Music Orchestra Auditions
2022 Orchestra Auditions
Why should I audition?
The question is really why not? Joining the orchestra and/or the choir is a great way to advance your musicianship, continue your musical education, and join a community of people who love making music and being in fellowship with each other through music. Not only will you find a community of musicians, but you will also find a community of friends who just happen to love making music together!
Do I need to audition to participate in orchestra?
Yes, all students both new and returning must audition for placement in ensembles. We welcome all students to audition and all students who audition will be placed in an ensemble.
I have only ever played in bands, should I still audition?
Most definitely! Everyone is welcome to audition for the orchestra and if you’ve never played in an orchestra, we think you’ll like it! Yes, it is different than playing in a band, and it is still a great musical experience.
Whatever you play, we would love to have you join us. Right now, we would love to have more horn, trombone, tuba, cello, percussion, and harp players.
What if I don’t play an orchestral instrument?
Don’t worry, there is a place for you at Westmont music. In addition to the orchestra, Westmont Music Department also offers Choral ensembles and a variety of instrumental ensembles including Wind Chamber Music, Jazz Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, and String Chamber Music.
Where are the auditions held?
All auditions will be in the rehearsal room 113 in the music building.
When are the auditions?
Strings Auditions
Sunday Aug. 28th 2 to 5 p.m.
Monday Aug. 29th 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Tuesday Aug. 30th 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Woodwinds and Brass
Monday Aug. 29th 2 to 5 p.m.
Tuesday Aug. 30th 2 to 5 p.m.
Percussion
Tuesday Aug. 30th 8 p.m. (after the Westmont Orchestra social)
Where can I sign up for auditions?
• Please use the links below to sign up for an audition time.
• To access these links, you must first be logged in to your Westmont email account.
What should I prepare for the auditions?
• Excerpts for your instrument. You can find your instrument below and click on the link(s) to download your part.
• While there is no solo requirement for the audition, we may ask for some scales and will have some sight-reading for you.
- Flute
- Oboe
- Clarinet
- Bassoon
- Horn
- Trumpet
- Trombone
- Bass Trombone
- Tuba
- Percussion
- Violin I
- Violin II
- Viola
- Cello
- String Bass
What are the faculty listening for during auditions?
• Good tone quality
• Good intonation
• Steady sense of pulsation and rhythm
• Expressiveness
Advice regarding auditions:
• Be on time. This means being early and warming up before your audition, getting yourselves physically and mentally prepared for the audition.
• Listening to different recordings with the complete part (not just the excerpts) can be helpful in preparing the orchestral excerpts, it may offer ideas concerning appropriate tempo, articulation, and style. To have a more comprehensive context for the excerpts, Daniel Macy, President of the Westmont Orchestra this year, has created a very helpful spotify playlist with different recordings of pieces that the orchestra will be performing this academic year. Check it out!
• Relax and have fun. While the music faculty places a great value on these auditions, remember that we sincerely want you to do well.
Helpful Resources
Feel free to reach out to orchestra librarian, Carly Field (cafield@westmont.edu), should you have any questions regarding your parts.
Have questions?
Feel free to reach out to Dr. Lin (rlin@westmont.edu).