Auditions

For information related to jazz ensemble auditions, please contact Coordinator of Jazz Studies, Professor Marc Stasio: marc.stasio@rutgers.edu

Percussionists, please contact Area Head of Percussion, Joe Tompkins: jtompkins@mgsa.rutgers.edu

 

Who is eligible to participate in Music Department bands and orchestras?

 

Any Rutgers University student can audition for the Music Department Large Ensembles.

Music Majors: All woodwind, brass and string majors are required to audition for placement in one of the large-ensembles. Wind, brass and percussion majors audition for placement at the beginning of each semester. String majors audition for placement at the beginning of fall semester only.

Non – Music Majors: Non Music Majors can only audition during the non-major audition block.  This will not impact the eligibility of being selected for a higher level ensemble, but this is a very rare occurrence.

When do large-ensemble band and orchestra auditions take place?

 

Music Department Large-Ensemble auditions take place twice an academic year, the first week of both fall and spring semester.  Auditions are held during normally scheduled ensemble rehearsal times.

* String auditions take place once an academic year, fall semester. 

 

What happens in my audition?

 

All large-ensemble auditions are “blind,” meaning they will be held behind a screen so that auditionees remain anonymous to the adjudicating panel. The adjudicating panel is made up of Music Department performance faculty and conducting faculty.

Auditions time slots are 8 minutes in length and the auditionee will be asked to play approximately 6-8 minutes of music.

There is only one round of auditions.  The auditionee will play through all four required excerpts.

The audition committee may stop you at any point or move you on to a different excerpt. Audition
comments will be available upon request after the auditions for your benefit.