String Ensemble Auditions
Ensemble Auditions: Strings, Piano & Auxiliaries
Auditions are typically administered by studio professors the day before the first day of class. To audition for an ensemble, you must complete the following three steps:
1. Fill out the Required Ensemble Auditions Form
2. Under each instrument category below, sign up for your audition
3. Prepare the provided audition materials and attend your assigned audition time
After the auditions are complete, ensemble placement will be posted in order for rehearsals to begin the second week of school. The only exceptions to this procedure are the University Orchestra and the University String Orchestra, which are non-audition ensembles in which participation is determined through regular online registration. If you are unable to register because the section for your instrument is full, attend the first scheduled class to see if there is space for you to be added.
1. Fill out the Required Ensemble Auditions Form
2. Under each instrument category below, sign up for your audition
3. Prepare the provided audition materials and attend your assigned audition time
After the auditions are complete, ensemble placement will be posted in order for rehearsals to begin the second week of school. The only exceptions to this procedure are the University Orchestra and the University String Orchestra, which are non-audition ensembles in which participation is determined through regular online registration. If you are unable to register because the section for your instrument is full, attend the first scheduled class to see if there is space for you to be added.
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Toggle ItemViolin
Violin Ensemble Auditions
Administered by: Professors Woods/Belknap/MorganAudition Format
All violin auditions will be conducted by video submission only.Submission Deadline
Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 11:59 PMLate Submission Deadline
Late submissions will be accepted through Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 5pm PM. However, placement in an ensemble is not guaranteed for late submissions.Submission Instructions
- Submit your audition using the Violin Audition Form.
- Only YouTube video links will be accepted. Other video formats will not be considered.
- The Violin Audition Form will also include information for auditioning and placement in:
- Baroque Ensemble (MUSIC 319R/619R)
- Studio Orchestra (MUSIC 320R/620R)
- Results will be posted the Friday following auditions outside Room 4069 MB.
BYU Philharmonic Violin Auditions (MUSIC 338R/638R)
All violin music majors are required to audition. This audition is exclusively for music majors.Required Repertoire
Please prepare a video including the following excerpts (a solo piece is not required):
1. PROKOFIEV-Symphony No. 5 First (Movement 1) (Beginning to big "box" #14)
2. Mozart: Overture to The Magic Flute (Die Zauberflote) mm. 16-39 Vln 2
3. Mozart: The Magic Flute, Act I (Introduction)BYU Symphony Violin Auditions (MUSIC 337R/637R)
This audition is open to non-music majors.Required Repertoire
Prepare a 5-minute excerpt from a movement of a solo work of your choice that demonstrates your musical and technical abilities -
Toggle ItemViolaAuditions Administered by Dr. Claudine Bigelow
When: Wednesday, September 2
Where:
Sign Ups:
Audition Materials: Two contrasting standard orchestral excerpts (such as the first page of the Mendelssohn Scherzo and the first page of Don Juan). Two contrasting viola pieces from your repertoire (such as the first page from a concerto and the first page of a sonata or a Bach Suite. Please note, I prefer different pieces, I don’t want to hear two movements of the same piece).
Audition Procedures:
Contact Dr. Claudine Bigelow at claudine_bigelow@byu.edu for any additional questions. -
Toggle ItemCelloAuditions administered by Dr. Michelle Kesler
When: Wednesday, September 2
Where: Video submission (youtube link), attach to google form:
Symphony
Philharmonic
Sign Ups: N/A
Audition Materials:
Philharmonic (music majors only)- Popper etude of your choice, memorized
- Prokofiev Symphony no. 5 excerpts
- Mozart Marriage of Figaro excerpt
Symphony (non majors)
Please prepare 5 minutes of a piece that best represents your playing. Recording must be within the last 6 months.
Audition Procedures:BYU Philharmonic Cello Auditions (for majors only)
All cello music majors are required to take this audition.Please prepare a memorized popper etude of your choice that you have not performed in studio class as well as the listed excerpts. Fill out the google form and attach a link to your video recordings. Results will be posted on the Friday after auditions outside room 4071 MB.BYU Symphony Cello Auditions (for non-majors)
Please prepare 5 minutes of a piece that best represents your playing. Recording must be within the last 6 months. Attach your video recording to this google form. This audition is open to all BYU students. Results will be posted on the Friday after auditions outside room 4071 MB.
Email michelle_kesler@byu.edu for questions. -
Toggle ItemBassAuditions Administered by Professor Eric Hansen
When: Wednesday, September 2
Where:
Sign Ups:
Audition Materials:
Audition Procedures: Prepare 3-4 minutes of repertoire that shows off your technical skill to its highest. Excerpts for the sight-reading will be provided.
Please contact Professor Hansen (bass@byu.edu) for additional questions. -
Toggle ItemWoodwinds, Brass & PercussionAudition requirements for brass and woodwinds are the same for Orchestras as they are for Concert Bands. Those requirements can be found on the Winds, Brass & Percussion Auditions page.