Columbia University Orchestra

Audition and General Information for 2013-2014 Season

Audition Information

Who May Audition

Students and faculty from all Columbia divisions are invited to audition. (Advanced sign-up is required. See "Important Notes")

Audition Dates/Times

Thurs., September 12, 2013 - 12 p.m. ~ 8 p.m.
Fri., September 13, 2013 - 12 p.m. ~ 8 p.m.
Sat., September 14, 2013 - 12 p.m. ~ 8 p.m.

Place

Dodge Hall, Rm. 809

Audition Requirements

1. Short solo of choice. This may be a short piece, or an excerpt of a longer piece. Select your piece well! Your chosen piece should be indicative of your ability to move around your instrument, as well as the quality of your sound.
2. Sight-reading may be asked from the upcoming season's repertoire

Important Notes

Advance sign-up is required. You may register for an audition time on the bulletin board next to Room 809 of the Dodge Hall. All former and current CUO members are required to audition.

Decisions regarding membership are made within the context of the orchestra's current personnel needs, the relationship of the player's ability to the median technical level of the orchestra, and the player's cpmpetency during the audition. Auditions are mandatory for new and old members of the orchestra. All personnel decisions are made by the Music Director.

As a member of the CUO, one must demonstrate that he or she is able to handle, to a reasonable degree, the repertory that the orchestra is playing. If the repertory is beyond a student's technical level, then it would be really unfair to ask her/him to try to play music that might be frustrating to both that individual and the group. The Orchestra's repertory has always included very challenging works, such as Brahms and Mahler Symphonies, Stravinsky ballets, 20th Century works, etc.

The number of wind, brass and percussion openings are determined by the Orchestra's repertory - larger pieces require more players, though not necessarily for each concert. The usual string complement is 28-32 violins, 8-10 each of violas and cellos, and 6-8 basses.

The Columbia University Orchestra performs very challenging works. As such, players must demonstrate a certain degree of competence and the capacity to handle this difficult repertoire repertoire. Auditionees not immediately accepted into the orchestra are encouraged to discuss further options with the Music Director, Professor Jeffrey Milarsky. These can include private lessons, smaller ensembles and chamber music.