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Orchestra Auditions – Strings

Orchestra Auditions - Strings

String musicians have the opportunity to perform in one of three orchestral ensembles:

  • Symphony Orchestra (Rehearsals: TR  1:00-3:30 PM)
  • Philharmonia Orchestra (Rehearsals: MW  3:00-4:50 PM)
  • Illini Strings (Rehearsals: M  7:00-9:20 PM)

1. If you are a non-music major string player wanting to audition for the University of Illinois Symphony Orchestra (UISO), you must take the Advanced Audition and play the required excerpts (see below).

2. If you are a non-music major string player wanting to audition for the Philharmonia Orchestra, you will take the Standard Audition (see below).

3. If you are a non-music major string player wanting to audition for the Illini Strings, you may send a recording of yourself performing a solo piece or musical excerpt to Victor Yip, hoyip2@illinois.edu

NOTE: Orchestra placements are based on schedule availability and audition results.

 

Fall 2026 ADVANCED STRING AUDITIONS

  • For placement in the University of Illinois Symphony Orchestra (UISO)
  • Tuesday August 25 | Violin 1:00 – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday August 25 | Viola 1:00 – 3:00 PM
  • Thursday, August 27 | Cello/Bass 1:00 – 4:00 PM

ELIGIBILITY

The Advanced Audition is required for all BMUS, BME, MM, AD, and DMA string performance music majors in the School of Music who must participate in a major ensemble each semester as part of their degree program. BME string music majors may prepare the Standard Audition material in consultation with their applied music instructor.
BA in Music and BS (CS+Music) majors are encouraged to audition. Non-music majors are welcome to take this audition. Students not placed in UISO as a result of this audition will be recommended for Philharmonia or Illini Strings.

PROCESS

  1. Download Advanced Audition excerpts for your instrument.
  2. Schedule an audition time. Report to desk outside Orchestra Rehearsal Room (ORR, #2310) on Krannert Level 2 to check in. Auditions will take place in Foellinger Great Hall.
  3. Warm Up is in the Orchestra Rehearsal Room

Fall 2026 PHILHARMONIA STRING AUDITIONS

  • For placement in the Philharmonia Orchestra
  • Monday, August 24 | Violin 2:00 – 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday, August 26 | Viola/Cello/Bass 2:00 – 6:00 PM

ELIGIBILITY

  • Any non-music major, BA in Music, or CS+Music student playing violin, viola, cello or double bass. For all Harp audition questions, please email Professor Ann Yeung, annyeung@illinois.edu.

PROCESS

  1. Download Standard Audition excerpts for your instrument. In addition to the excerpts, please prepare a solo piece of your choice.
  2. Schedule an audition time. Report to desk outside Orchestra Rehearsal Room (ORR, #2310) on Krannert Level 2 to check in. Auditions will take place in the Great Hall
  3. Warm Up is in the Orchestra Rehearsal Room

Fall 2026 Ensemble Results – posted in late August after auditions

Fall 2026 ILLINI STRING AUDITIONS

For placement in the Illini String Auditions

ELIGIBILITY

  • Any non-music major, BA in Music, or CS+Music student playing violin, viola, cello or double bass.

PROCESS

  1. Prepare a solo piece or musical excerpt of your choice.

  2. Please record your video and email it to hoyip2@illinois.edu by August 26, 2026

LOCKERS & PRACTICE ROOMS

Access to School of Music lockers and practice rooms for non-majors is expected to be limited and will be handled on a first-come first-served basis. Please contact music-equipment@illinois.edu or stop by the properties room in the lower level of the Music Building for more information.

QUESTIONS

Email Dr. Rebecca B. MacLeod, macleodr@illinois.edu

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