Auditions

We warmly invite all Columbia undergraduate and graduate students with an interest in chamber music or orchestra and choral performance to join us. The Bach Society Orchestra and Chorus auditions for all prospective members at the beginning of the Fall and Spring academic semesters.

Please prepare roughly one page of music (preferable classical/baroque repertoire) to play/sing. Instrumentalists should prepare one three-octave scale in a key of your choice (major or minor).

Singers may be warmed up with another piece prior to their audition piece (something well known like Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Amazing Grace, etc. It won't be sight reading.)

Please schedule an audition with us first! Do not just show up!

**If you have contacted us before or if you signed up at the Columbia Activies Fair, you should have received an email with a link to sign up for audition times. If you did not contact us but you would still like to audition, or you haven't received an email yet, or if neither of the above days work, please send an email to bach@columbia.edu and we will find a time for you to audition.

Audition FAQs

Will the audition be a frightening experience?

Not at all! The audition is held in an informal and casual atmosphere and should not take more than 30 minutes. You can expect a little vocalization (for singers) and little, if any sight reading. We will also ask you a few questions about your experiences performing in musical groups.

What sections need to be filled?

Chorus: We are looking primarily for altos, tenors, and basses (however, sopranos are always welcome).

Orchestra: We are looking for all instrumentalists, but especially violas, cellos, double basses, bassoons, horns, trumpets, timpani, organ, harpsichord, pianos, and wind instruments. For continuo instruments, we are also looking for accompanists for choral rehearsals and/or for participating in chamber concerts.

What if I missed the auditions but I still want to join?

Send an email to Geoff McDonald, the conductor. Depending on the time of the year, and your instrument/voice, you may still be able to audition at one of our rehearsals and perform in the concert.