard big band chart both individually and in like-instrument groups. Also, each horn player will be asked to interpret (sight read) part of a ballad. Saxes may be asked to perform on multiple instruments (e.g. alto and tenor) in addition to being asked about potential doubles (flute, clarinet, etc.)

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

Program and Audition Information TBA

For Philharmonic and Chamber Orchestras