Music Orchestra Auditions
2025-26 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, Brass Ensemble, and String Chamber Music.
Where are the auditions held?
Returning students have the option of sending in an video audition or do a live audition. Please see this doc for guidelines regarding submitting a video audition. Please submit your video using this google form.
New students will sign up for a live audition. All auditions will be in the rehearsal room 113 in the music building. See sign up below.
When are the live auditions?
Sunday Aug. 30th, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. in Rehearsal Room Music 113
Monday Sept. 1st, 9:00 a.m. to 12 p.m., and 1:00 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Rehearsal Room Music 113
Percussion
Tuesday Sept. 2nd 8 p.m. MPR (after the first orchestra reading)
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.
• Music majors and anyone who would like to be considered for first stands should prepare ALL of the excerpts. Non-music majors should prepare a total of at least 6 excerpts with at least one excerpt from each of the pieces included.
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. You can find recommended recordings in this pdf.
• 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 our orchestra librarians, Abby Lackey (alackey@westmont.edu) or Sarah Lipka (slipka@westmont.edu) should you have any questions regarding your parts.
Have questions?
Feel free to reach out to Dr. Lin (rlin@westmont.edu).