Auditions for Fall 2021
Audition excerpts, sign-up sheets, and other audition details should be posted here close to August 1. Visit here throughout the summer to stay informed.
Orchestra Auditions
Auditions occur during the first week of classes each semester. For Fall 2021 that means Wednesday–Friday, August 18–20, and will take place in 119A Brooks. The audition will be comprised of three elements:
A note on seating order: auditions are meaningful and do help determine seating; however, seating choices in the strings are not determined by audition rank order alone. Sections are balanced for strength and for pedagogical reasons. Some violinists may be switched between first and second violin sections, and principal chairs may be rotated, even within a single concert or throughout the season — as deemed appropriate for the greatest success of the orchestra. Seating may vary in the woodwind and brass sections as well, for the same reasons.
HOW TO SIGN UP FOR AUDITIONS
AUDITION FILES
All of the audition selections are taken from a piece the orchestra may play this coming year. The entire part for your instrument is included in the download, though you are responsible for learning just the few lines enclosed in brackets. There are many recordings of the piece, so get to know not just your excerpt, but the whole piece, to get a sense of context. Knowing how your part fits in with the rest of the instruments shows initiative and curiosity on your part.
These links will go live on August 1, 2021.
VIOLIN
VIOLA
CELLO
BASS
PICCOLO
FLUTE
OBOE
CLARINET
BASSOON
FRENCH HORN
TRUMPET
TENOR TROMBONE
BASS TROMBONE
TUBA
Important notes:
- A piece that best shows off your skills, about a page in length. Please bring a copy of this piece for the conductor so he doesn't have to look over your shoulder as you play!
- A short excerpt that you can download at, or shortly after, August 1 (they will be posted at the bottom of this page)! All musicians are required to audition every semester.
- A short sight-reading excerpt.
A note on seating order: auditions are meaningful and do help determine seating; however, seating choices in the strings are not determined by audition rank order alone. Sections are balanced for strength and for pedagogical reasons. Some violinists may be switched between first and second violin sections, and principal chairs may be rotated, even within a single concert or throughout the season — as deemed appropriate for the greatest success of the orchestra. Seating may vary in the woodwind and brass sections as well, for the same reasons.
HOW TO SIGN UP FOR AUDITIONS
- Sign up for a time. Click on this link (this link will go live close to August 1) and enter your name and instrument in the appropriate column. If you wish to audition for the quartet or if you are planning to take lessons please put a "Y" in the proper column; otherwise, leave the column blank. Please try to leave the later times for community players who might not be able to audition during the day. After adding your name to the sign-up sheet please close the browser window.
- Download the excerpt for your instrument from the links below.
AUDITION FILES
All of the audition selections are taken from a piece the orchestra may play this coming year. The entire part for your instrument is included in the download, though you are responsible for learning just the few lines enclosed in brackets. There are many recordings of the piece, so get to know not just your excerpt, but the whole piece, to get a sense of context. Knowing how your part fits in with the rest of the instruments shows initiative and curiosity on your part.
These links will go live on August 1, 2021.
VIOLIN
VIOLA
CELLO
BASS
PICCOLO
FLUTE
OBOE
CLARINET
BASSOON
FRENCH HORN
TRUMPET
TENOR TROMBONE
BASS TROMBONE
TUBA
Important notes:
- Percussion: Dr. Buyer will assign the percussion players
- That's it!
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. If you sign up for both orchestra and lessons the orchestra will reimburse you for a portion of your lesson fee. Lessons are fairly priced (check back here later); reimbursements in past semesters has been some portion of that, depending on how much money is available and how many students sign up for lessons. For more details visit the Department of Performing Arts applied music page.
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 are expected to commit to an entire year with the quartet.
For more information about auditioning contact the conductor of the orchestra.
- If you would like to audition for the Clemson University String Quartet please put a "Y" in the appropriate column in the orchestra audition sign-up sheet.
- Prepare the music from the selections below (violin players should prepare both violin parts).
- Attend the quartet audition, which will be on Monday, August 30, after orchestra rehearsal (date, time 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 auditions.
For more information about auditioning contact the conductor of the orchestra.