Auditions for Music Department Ensembles

UPDATE: Results for Penn Symphony Orchestra, Penn Wind Ensemble, and AudioNexus will be posted online on TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15. Please check back.

NEW!! Auditions for the Afro-Cuban Ensemble

Auditions for our new ensemble will be held on Wednesday, September 9 from 6-10pm in Room G16 of Irvine Auditorium. To set up an audition, contact the ensemble's director, Orlando Fiol, at ofiol@sas.upenn.edu. He can also answer any additional questions you may have about the group.

We will welcome vocalists, percussionists, and accomplished players of strings, brass, guitar, bass, and piano/keyboards.

We will begin taking requests for auditions for the 2009-2010 year on Thursday,

August 13.

In order to sign up for a time, please email Veronica Jurkiewicz, Performance Coordinator at vmj@sas.upenn.edu with the following information:

• Your name
• Your instrument/voice part
• The ensemble(s) you wish to join
• A preferred date and a range of times that you would be available (see schedule below)
• Contact information (phone number, email)

Please fill out and bring the Audition Form with you to your audition.

You will receive a confirmation of your date and time, along with further instructions (location, requirements, etc.) as soon as possible. Below is the audition schedule:

Penn Symphony Orchestra
Penn Wind Ensemble
AudioNexus

*On Wednesday, September 9, auditions scheduled between 12:00pm and 5:00pm will be reserved for students who wish to audition for both the large instrumental ensembles (Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, etc.) AND smaller ensembles (Chamber, Baroque, etc.). This will enable students to audition for several groups in one session.

University Choral Society
University Choir
Ancient Voices

Other times by appointment

Note: Returning members of the choral ensembles do not need to audition this year.

Penn Baroque and Recorder Ensembles

*This time is reserved for students who are interested in auditioning for the Orchestra and/or Wind Ensemble AND either the Baroque/Recorder Ensembles or Penn Chamber. This will enable you to audition for any of these groups in one session.

Penn Chamber

*This time is reserved for students who are interested in auditioning for the Orchestra and/or Wind Ensemble AND either the Baroque/Recorder Ensembles or Penn Chamber. This will enable you to audition for any of these groups in one session.

Music 12: Chamber Music and Analysis (1 cu)
A performance course taught by the Daedalus Quartet, the Music Department's Ensemble-in-Residence. Auditions will be held on Wednesday, September 9 from 5:00-7:00pm. Contact Veronica Jurkiewicz to sign up for an audition time.

Students wishing to audition for Music 12 should prepare a movement of a solo piece for their instrument.

Jazz Combos
By appointment. Contact Wade Dean to set up an audition.

Music 10
Auditions for Music 10 will take place on Tuesday, September 22 and Thursday, September 24 from 9:30am-12:00pm each day. To sign up for a time, see Dr. Michael Ketner at 3619 Locust Walk, room 403 beginning on Tuesday, September 8. More Music 10 Program information.

Requirements for Auditions

Choral Ensembles: There is nothing to prepare for these auditions, and sightreading is not required. You will be asked to sing a series of vocal exercises at your audition.

Instrumental Ensembles: In general, you should prepare 3-5 minutes of music of your choosing. If possible, please prepare passages that demonstrate contrasting styles.

Penn Symphony Orchestra/Wind Ensemble/AudioNexus: Auditions will last approximately 5 minutes and will consist of prepared music + a short sight-reading excerpt. You should prepare music that demonstrates both technical and lyrical playing. You will be asked to sight-read a short excerpt at the audition. *There are no orchestral excerpts to prepare*.

Jazz Combos: Be prepared to play one or two tunes in the appropriate style, and if possible, be ready to demonstrate improvisation skills.

Music 10: For information, click here.