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School of Music

Orchestra Auditions – Strings

Orchestra Auditions - Strings

String players audition each semester for placement into one of three University of Illinois orchestras.

Symphony Orchestra (Rehearsals: TR  1:00-3:50 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 interested in auditioning for the Symphony Orchestra, 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 or Illini Strings, you take the Standard Audition. See below for the audition materials.

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

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.

ADVANCED AUDITION for Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Harp

Tuesday, August 28, 2024

For placement in the University of Illinois Symphony Orchestra (UISO)

ELIGIBILITY

Orchestral string players audition each semester for placement into one of three University of Illinois orchestras.

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 are required to audition each semester in residence. 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.

Advanced Audition Schedule for Strings

  • Tuesday, August 28th – Foellinger Great Hall in KCPA
    1. Violin (9:30 AM-12:30PM)
    2. Harp (3:15 PM-4:00 PM)
    3. Viola (1:45 PM-3:15 PM)
    4. Cello and Double Bass (5:00 PM-7:30 PM)

PROCESS:

  1. Download Advanced Audition excerpts for your instrument.
  2. Schedule an audition time
  3. Results are posted within a day or two and students then register for the appropriate section. Rehearsals begin in week 2 of the semester.

STANDARD AUDITION for Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass

Wednesday August 29th and Thursday August 30th, 2024

For placement in the Philharmonia Orchestra or Illini Strings.

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.

Standard Audition Schedule for Strings

  • Wednesday August 29 – Foellinger Great Hall in KCPA 
    • 5:00 PM-9:00 PM (Violin)
  • Thursday, August 30 – Orchestra Rehearsal Room in KCPA
    • 5:00 PM-9:00 PM (Viola, Cello, Bass)

PROCESS:

  1. Download Standard 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 the Krannert Center Foellinger Great Hall and Orchestra Rehearsal Room.
  3. Results are sent within a day or two and students then register for the appropriate section.

Questions? Email Carolyn Watson at cwatson9@illinois.edu

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