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. 

Auditions for Symphony Orchestra

JANUARY 2025

Symphony Orchestra Auditions

Spring 2025 auditions will take place via video. The audition will be comprised of three elements:

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. Section leaders will be chosen each semester and will rotate occasionally. 

HOW TO SIGN UP FOR AUDITIONS
  1. Open the link below and follow instructions. Email Kimberly W. Souther at [email protected] with any questions.

AUDITION INFORMATION
Violin I  Violin II Viola Cello Bass Flute Oboe Clarinet Bassoon Horn TrumpetTrombone TubaPercussion

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 www.clemson.edu/cah/academics/performing-arts/perform/index.html. You can then register for lessons in the appropriate section for your instrument.

Narrator Audition - "The Conductor's Spellbook"
Please video yourself reciting the lines below.  Send video to Dr. Souther at [email protected] by February 1, 2025. 
Performance is Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 7:30PM.  

"Tony Stradivarius was fearless, so he tried spells that were the weirdest.  Let's try this one:
WOODWINDISSISMO...WEIRDISSIMO!....(Short pause)
WOODWINDISSO...SPOOKISSIMO!
And with every unsound spell, the orchestra continued to swell! (4 second pause)
Tony shouted: VROOM!  ZOOM! ROCOCO!!! CLARINETTO!!! (4 second pause)
MISTICO!!! PRESTISSIMO!!! VIOLINISSIMO!!! (4 second pause)
The Conductor's Spellbook rumbled intensely.......and began to levitate!
The orchestra played so loud that the lights began to flicker!
Suddenly, the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts Theatre was dark as night.
To Tony, everything sounded spookier in the dark.
Are YOU afraid of the dark?
Tony reached for The Conductor's Spellbook." 

Musical Pit Orchestra Auditions
The Musical Pit Orchestra will perform "Into the Woods" February 28 - March 2 at the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts. The pit orchestra rehearses twice a week beginning in January with participation in tech week the week prior to performance.  Full participation is required.  
THIS SHOW CALLS FOR:
1 Flute, 1 Clarinet, 1 Bassoon, 2 Horns, Trumpet, Piano, Synthesizer, Percussion, Violins I & II, Viola I & II, Cello, Bass. 
TO AUDITION:
 Submit a video recording of a scale (at least 2 octaves) and a solo work (No longer than 3 minutes please) The video title should read LAST NAME, FIRST NAME, Instrument.  
Email your video submission to [email protected] along with the following information:
-Any pit orchestra or musical experience
-Ability to double on multiple instruments
-Possible conflicts anticipated 

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS MONDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2024.  
Some auditions may require a follow-up, live, sight-reading audition. 


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 please contact Leslie Warlick at [email protected].