audition process.

Welcome!

🌟 Thank you for your interest in joining the Cornell Orchestras! All excerpts and time slots have now been posted for Fall 2025. If you plan to audition, please fill out the audition form!

🌟 Got questions? Visit our FAQ page! Dr. 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 (sign in with your Cornell email).

Step 2: Audition Scheduling

Auditions for the 2025–2026 Season will be held in Lincoln Hall from August 21st – 24th.

Step 3: Audition Preparation

Orchestral information and excerpts 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, relax!

Step 1: Audition Form

Step 2: Audition Schedule

🌟 Audition for Fall 2025 will be held from August 21st – 24th. Here is the schedule; sign up for a time slot down below!

🌟 Thursday, August 21

  • 11:30am-3:30pm — Violins, B20

  • 4:00-5:30pm — Piano and Harp, B20

  • 6:00-8:00pm — String Conflicts, B20

🌟 Friday, August 22

  • 10:00am-12:00pm — Low Brass (trombones, euphoniums, tubas), B20

  • 1:00-3:00pm — Trumpets, B20

  • 3:00-5:00pm — Horns, B20

  • 5:30-7:30pm — Percussion, B20

🌟 Saturday, August 23

  • 9:30-11:30am — Saxophones, B20

  • 9:00-11:30am — Violins, B21

  • 12:00pm-3:00pm — Flutes & Piccolo, B20

  • 3:30-7:00pm — Clarinets (includes bass), B20

  • 7:30-9:00pm — Oboes and Bassoons, B20

🌟 Sunday, August 24

  • 9:00-11:00am — Viola, B21

  • 11:30am-2:30pm — Cello, B21

  • 12:00-3:30pm — Conflicts and Overflow (Winds and Percussion), B20

  • 5:00-6:00pm — Bass, B21

  • 6:00-8:30pm — String Conflicts, B21

Audition Sign-Up Link

  • Please make every effort to sign up in your instrument group. Students who are unable to do so should book a “conflict” time. If all “conflict” time slots are filled, please email Dr. Gómez to work out accommodations. Please show up to the assigned room at least five minutes before your scheduled time slot.

  • Orchestra and Wind Symphony auditions are held concurrently. You can find both sets of excerpts below. Although some Orchestra and Wind Symphony audition excerpts differ, both sets of excerpts are applicable for both ensembles.

    • Wind, Brass, Percussion, Harp, and Piano: Audition Sign-Up

      • If you wish to also audition for auxiliary instruments (e.g. piccolo), sign up for only one audition slot and bring both instruments!

    • Strings (Violin, Viola, Cello, and Bass): Audition Sign-Up

Step 3: Audition Materials

🌟 Scales:

  • Woodwinds: A chromatic scale, slurred, through your full comfortable range; and three major scales of your choice in at least 2 octaves, 3 if possible (any tempo and style are fine.)

  • Brass: Three major scales of your choice in at least 2 octaves, 3 if possible (any tempo and style are fine).

  • Strings: Two three-octave scales (one major, one minor).

🌟 Excerpts:

🌟 Solo Repertoire:

  • Strings only: If you wish to be considered for a principal position or private lessons, please prepare an additional excerpt of solo repertoire!

  • All other instruments: No solos will be required or heard!

Audition Tips

🌟 As you prepare for your audition, here are a few helpful tips to guide your practice:

  • Use a metronome and tuner: Solid rhythm and clear intonation are essential. Practicing with a metronome will help keep your tempo steady, and a tuner will help you internalize pitch accuracy.

  • Slow, thoughtful practice: Start slowly to build precision. Focus on tone quality, articulation, rhythm, and intonation before increasing the tempo.

  • Record yourself: Listening back can reveal things you might not notice while playing—rhythmic details, tuning issues, or phrasing choices.

  • Listen to recordings: Hearing the excerpts in context can help you understand the style, tempo, and orchestral character.

  • Pay attention to the details: Every note matters—articulation, dynamics, and tone shape your musical voice. Take time to bring out the musicality in the excerpt, not just the notes.

If you have any questions or concerns about the excerpts, feel free to reach out to Dr. Gómez. Thanks, and good luck! 🤗

Audition FAQ

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 also 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 will also set aside rooms as communal prep rooms. You can warm up in these rooms if you cannot access the regular practice rooms.

How can I audition for private lessons?

The audition above will cover all ensembles, including the Orchestras and Wind Symphony, as well as individual lessons! If you are a string player interested in private lessons, please prepare an additional excerpt from a solo repertoire as part of your audition requirements.

Any other questions?

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