Instrumental Ensemble Auditions
3:00–5:30 p.m.
UO jazz ensembles (Big Bands, Combos, Latin Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Guitar Ensemble) are open to all University of Oregon students (including Part-time and Continuing Education students) by audition, regardless of major.
Auditions for the UO jazz ensembles are held during Week of Welcome each Fall. A single audition is used to place students in Big Bands, Combos, Latin, and Guitar ensembles. Students auditioning for these ensembles in the Fall term need not re-audition in Winter or Spring terms.
Please visit the ensemble website for audition information, including excerpts (available August 1st) and sign-ups.
Professor Paul Krueger, Director of Jazz Studies, is your contact for questions, kruegerp@uoregon.edu
6:30–8:30 p.m.
JazzArts Oregon Combo Auditions The JazzArts Oregon Combo is a small group of student musicians representing the University of Oregon’s Jazz Studies Program in concerts throughout the region. Ensemble members are chosen annually in a separate audition prior to the Fall term of each school year. The group is open to students of any major. Auditions are held in a group format and judged by a faculty panel.
The Herbert T. Merker Scholarship Endowment A scholarship fund has generously been established by Herb Merker to support the JazzArts Oregon Combo. Herbert T. Merker Jazz Combo Scholarship recipients will comprise the group for the duration of their award year with each receiving a scholarship of app. $1000 for the academic year. Recipients will be notified before the beginning of Fall term.
Please visit the ensemble website for audition information, including excerpts (available August 1st) and sign-ups.
Professor Paul Krueger, Director of Jazz Studies, is your contact for questions, kruegerp@uoregon.edu
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
UO jazz ensembles (Big Bands, Combos, Latin Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Guitar Ensemble) are open to all University of Oregon students (including Part-time and Continuing Education students) by audition, regardless of major.
Auditions for the UO jazz ensembles are held during Week of Welcome each Fall. A single audition is used to place students in Big Bands, Combos, Latin, and Guitar ensembles. Students auditioning for these ensembles in the Fall term need not re-audition in Winter or Spring terms.
Please visit the ensemble website for audition information, including excerpts (available August 1st) and sign-ups.
Professor Paul Krueger, Director of Jazz Studies, is your contact for questions, kruegerp@uoregon.edu
12:15–1:45 p.m.
Auditions for the 2025-26 academic year are open to students from all majors. Personnel for the various orchestras, bands, and wind ensembles will be formed from these auditions. Participation in the Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and Symphonic Band requires in-person auditions. Participation in Campus Band and Campus Orchestra does not require an audition.
Please visit the ensemble website for audition information, including excerpts (available August 1st) and sign-ups.
Dr. Dennis Llinas is your contact for questions, dllinas@uoregon.edu
2:15–3:30 p.m.
Auditions for the 2025-26 academic year are open to students from all majors. Personnel for the various orchestras, bands, and wind ensembles will be formed from these auditions. Participation in the Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and Symphonic Band requires in-person auditions. Participation in Campus Band and Campus Orchestra does not require an audition.
Please visit the ensemble website for audition information, including excerpts (available August 1st) and sign-ups.
Dr. Dennis Llinas is your contact for questions, dllinas@uoregon.edu
3:30–5:00 p.m.
UO jazz ensembles (Big Bands, Combos, Latin Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Guitar Ensemble) are open to all University of Oregon students (including Part-time and Continuing Education students) by audition, regardless of major.
Auditions for the UO jazz ensembles are held during Week of Welcome each Fall. A single audition is used to place students in Big Bands, Combos, Latin, and Guitar ensembles. Students auditioning for these ensembles in the Fall term need not re-audition in Winter or Spring terms.
Please visit the ensemble website for audition information, including excerpts (available August 1st) and sign-ups.
Professor Paul Krueger, Director of Jazz Studies, is your contact for questions, kruegerp@uoregon.edu
3:45–5:00 p.m.
Auditions for the 2025-26 academic year are open to students from all majors. Personnel for the various orchestras, bands, and wind ensembles will be formed from these auditions. Participation in the Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and Symphonic Band requires in-person auditions. Participation in Campus Band and Campus Orchestra does not require an audition.
Please visit the ensemble website for audition information, including excerpts (available August 1st) and sign-ups.
Dr. Dennis Llinas is your contact for questions, dllinas@uoregon.edu
5:15–6:45 p.m.
Auditions for the 2025-26 academic year are open to students from all majors. Personnel for the various orchestras, bands, and wind ensembles will be formed from these auditions. Participation in the Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and Symphonic Band requires in-person auditions. Participation in Campus Band and Campus Orchestra does not require an audition.
Please visit the ensemble website for audition information, including excerpts (available August 1st) and sign-ups.
Dr. Dennis Llinas is your contact for questions, dllinas@uoregon.edu
6:00–9:00 p.m.
WHAT TO PREPARE
- Singers All singing vocalists should have one popular song prepared to sing, accompanied by a backing track or live/solo accompaniment. Choose a song that shows off your best skills as well as your stylistic tastes. Because singers in these groups must know how to work with a live band, acapella auditions will not be accepted.
- Instrumentalists and DJs: All instrumentalists and DJs should learn the following two songs for the audition:
- “Ain’t No Love” by Jay-Z (MTV Unplugged)
- “Cut Chemist Suite” by Ozomatli
Instrumentalists should learn their parts as played on the recordings. If their instrument isn’t on the recording, they should contribute by approximating some musical aspect of the recorded arrangement (sax might play the flute part from “Ain’t No Love,” e.g.). In addition to the two prepared songs, one or more short chord progressions will be taught to instrumentalists by ear in the audition, and instrumentalists will play them back with an assigned groove/style. If you are unable to learn one or both of the assigned songs above, we still want to hear you audition, so please come and at least participate in this ear-learning activity.
- MCs: MCs should rap at least the first verse from “Ain’t No Love” (see link above). In addition, MCs should prepare at least one 16-bar verse, or two 8-bar verses, of their own creation that it’s possible to perform over one of the songs the instrumentalists must prepare (see above).
POPULAR MUSIC FAQs
Q: I don’t freestyle/improvise/harmonize/I’ve never played in a band before, should I still audition? A: Yes! These auditions are just to see where you are at right now.
Q: I don’t like hip hop but I like metal/indie/R&B/ska can I audition? A: Yes! This audition is for several popular music ensembles. One group does focus on mainly hip hop, and the others are created based on the styles and personalities of other musicians that audition. The more people that audition and want to play a certain style, the more likely we are to be able to put that kind of band together.
QUESTIONS
Instructor Sean Peterson at peterso9@uoregon.edu Program Director Toby Koenigsberg at tobyk@uoregon.edu
6:00–9:00 p.m.
UO jazz ensembles (Big Bands, Combos, Latin Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Guitar Ensemble) are open to all University of Oregon students (including Part-time and Continuing Education students) by audition, regardless of major.
Auditions for the UO jazz ensembles are held during Week of Welcome each Fall. A single audition is used to place students in Big Bands, Combos, Latin, and Guitar ensembles. Students auditioning for these ensembles in the Fall term need not re-audition in Winter or Spring terms.
Please visit the ensemble website for audition information, including excerpts (available August 1st) and sign-ups.
Professor Paul Krueger, Director of Jazz Studies, is your contact for questions, kruegerp@uoregon.edu
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
UO jazz ensembles (Big Bands, Combos, Latin Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Guitar Ensemble) are open to all University of Oregon students (including Part-time and Continuing Education students) by audition, regardless of major.
Auditions for the UO jazz ensembles are held during Week of Welcome each Fall. A single audition is used to place students in Big Bands, Combos, Latin, and Guitar ensembles. Students auditioning for these ensembles in the Fall term need not re-audition in Winter or Spring terms.
Please visit the ensemble website for audition information, including excerpts (available August 1st) and sign-ups.
Professor Paul Krueger, Director of Jazz Studies, is your contact for questions, kruegerp@uoregon.edu
11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Ensemble auditions for the 2025-26 academic year are open to students from all majors. Personnel for the various orchestras, bands, and wind ensembles will be formed from these auditions. Participation in the Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and Symphonic Band requires in-person auditions. Participation in Campus Band and Campus Orchestra does not require an audition.
Please visit the ensemble website for audition information, including excerpts (available August 1st) and sign-ups.
Dr. Jacobs is your contact for questions, djacobs@uoregon.edu
12:30–3:30 p.m.
UO jazz ensembles (Big Bands, Combos, Latin Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Guitar Ensemble) are open to all University of Oregon students (including Part-time and Continuing Education students) by audition, regardless of major.
Auditions for the UO jazz ensembles are held during Week of Welcome each Fall. A single audition is used to place students in Big Bands, Combos, Latin, and Guitar ensembles. Students auditioning for these ensembles in the Fall term need not re-audition in Winter or Spring terms.
Please visit the ensemble website for audition information, including excerpts (available August 1st) and sign-ups.
Professor Paul Krueger, Director of Jazz Studies, is your contact for questions, kruegerp@uoregon.edu
4:00–5:00 p.m.
UO jazz ensembles (Big Bands, Combos, Latin Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Guitar Ensemble) are open to all University of Oregon students (including Part-time and Continuing Education students) by audition, regardless of major.
Auditions for the UO jazz ensembles are held during Week of Welcome each Fall. A single audition is used to place students in Big Bands, Combos, Latin, and Guitar ensembles. Students auditioning for these ensembles in the Fall term need not re-audition in Winter or Spring terms.
Please visit the ensemble website for audition information, including excerpts (available August 1st) and sign-ups.
Professor Paul Krueger, Director of Jazz Studies, is your contact for questions, kruegerp@uoregon.edu
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Ensemble auditions for the 2025-26 academic year are open to students from all majors. Personnel for the various orchestras, bands, and wind ensembles will be formed from these auditions. Participation in the Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and Symphonic Band requires in-person auditions. Participation in Campus Band and Campus Orchestra does not require an audition.
Please visit the ensemble website for audition information, including excerpts (available August 1st) and sign-ups.
Dr. Jacobs is your contact for questions, djacobs@uoregon.edu
9:00–10:15 a.m.
Auditions for the 2025-26 academic year are open to students from all majors. Personnel for the various orchestras, bands, and wind ensembles will be formed from these auditions. Participation in the Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and Symphonic Band requires in-person auditions. Participation in Campus Band and Campus Orchestra does not require an audition.
Please visit the ensemble website for audition information, including excerpts (available August 1st) and sign-ups.
Dr. Dennis Llinas is your contact for questions, dllinas@uoregon.edu
10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Studio placement auditions are required for all new & returning students who will register for MUP Percussion lessons during the 2025-26 academic year. Studio placement auditions for percussion will coincide with ensemble auditions for that instrument.
Auditions for the 2025-26 academic year are open to students from all majors. Personnel for the various orchestras, bands, and wind ensembles will be formed from these auditions. Participation in the Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and Symphonic Band requires in-person auditions. Participation in Campus Band and Campus Orchestra does not require an audition.
Please visit the ensemble website for audition information, including excerpts (available August 1st) and sign-ups.
Dr. Dennis Llinas is your contact for questions, dllinas@uoregon.edu
1:00–2:30 p.m.
Auditions for the 2025-26 academic year are open to students from all majors. Personnel for the various orchestras, bands, and wind ensembles will be formed from these auditions. Participation in the Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and Symphonic Band requires in-person auditions. Participation in Campus Band and Campus Orchestra does not require an audition.
Please visit the ensemble website for audition information, including excerpts (available August 1st) and sign-ups.
Dr. Dennis Llinas is your contact for questions, dllinas@uoregon.edu
2:45–4:00 p.m.
Auditions for the 2025-26 academic year are open to students from all majors. Personnel for the various orchestras, bands, and wind ensembles will be formed from these auditions. Participation in the Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and Symphonic Band requires in-person auditions. Participation in Campus Band and Campus Orchestra does not require an audition.
Please visit the ensemble website for audition information, including excerpts (available August 1st) and sign-ups.
Dr. Dennis Llinas is your contact for questions, dllinas@uoregon.edu
4:15–5:15 p.m.
Auditions for the 2025-26 academic year are open to students from all majors. Personnel for the various orchestras, bands, and wind ensembles will be formed from these auditions. Participation in the Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and Symphonic Band requires in-person auditions. Participation in Campus Band and Campus Orchestra does not require an audition.
Please visit the ensemble website for audition information, including excerpts (available August 1st) and sign-ups.
Dr. Dennis Llinas is your contact for questions, dllinas@uoregon.edu
5:30–7:00 p.m.
Auditions for the 2025-26 academic year are open to students from all majors. Personnel for the various orchestras, bands, and wind ensembles will be formed from these auditions. Participation in the Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and Symphonic Band requires in-person auditions. Participation in Campus Band and Campus Orchestra does not require an audition.
Please visit the ensemble website for audition information, including excerpts (available August 1st) and sign-ups.
Dr. Dennis Llinas is your contact for questions, dllinas@uoregon.edu
Voice Ensemble Auditions
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Auditions for the 2025-26 academic year for University Singers and UO Chamber Choir. Auditions are scheduled over three days; interested students need only to sign up for one audition slot. All UO students are welcome in any of our choirs. We have choirs appropriate for all experience levels, from people who have sung in a choir for many years, to people who would like to join a choir for the first time.
Please note that Chamber Choir (M/W 2:00 PM-2:50 PM & T/TH 12:00 PM-1:20 PM) and University Singers (MWF 11:00 AM-11:50 AM) audition in the fall only, and members commit for the entire year. Repertoire Singers (T/TH 3:00 PM-3:50 PM) will accept new members each term.
If you are interested in auditioning for choir but are unable to sign up for a Week of Welcome audition, please come to the first day of whichever choir you are interested in joining and we will arrange your audition at that time. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Paul at sjpaul@uoregon.edu.
WHAT TO PREPARE
Please have one song prepared – it can be an art song, aria, folk song, or musical theater piece. A pianist will be provided for you. You will also be asked to perform brief exercises that assess your range, aural skills, and music literacy level.
FIRST DAY OF EACH CHOIR
Chamber Choir: Monday, September 30: 2:00 PM-2:50 PM, Frohnmayer Music Building Room 163 Repertoire Singers: Tuesday, October 1: 3:00 PM-3:50 PM, Frohnmayer Music Building Room 163 University Singers: Monday, September 30: 11:00 AM-11:50 AM, Frohnmayer Music Building Room 163
QUESTIONS
Dr. Sharon J. Paul at sjpaul@uoregon.edu for questions about Chamber Choir or Repertoire Singers Dr. Melissa Brunkan at mbrunkan@uoregon.edu for questions about University Singers If you have general questions about the choirs, please feel free to contact either of us!
4:00–6:00 p.m.
The University Opera Ensemble is open to all members of the university community by audition only. All SOMD music majors must have their studio teacher's permission to participate.
WHAT TO PREPARE
- Fill out an Audition Information sheet (will be provided at audition).
- Bring a resumé and headshot, if you have one.
- One aria performed by memory and sung in French/Italian/German.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- A pianist will be provided.
- Please visit the Opera Ensemble Audition Details for aria excerpts and additional resources.
- Rehearsals and coachings can be arranged with Dr. Gustavo Castro the week before and the week of Week of Welcome. Contact Dr. Castro at gcastro@uoregon.edu.
- Send Dr. Karen Esquivel any questions you may have at esquivel@uoregon.edu.
6:00–9:00 p.m.
WHAT TO PREPARE
- Singers All singing vocalists should have one popular song prepared to sing, accompanied by a backing track or live/solo accompaniment. Choose a song that shows off your best skills as well as your stylistic tastes. Because singers in these groups must know how to work with a live band, acapella auditions will not be accepted.
- Instrumentalists and DJs: All instrumentalists and DJs should learn the following two songs for the audition:
- “Ain’t No Love” by Jay-Z (MTV Unplugged)
- “Cut Chemist Suite” by Ozomatli
Instrumentalists should learn their parts as played on the recordings. If their instrument isn’t on the recording, they should contribute by approximating some musical aspect of the recorded arrangement (sax might play the flute part from “Ain’t No Love,” e.g.). In addition to the two prepared songs, one or more short chord progressions will be taught to instrumentalists by ear in the audition, and instrumentalists will play them back with an assigned groove/style. If you are unable to learn one or both of the assigned songs above, we still want to hear you audition, so please come and at least participate in this ear-learning activity.
- MCs: MCs should rap at least the first verse from “Ain’t No Love” (see link above). In addition, MCs should prepare at least one 16-bar verse, or two 8-bar verses, of their own creation that it’s possible to perform over one of the songs the instrumentalists must prepare (see above).
POPULAR MUSIC FAQs
Q: I don’t freestyle/improvise/harmonize/I’ve never played in a band before, should I still audition? A: Yes! These auditions are just to see where you are at right now.
Q: I don’t like hip hop but I like metal/indie/R&B/ska can I audition? A: Yes! This audition is for several popular music ensembles. One group does focus on mainly hip hop, and the others are created based on the styles and personalities of other musicians that audition. The more people that audition and want to play a certain style, the more likely we are to be able to put that kind of band together.
QUESTIONS
Instructor Sean Peterson at peterso9@uoregon.edu Program Director Toby Koenigsberg at tobyk@uoregon.edu
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Auditions for the 2025-26 academic year for University Singers and UO Chamber Choir. Auditions are scheduled over three days; interested students need only to sign up for one audition slot. All UO students are welcome in any of our choirs. We have choirs appropriate for all experience levels, from people who have sung in a choir for many years, to people who would like to join a choir for the first time.
Please note that Chamber Choir (M/W 2:00 PM-2:50 PM & T/TH 12:00 PM-1:20 PM) and University Singers (MWF 11:00 AM-11:50 AM) audition in the fall only, and members commit for the entire year. Repertoire Singers (T/TH 3:00 PM-3:50 PM) will accept new members each term.
If you are interested in auditioning for choir but are unable to sign up for a Week of Welcome audition, please come to the first day of whichever choir you are interested in joining and we will arrange your audition at that time. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Paul at sjpaul@uoregon.edu.
WHAT TO PREPARE
Please have one song prepared – it can be an art song, aria, folk song, or musical theater piece. A pianist will be provided for you. You will also be asked to perform brief exercises that assess your range, aural skills, and music literacy level.
FIRST DAY OF EACH CHOIR
Chamber Choir: Monday, September 30: 2:00 PM-2:50 PM, Frohnmayer Music Building Room 163 Repertoire Singers: Tuesday, October 1: 3:00 PM-3:50 PM, Frohnmayer Music Building Room 163 University Singers: Monday, September 30: 11:00 AM-11:50 AM, Frohnmayer Music Building Room 163
QUESTIONS
Dr. Sharon J. Paul at sjpaul@uoregon.edu for questions about Chamber Choir or Repertoire Singers Dr. Melissa Brunkan at mbrunkan@uoregon.edu for questions about University Singers If you have general questions about the choirs, please feel free to contact either of us!
noon
Auditions for the 2025-26 academic year for University Singers and UO Chamber Choir. Auditions are scheduled over three days; interested students need only to sign up for one audition slot. All UO students are welcome in any of our choirs. We have choirs appropriate for all experience levels, from people who have sung in a choir for many years, to people who would like to join a choir for the first time.
Please note that Chamber Choir (M/W 2:00 PM-2:50 PM & T/TH 12:00 PM-1:20 PM) and University Singers (MWF 11:00 AM-11:50 AM) audition in the fall only, and members commit for the entire year. Repertoire Singers (T/TH 3:00 PM-3:50 PM) will accept new members each term.
If you are interested in auditioning for choir but are unable to sign up for a Week of Welcome audition, please come to the first day of whichever choir you are interested in joining and we will arrange your audition at that time. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Paul at sjpaul@uoregon.edu.
WHAT TO PREPARE
Please have one song prepared – it can be an art song, aria, folk song, or musical theater piece. A pianist will be provided for you. You will also be asked to perform brief exercises that assess your range, aural skills, and music literacy level.
FIRST DAY OF EACH CHOIR
Chamber Choir: Monday, September 30: 2:00 PM-2:50 PM, Frohnmayer Music Building Room 163 Repertoire Singers: Tuesday, October 1: 3:00 PM-3:50 PM, Frohnmayer Music Building Room 163 University Singers: Monday, September 30: 11:00 AM-11:50 AM, Frohnmayer Music Building Room 163
QUESTIONS
Dr. Sharon J. Paul at sjpaul@uoregon.edu for questions about Chamber Choir or Repertoire Singers Dr. Melissa Brunkan at mbrunkan@uoregon.edu for questions about University Singers If you have general questions about the choirs, please feel free to contact either of us!
Voice Studio Placements
11:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Auditions required for BMME Choral, BM Voice, BA/BS Applied Study: Voice, MM Voice, MM Choral Conducting, DMA Voice and all voice scholarship recipients.
Please plan to present one (1) selection. It can be one of the pieces you sang for your SOMD audition, or something new. Here are some general guidelines:
UNDERGRADUATE: A classical piece in English, Italian, French, Spanish or German. GRADUATE: An art song (Lied, mélodie, etc.), or an aria from an opera or oratorio.
Memorization is required, except for selections from the oratorio repertoire. An accompanist will be provided.
Instrumental Studio Placements
noon
For details about what to prepare, or general questions, please contact Dr. Alexandre Dossin.
10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Studio placement auditions are required for all new & returning students who will register for MUP Percussion lessons during the 2025-26 academic year. Studio placement auditions for percussion will coincide with ensemble auditions for that instrument.
Auditions for the 2025-26 academic year are open to students from all majors. Personnel for the various orchestras, bands, and wind ensembles will be formed from these auditions. Participation in the Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and Symphonic Band requires in-person auditions. Participation in Campus Band and Campus Orchestra does not require an audition.
Please visit the ensemble website for audition information, including excerpts (available August 1st) and sign-ups.
Dr. Dennis Llinas is your contact for questions, dllinas@uoregon.edu