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 ItemViolinAuditions Administered by Professor _
When: Tuesday, Sept. 1
Where: 4069 MB
Sign Ups: Google Form and Sign-Up Sheet
Audition Materials:
Audition Procedures:BYU Philharmonic Violin Auditions (for majors only)
All violin music majors are required to take this audition. This audition is exclusively for music majors.Each audition slot is approximately 7-8 minutes long, and results will be posted the Friday following auditions outside room 4069 MB.
Solo Piece: Prepare a 5-minute excerpt from a movement of a solo piece of your choice that highlights your best qualities as a musician and violinist.
Orchestral Excerpt: TBA. An official PDF of the excerpt will be posted on this webpage in August 2026.BYU Symphony Violin Auditions (for non-majors)*
This audition is open to non-majors and results will be posted the Friday following auditions outside room 4069 MB. Prepare a 5-minute excerpt from a movement of a solo piece of your choice that demonstrates your musical and technical abilities.
*Video Submission (YouTube Only)- Upload your YouTube video link to the designated form by the deadline.
- Only YouTube links will be accepted—other video formats will not be considered.
- Late submissions may be reviewed but will only be considered for alternate positions.
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Toggle ItemViolaAuditions Administered by Dr. Claudine Bigelow
When: Tuesday, Sept. 1
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 Professor Michelle Kesler
When: Tuesday, Sept. 1
Where:
Sign Ups:
Audition Materials:(for majors only)* -
Schubert Symphony no. 7: (link to marked excerpts on the cello part)- Mvt I: 19 measures after rehearsal E-10 after rehearsal F
- 39 measures after rehearsal G-34 measures before rehearsal H
- 11 before rehearsal M-3 after rehearsal M
- Mvt II: beginning-mm. 8
- 20 after rehearsal D-31 after rehearsal D
- Mvt III: Scherzo: mm. 22- repeat sign (28 bars after rehearsal A)
- Mvt IV, Allegro vivace: 20 before rehearsal B-9 before rehearsal C
(for non-majors)* -
Please prepare 5 minutes of a piece that best represents your playing.
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. 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. This audition is open to all BYU students. Results will be posted on the Friday after auditions outside room 4071 MB.
*Video Submission (YouTube Only)- Fill out this FORM.
- Include your YouTube video link.
- All video submissions are due the first day of school at 5pm.
Email michelle_kesler@byu.edu for questions. -
Toggle ItemBassAuditions Administered by Professor Eric Hansen
When: Tuesday, Sept. 1
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.