String Orchestra
Consider joining our string orchestra! For this ensemble, you do not need to audition, but should have previous experience on your string instrument (violin, viola, cello, or bass). String Orchestra meets TR 11-12:15 in Brooks 112. This is a great way to get reacquainted with your instrument, get involved while you are preparing your symphony audition, or gain some experience in an ensemble. Please get in touch if you have any questions.

Auditions for Symphony Orchestra

December 1-14, 2022

Symphony Orchestra Auditions

Fall 2023 auditions will take place on Wednesday & Thursday, August 23 & 24 in Room 119A Brooks. The audition will be comprised of three elements:

1. A piece of your choice that shows your skills, about 1-3 minutes in length. Please bring a copy of this piece or email a PDF to eschaad@clemson.edu at least 1 day before your audition. Links to IMSLP or other online sources are fine. Please do not send a photo (a black and white scan is fine, there are free apps you can download for this).
2. A short excerpt that you can download below.
3. A short sight-reading excerpt.

All musicians are required to audition every semester.

A note on seating order: It is unlikely that players will sit in the same seat regularly for the entire year. String players will be rotated regularly and woodwinds, brass, percussion, and violins will rotate parts for the greatest individual experience and success of the orchestra. 

HOW TO SIGN UP FOR AUDITIONS

1. Send me an email to request a time.
2. Download the excerpt for your instrument from the links below.
3. Here is a handy document with advice for preparing an orchestral excerpt: HANDY DOC

EXCERPTS
Violin

• Beethoven: Symphony No. 5, 4th mvt, m. 405-436. Goal tempo: Half=80. Choose 1st or 2nd violin (this will not necessarily determine what parts you play, but may be a factor).
  • Violin 1
  • Violin 2

Viola

• Beethoven: Symphony No. 5, 4th mvt, m. 406-436. Goal tempo: Half=80

 
Cello

• Beethoven: Symphony No. 5, 4th mvt, m. 398-436. Goal tempo: Half=80

 
Bass

• Beethoven: Symphony No. 5, 4th mvt, m. 398-436. Goal tempo: Half=80

 
Flute

• Beethoven: Leonore Overture No. 3, m. 17-36. Goal tempo: Eighth=58. AND m. 328-350. Goal tempo: Half=120.

 
Oboe

• Brahms: Symphony No. 1, mvt. 2, m. 17-23 and 38-43. Goal tempo: Q=38-46

 
Clarinet

• Berlioz: Symphony Fantastique, mvt. 3, 3 after 43 to 44. Goal tempo: Eighth=72

 
Bassoon

• Beethoven: Violin Concerto, mvt. 2, mm. 20-30. Goal tempo: Quarter=40

 
Horn

• Dvorak: New World Symphony, mvt. 1, Horn 3 in C, mm. 16-27. Goal tempos: Adagio: Sixteenth=126; Allegro molto: Quarter=136.

 
Trumpet

• Tchaikovsky: Capriccio Italien. Please play both excerpts:
  • Trumpet 1 part in E: m. 1-7. Goal tempo: Eighth=132.
  • Piston 1 part in A: m. 189 to D. Goal tempo: Quarter=120.        

 
Trombone

• Berlioz: Hungarian March. Choose one excerpt:
  • Trombone 1: 1 before 4 to 2 after 5. Goal tempo: Half=92
  • Bass trombone: 6 before 4 to 2 after 5. Goal tempo: Half=92

 
Tuba

• Hindemith: Symphonic Metamorphoses, 2nd mvt, 2 before M to R. Goal tempo: Half=86.

Percussion: Dr. Buyer will assign the percussion players

Private Lessons

We encourage you to take private lessons, which are available for most instruments. We have excellent teachers and you earn an hour of credit each semester. For more details visit the Department of Performing Arts applied music page. You can then register for lessons in the appropriate section for your instrument.

String Quartet auditions

The Clemson University String Quartet is a scholarship ensemble that rehearses twice weekly (once with a coach and a second time on their own) at a schedule amenable to the four musicians and coach. The group plays for university functions and private events, often for pay. They also earn a scholarship and will have lessons paid for if they choose to take them. The quartet plays mostly classical music with the addition of some contemporary pop songs. Quartet members are required to play in the orchestra and commit to an entire year with the quartet.

1. If you would like to audition for the Clemson University String Quartet, please indicate this on the CUSO info sheet.
2. Attend the quartet audition (date, time, repertoire, and location TBA). We'll try different combinations of players to find the best mix of skill, ensemble playing, leadership and intonation. Results will be announced at the conclusion of the week.

For more information about auditioning contact the conductor of the orchestra.​