Ensemble Audition Requirements

Everyone must do a placement audition for ensembles, whether they received a scholarship or not, except those auditioning to be a Music major on the August audition date. Contact the Music Office at 651-631-5218 or 888-878-5514 to schedule and audition and receive additional audition instructions.

Choral

Northwestern Choir (spring prior to incoming year) and Women’s Chorale and Men’s Chorus (fall) auditions will take place with Mr. Timothy Sawyer.

• Come prepared to sing a stanza of Amazing Grace, accompanied by Mr. Sawyer. 
• Mr. Sawyer will check your vocal range, rhythm, ear, and sight-reading skills.

Orchestra (Strings)

• Orchestra String auditions will take place with Mr. David Kozamchak.
• A prepared piece that best demonstrates your musical ability.
• A scale, preferably three octaves - basses may play a two octave scale.
• Sight-reading.
• No accompanist is necessary, or provided.

Winds/Brass/Percussion (Orchestra, Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble)

• These auditions will take place with Mr. John Herlihy and Mr. David Kozamchak.
• A prepared solo or etude with musical contrast that best demonstrates your skills.
• Sight-reading.
• Scales: up to four sharps and four flats. You will perform three scales, two major scales (one selected for you) and a full-range chromatic scale.
• No accompanist is necessary, or provided.
• If you are uncertain whether to audition for band or orchestra, please let the Music Office know when you call to schedule an audition.
• When scheduling an audition let us know if you are interested in auditioning for Orchestra. If you are also auditioning for Symphonic Band and/or Jazz Ensemble you will only need to play one audition that will serve as your audition into the three instrumental ensembles.

Please note that there may not be openings in some instrumental areas in the Orchestra from year to year.