audition process.

Welcome!

🌟 Thank you for your interest in joining the Cornell Orchestras! All excerpts and time slots have now have been posted. If you plan to audition, please fill out the audition form by 12/03!

🌟 Got questions? Visit our FAQ page! Professor Gómez and the orchestra board are also here to help—reach out to one of us via email.

Steps for Auditioning

Step 1: Audition Form

If you wish to join a Cornell Ensemble (CCO/CSO/Wind Symphony), please complete the audition form below and enroll in either MUSIC 3621 or 4621 (CCO and CSO, respectively).

Step 2: Audition Scheduling

Auditions for the 2023–2024 Season will be held in Lincoln Hall from December 5th – 10th.

Step 3: Audition Preparation

Orchestral excerpts and information are posted below. Please read your instrument-specific requirements carefully, as the expected scales and repertoire differ by instrument. You're going to do great, so relax!

Step 1: Audition Form

Step 2: Audition Schedule

🌟 Audition will be held from December 5th – 10th. Come back soon for the sign-up sheet!

Audition Sign-Up Link

Step 3: Audition Materials

🌟 Two three-octave scales (one major, one minor) and three contrasting excerpts of your choice!

Audition FAQ

How will auditions be held in light of COVID-19?

All auditions will be held in Lincoln Hall. As of June 2023, there are no additional masking or distancing requirements. Please check back before your audition.

What will the Cornell Orchestras be judging in my audition?

Judges WILL consider:

  • Rhythmic accuracy

  • Rhythmic stability (steady tempo)

  • Intonation (playing in tune with yourself)

  • Tone quality

  • Dynamic contrast

  • Instrument-specific technique

  • Musicality, expression, and phrasing

  • Appropriateness of repertoire for your technical level

  • Ability to recover if you make a mistake

  • Careful preparation of all audition music

Judges WILL NOT consider:

  • Race/ethnicity

  • Gender/gender presentation

  • If you have a private teacher or who your teacher is

  • Other auditions you've taken or groups you've played with

  • How fancy/expensive your instrument is

Should I memorize the music?

Memorization is not required. If you would like to memorize your solos, you are welcome to do so.

What should I wear?

Anything, although something slightly more formal than gym clothes would be preferred!

When will I find out if I have been accepted?

All audition results will be announced via email and will be posted on this website. All auditioning students will be contacted regardless of the outcome.

What are the requirements for membership?

Cornell affiliation and a love of music are all that are required. All students, staff, and faculty are welcome in our community of music makers.

Where can I warm up/practice?

You may use any of the practice rooms available in Lincoln Hall on a first-come, first-served basis. For the upcoming auditions, we have also set aside rooms B21 and 124 as communal prep rooms. You can warm up in these rooms if you cannot access the regular practice rooms, and the schedule for them is as follows:

Friday, August 18: B21 (9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m)
Saturday, August 19: B21 (9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m)
Sunday, August 20: B21 (9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m), 124 (3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m)
Monday, August 21: 124 (11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m)

We’ll provide a list of the communal rooms and maps of the practice rooms inside Lincoln Hall as auditions approach!

Any other questions?

If you have other questions not covered here, please email a member of the orchestra board.