ENSEMBLE AUDITIONS
CHOIRS | OPERA | DANCE | INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLES | JAZZ ENSEMBLES | JAZZ ARTS OREGON COMBO | HIP-HOP & POPULAR MUSIC ENSEMBLES
CHOIRS
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.
AUDITIONS
Thursday, September 26, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM, Frohnmayer Music Building Room 163
Friday, September 27, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM, Frohnmayer Music Building Room 163
Sunday, September 29, 1:00 PM-4:00 PM, Frohnmayer Music Building Room 163
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.
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
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.
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!
OPERA
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.
AUDITIONS
Thursday, September 26, 4:00 PM-6:00 PM, Beall Concert Hall
Opera Ensemble will be performing Jules Massenet's Cendrillion, sung in French, in May 2025.
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 from the list of options, performed by memory and sung in French.
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.
DANCE
Placement and Audition
Placement is encouraged for anyone taking UO Dance classes. Students from other majors are welcome.
Placement is required if:
- you would like to start higher than level I in any technique class*, or
- you want to move up a level in any technique class, or
- you are auditioning for the BFA, or
- you already auditioned for the BFA in-person or by video last February.
*When registering for dance technique classes prior to placement, you should register for level I in any idiom (Contemporary I, Ballet I, Hip Hop I, or African I). You will be able to change your registration as appropriate after we have your placement result.
Placement schedule for Friday, September 27th
9:15 AM-9:45 AM: Check in at Dougherty Dance Theatre on the 3rd floor of Gerlinger Annex.
10:00 AM-12:00 PM: Placement Class includes ballet, contemporary, African, and hip hop.
Be prepared to change easily between:
- soft slippers or thin cotton socks for ballet (no point shoes);
- bare feet for contemporary and African;
- and clean sneakers for hip hop.
Auditions for the BFA program will follow placement class in the afternoon on Friday, September 27. If you were accepted into the BFA from an in-person or video audition last February, you do not need to audition again, but you should attend the morning Placement Class. Auditions are not required for BA/BS Dance majors or Dance minors.
Contact Dana Gorman with any questions.
BFA Audition Friday, September 27th
BFA candidates will participate in the morning placement class, present a 3-5 minute solo, and have a brief interview with the Dance faculty.
AUDITION SCHEDULE
9:15 AM-9:45 AM: Check in at Dougherty Dance Theatre on the 3rd floor of Gerlinger Annex.
10:00 AM-12:00 PM: Placement Class includes ballet, contemporary, African, and hip hop.
Be prepared to change easily between:
- soft slippers or thin cotton socks for ballet (no point shoes);
- bare feet for contemporary and African;
- and clean sneakers for hip hop.
12:30 PM-3:00 PM: new BFA candidates will perform a 3-5 minute solo, followed by an interview with the UO Dance faculty.
Guidelines for Solo
Perform a 3-5 minute solo from any idiom or style that you feel presents you in your very best light. The movement may be choreographed (by you or another) or improvised. A separate studio will be available to prepare for solo performances. We will provide aux cable and adapters to play your music from your phone or other device during the audition.
Please be prepared to answer the following questions in the interview with faculty.
- What would you like to tell us about your movement background?
- Why are you interested in earning a BFA in Dance at the University of Oregon?
- How do you see yourself working and collaborating with the community in our dance program as well as the greater community at the University of Oregon?
Fall 24 UO Dance class schedule:
Contact Dana Gorman with any questions.
INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLES
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.
AUDITIONS
INSTRUMENTAL (NON-STRINGS) AUDITION SCHEDULE
Euphonium, Tuba: Thursday, September 26, 9:00 AM-10:20 AM, Frohnmayer Music Building Room 190
Horn: Thursday, September 26, 10:30 AM-11:40 AM, Frohnmayer Music Building Room 190
Trumpet: Thursday, September 26, 1:00 PM- 2:30 PM, Frohnmayer Music Building Room 190
Trombone: Thursday, September 26, 2:40 PM- 3:55 PM, Frohnmayer Music Building Room 190
Saxophone: Thursday, September 26, 4:05 PM- 5:20 PM, Frohnmayer Music Building Room 190
Percussion: Thursday, September 26, 6:00 PM- 7:30 PM, Frohnmayer Music Building Room 190
Flute: Friday, September 27, 8:30 AM-10:00 AM, Frohnmayer Music Building Room 190
Clarinet: Friday, September 27, 10:10 AM-11:40 AM, Frohnmayer Music Building Room 190
Bassoon: Friday, September 27, 11:50 AM-12:50 PM, Frohnmayer Music Building Room 190
Oboe: Friday, September 27, 1:30 PM- 2:30 PM, Frohnmayer Music Building Room 190
INSTRUMENTAL (STRING) AUDITION SCHEDULE
Cello & Classical Bass: Saturday, September 28, 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM, Frohnmayer Music Building Room 190
Violin & Viola: Sunday, September 29, 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM, Frohnmayer Music Building Room 190
- Prepare the bracketed sections from Stravinsky Firebird (violin and viola only) & Bartok Concerto for Orchestra (everyone).
Excerpts can be found here.
The orchestra will be performing these works, so if you want to learn the whole part, please do. Listening to multiple recordings to get an idea of style and tempi is recommended. - Prepare one-minute from a solo or etude that demonstrates your musical maturity and technical skill.
- Please sign up for the earliest time available so that we can avoid downtime between auditionees.
AUDITION TIPS
- Bring everything you need for a successful audition.
- Arrive early (i.e., you may need to fill out some paperwork, check for any last-minute announcements or instructions).
- Please wear professional dress for the audition.
- Before you enter the room, make sure you complete the audition information sheet located outside your audition room.
QUESTIONS
Dr. David Jacobs at djacobs@uoregon.edu for Symphony Orchestra and Campus Orchestra.
Dr. Dennis Llinas at dllinas@uoregon.edu for Oregon Wind Ensemble.
Dr. Jason Silveira at jsilveir@uoregon.edu for Oregon Wind Symphony.
Dr. Eric Wiltshire esw@uoregon.edu for Campus Band.
JAZZ ENSEMBLES
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 auditon, regardless of major.
FALL TERM
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.
WINTER AND FALL TERM
Prior to the beginning of both Winter and Spring terms, Open Chair Auditions are announced to fill ensemble vacancies. Open Chair Auditions are held the term before the vacancies occur during Dead Week.
AUDITIONS
Jazz Saxophone: Wednesday, September 25, 9:00 AM-1:30 PM, Frohnmayer Music Building Room 184
Jazz Piano: Wednesday, September 25, 2:30 PM-5:00 PM, Frohnmayer Music Building Room 184
Jazz Drum Set: Wednesday, September 25, 6:30 PM-9:30 PM, Frohnmayer Music Building Room 184
Jazz Bass: Thursday, September 26, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM, Frohnmayer Music Building Room 184
Jazz Trombone: Thursday, September 26, 12:30 PM-2:30 PM, Frohnmayer Music Building Room 184
Jazz Trumpet: Thursday, September 26, 3:00 PM-5:30 PM, Frohnmayer Music Building Room 184
Jazz Guitar: Friday, September 27, 1:00 PM-4:00 PM, Frohnmayer Music Building Room 184
Follow the link below to access materials needed specifically for each instrumental audition and to sign-up for your individual audition appointment.
If you would like to audition on an instrument/voice not listed above, please contact Paul Krueger at kruegerp@uoregon.edu to arrange an audition.
JAZZ ARTS OREGON COMBO
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 seperate audition prior to the Fall term of each school year. The group is open to student 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 approximately $1000 for the academic year.
AUDITIONS
Thursday, September 26, 6:30 PM-8:30 PM, Frohnmayer Music Building Room 184
QUESTIONS
Prof. Paul Krueger at kruegerp@uoregon.edu
HIP-HOP & POPULAR MUSIC ENSEMBLES
AUDITIONS
Thursday, September 26, 6:00 PM-9:00 PM, Frohnmayer Music Building Room 173
Singers should audition from 6:00 PM-7:30 PM; all others should audition from 7:30 PM-9:00 PM.
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:
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
STUDIO PLACEMENT AUDITIONS
Studio assignment placement auditions are required for all incoming students in percussion, piano, voice, and guitar who are planning to register for applied lessons (MUP 165 and above). Admitted incoming music students who did not complete an audition previously must audition during Week of Welcome. Click the area below for their specific audition details.
BRASS | PERCUSSION | PIANO | STRINGS | VOICE | WOODWINDS | GUITAR
BRASS
AUDITIONS
Auditions are required for non-music majors who wish to register for applied lessons (horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, euphonium).
Please contact Henry Henniger at henryh@uoregon.edu to request an audition.
PERCUSSION
AUDITIONS
Auditions are required for all new & returning students. Studio placement auditions will coincide with ensemble auditions.
Thursday, September 26, 6:00 PM-7:30 PM, Frohnmayer Music Building Room 190
PIANO
AUDITIONS
Thursday, September 26, 12:00 PM-3:00 PM, Beall Concert Hall
For details about what to prepare, or general questions, please contact Dr. Alexandre Dossin.
STRINGS: VIOLIN, VIOLA, CELLO AND DOUBLE BASS
Please contact Dr. Leslie Straka to request an audition.
VOICE: ADMITTED MAJORS + SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS ONLY
AUDITIONS
Auditions required for BMME Choral, BM Voice, BA/BS Applied Study: Voice, MM Voice, MM Choral Conducting, DMA Voice and all voice scholarship recipients.
Saturday, September 28, 11:00 AM-2:30 PM, Beall Concert Hall
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. For questions, please contact Dr. Craig Phillips.
A Duck ID is required to schedule your voice audition. Please visit the UO Service Portal to claim your Duck ID.
WOODWINDS
Auditions are required for non-music majors who wish to register for applied lessons (flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone).
Please contact the appropriate faculty for individual auditions:
Prof. Steve Vacchi at vacchi@uoregon.edu for Bassoon
Associate Prof. Wonkak Kim at wkim@uoregon.edu for Clarinet
Assistant Prof. Jacqueline Cordova-Arrington at jcordov7@uoregon.edu for Flute
Associate Prof. Melissa Peña at pena@uoregon.edu for Oboe
Prof. Idit Shner at ishner@uoregon.edu for Saxophone
POP BASS GUITAR
AUDITIONS
Auditions are required for Popular Music majors who wish to register for applied lessons in pop bass guitar.
Friday, September 27, 4:30 PM-8:00 PM, Frohnmayer Music Building Room 173