audition process.

Welcome!

🌟 Thank you for your interest in joining the Cornell Orchestras! All excerpts and time slots have now have been posted for Fall 2024. If you plan to audition, please fill out the audition form!

🌟 Got questions? Visit our FAQ page! Professor Gómez and the orchestra board are also here to help—reach out to one of us via email.

Steps for Auditioning

Step 1: Audition Form

If you wish to join a Cornell Ensemble (CCO/CSO/Wind Symphony), please complete the audition form below and enroll in either MUSIC 3621 or 4621 (CCO and CSO, respectively).

Step 2: Audition Scheduling

Auditions for the 2024–2025 Season will be held in Lincoln Hall from August 22nd – 25th.

Step 3: Audition Preparation

Orchestral excerpts and information are posted below. Please read your instrument-specific requirements carefully, as the expected scales and repertoire differ by instrument. You're going to do great, so relax!

Step 1: Audition Form

Step 2: Audition Schedule

🌟 Audition will be held from August 22nd – 25th. Here is the schedule, so sign up for a time slot down below!

🌟 Thursday, August 22

  • 9:00am-1:00pm — Violins, B20

  • 4:00-5:30pm — Piano and Harp, B20

  • 6:00-8:30pm — String Conflicts, B20

🌟 Friday, August 23

  • 10:00am-1:00pm — Low Brass (trombones, euphoniums, tubas), B20

  • 1:30-3:30pm — Trumpets, B20

  • 3:30-6:00pm — Horns, B20

  • 6:30-8:30pm — Percussion, B20

  • 8:30-10:00pm — String Conflicts, B20

🌟 Saturday, August 24

  • 9:00-11:30am — Violins, B21

  • 12:00-3:00pm — Flutes & Piccolo, B20

  • 3:30-6:30pm — Clarinets (includes bass), B20

  • 7:00-8:30pm — Oboes and Bassoons, B20

  • 8:30-10:00pm — Conflicts and Overflow (Non-String Instruments), B20

🌟 Sunday, August 25

  • 9:00am-12:00pm — Viola, B21

  • 12:30pm-3:30pm — Cello, B21

  • 12:00-3:30pm — Conflicts and Overflow (Non-String Instruments), B20

  • 5:30-7:30pm — Bass, B21

  • 7:30-10:00pm — String Conflicts, B21

Audition Sign-Up Link

  • Please sign up for an audition time slot here:

    • Wind, Brass, Percussion, Harp, and Piano: Audition Sign-Up.

      • If you wish to also audition for auxiliary instruments (Piccolo, English horn, etc…), sign up for only one audition slot and bring both instruments!

    • Strings (Violin, Viola, Cello, and Bass): Audition Sign-Up

Step 3: Audition Materials

🌟 Scales:

  • Woodwinds: A chromatic scale, slurred, through your full comfortable range; and three major scales of your choice in at least 2 octaves, 3 if possible (any tempo and style are fine.)

  • Brass: Three major scales of your choice in at least 2 octaves, 3 if possible (any tempo and style are fine).

  • Strings: Two three-octave scales (one major, one minor).

🌟 Excerpts:

🌟 Solo Repetoire:

  • Strings only: If you wish to be considered for a principal position or private lessons, please also prepare an additional excerpt of solo repertoire!

  • All other instruments: No solos will be required or heard!

Audition FAQ

What will the Cornell Orchestras be judging in my audition?

Judges WILL consider:

  • Rhythmic accuracy

  • Rhythmic stability (steady tempo)

  • Intonation (playing in tune with yourself)

  • Tone quality

  • Dynamic contrast

  • Instrument-specific technique

  • Musicality, expression, and phrasing

  • Appropriateness of repertoire for your technical level

  • Ability to recover if you make a mistake

  • Careful preparation of all audition music

Judges WILL NOT consider:

  • Race/ethnicity

  • Gender/gender presentation

  • If you have a private teacher or who your teacher is

  • Other auditions you've taken or groups you've played with

  • How fancy/expensive your instrument is

Should I memorize the music?

Memorization is not required. If you would like to memorize your solos, you are welcome to do so.

What should I wear?

Anything, although something slightly more formal than gym clothes would be preferred!

When will I find out if I have been accepted?

All audition results will be announced via email and will be posted on this website. All auditioning students will also be contacted regardless of the outcome.

What are the requirements for membership?

Cornell affiliation and a love of music are all that are required. All students, staff, and faculty are welcome in our community of music makers.

Where can I warm up/practice?

You may use any of the practice rooms available in Lincoln Hall on a first-come, first-served basis. For the upcoming auditions, we will also set aside rooms as communal prep rooms. You can warm up in these rooms if you cannot access the regular practice rooms.

  • Thursday, August 22: B21, 124, 149

  • Friday, August 23: B21, 124, 149

  • Saturday, August 24: B21 (12 pm - 10 pm), 124, 149

  • Sunday, August 25: B20 (8 am - 11:30 am), 124, 149

How can I audition for private lessons?

The audition above will cover all ensembles, including the Orchestras and Wind Symphony, as well as individual lessons! If you are a string player interested in private lessons, please prepare an additional excerpt from a solo repertoire as part of your audition requirements.

Any other questions?

If you have other questions not covered here, please email a member of the orchestra board.