Auditions for the BYU orchestras, as well as all auditioned ensembles in the School of Music, are administered by the private studio teachers for each instrument. In other words, trumpet players audition for the trumpet teacher, Professor Jason Bergman, clarinets for the clarinet teacher, Professor Jaren Hinckley, etc. Auditions are the first day or two of classes, and each of the studio instructors will have sign-up sheets on their doors. If you need help finding the right studio instructor for your instrument, please check with the secretaries in C-550 HFAC.
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.
Monday August 30, 2021
NON-MAJORS ONLY, link to sign up to audition for the BYU Symphony Orchestra
Thank you for your interest. We are looking forward to hearing your audition!
Sincerely,
The BYU Violin Faculty
Monte Belknap
Alexander Woods
LeeAnn Morgan
There are 12 spots in the BYU Philharmonic and 12 spots in the BYU Symphony.
Auditions for Chamber Orchestra will be soon after (possibly that same week) and are open only to members of the Philharmonic.
This is the viola orchestra audition for the entire year, not just for the current semester, although sometimes there are openings winter semester.
If you would like to obtain more information about the BYU Viola Area, please contact:
Dr. Claudine Bigelow
E-545 HFAC
801-422-1315
claudine_bigelow@byu.edu
Thanks for your interest. I am eager to hear and meet you.
Warmly,
Dr. Claudine Bigelow, Professor of Viola
Video Recorded Auditions(Through YouTube) Due Monday, August 29, 2022 No Live Auditions
This is the cello audition for the entire year, not just for the current semester, although sometimes there are openings for winter semester.
If you would like to get more information about the BYU Cello Studio, please contact Professor Kesler:
E-539 HFAC
801-422-6353
michelle_kesler@byu.edu
Auditions will be held during the first two days of the semester. Outside of Prof. Hansen’s office (E378) there will be a sign-up sheet posted to select a time to audition. Prepare 3-4 minutes of repertoire that shows off your technical skill to its highest. Excerpts for the sight-reading will be provided.
Percussion materials and instructions can be found here. Contact Dr. Matt Coleman at matt_coleman@byu.edu if you have additional questions.
Audition for the BYU concert bands, as well as all auditioned ensembles in the School of Music, are administered by the studio professors for each instrument. Most auditions consist of scales, sight-reading, and prepared pieces.
Due to COVID-19, many faculty members have adjusted their auditions to be held virtually or by appointment only. See list of instruments below for more information.
Individuals interested in joining BYU Bands must complete an Intent to audition form. Click here to find the form and more information about marching and concert bands.
Contact Dr. April Clayton at april_clayton@byu.edu to receive more information.
Contact Dr. Jaren Hinckley at clarinet@byu.edu to receive more information.
Wednesday, September 1st
First Come First Served
10-1 in E-221 Ray Smith Office
Bring a short excerpt prepared piece not more than 3 minutes.
Be prepared to sight read and play scales.
Oboe positions available in the concert bands are filled by oboe music majors and only in rare situations would a position be available to a non-major. However, University Orchestra (and for winter semester, Bands) is open to non-music majors.
Contact Dr. Chris Smith at christian_smith@byu.edu to receive more information.
Click here to view horn audition material.
Auditions will be held August 30th. Sign up for an audition time at room E-460. Contact Professor Brian Blanchard brian_blanchard@byu.edu with questions.
Find audition instruction and materials here. Contact Dr. Jason Bergman (jason.bergman@byu.edu) with questions.
Audition materials for trombone can be found at http://kimballtrombone.com/byu-trombones/fall-2020-ensemble-auditions/. Auditions will be held remotely during the first days of classes.
Contact Professor Bryce at dan_bryce@byu.edu for the materials and instructions for submitting an audition.
Percussion materials and instructions can be found here. Contact Dr. Matt Coleman at matt_coleman@byu.edu if you have additional questions.
Please click here for all choir audition information.
Jazz Groups – Fall 2021
This semester, the following ensembles will be meeting:
Big Bands: Synthesis, Jazz Ensemble, & Jazz Lab Band
Jazz Legacy Band (tradition and early swing focus)
Combos: Mainstream Jazz and Commercial Music
Vocal Jazz Ensemble: Syncopation
Audition Info and Start Dates
Auditions will happen during the first three days of the semester. Results will be emailed by Friday, September 3 at 5:00 pm. All the ensembles will begin meeting in person at their normal scheduled times on September 7 or 8, respectively. More information will be provided by the directors and coaches after audition results are posted. See the following details for your instrument:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/14Xa1xIf1dzrv4XloCceiXJFI4Zy0SQi9yuuU2GbxQ0o/edit?usp=sharing
Contact Dr. Ray Smith for saxophone questions (ray_smith@byu.edu )
Syncopation is the vocal jazz ensemble for BYU. It consists of eight to twelve vocalists and a three-piece rhythm section who perform a challenging and varied repertoire of jazz, blues and pop music, emphasizing close vocal harmonies and improvisation.
Vocal spots for big bands and combos are also available.
When & Where – Tuesday, August 31 and Wednesday, September 1, in-person HFAC room A-244
Sign Up: Sign up for an audition time, and provide all the requested information about which ensembles you are auditioning for, your time availability, and your contact info, on the following google doc: https://docs.google.com/d
AUDITIONS
Audition Materials – Sing a jazz swing standard of your choice, a cappella. You will also be asked to sight sing and improvise.
Contact Professor Hayley Kirkland with any questions (hayleykirkland@byu.edu).
Please be prepared to perform a song a cappella that you think would show off your voice. A jazz standard is preferred but not necessary. I am looking primarily for style, intonation, healthy technique, presence, and feel.
I will have you improvise over a 12-bar blues. If you’ve never done any jazz improv, don’t worry! Just come with an open mind, and open ears. I am not looking for perfection, I’m looking for good instincts, good rhythm, creativity, and willingness to experiment. If you do have experience with improvisation, this can be your place to shine. Show me what you can do!
Sight-Singing is a crucial skill for all members of Syncopation, but I fully expect that some members will be better sight-singers than others. Here’s what to expect: You will be given three 4-bar melodies that increase in difficulty. All members of Syncopation should be able to read numbers 1 and hopefully 2 with little to no mistakes. These first two melodies will be diatonic (no accidentals), and will have simple rhythms. Individuals who can demonstrate exceptional reading skills by singing numbers 3 well, will show that they could be valuable members of the group, even if they are less strong with some of the other parts of the audition.
I am looking for singers who are prepared, professional, and composed, individuals who have a good attitude and will be able to work well on a team.
By this point I should have a good idea of your voice and abilities but I may ask to hear your range, hear straight tone singing (without vibrato), and/or hear how you hold your part on a scale while I sing a 2nd above or below you.
