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Strings/Orchestra Auditions

Strings/Orchestra Auditions

Auditions:

Tuesday, August 27 from 3:00-8:30pm

ETMSW building (1040 W Harrison St.)

Eligibility: 

All string players are expected to complete an in-person audition this fall. Don’t worry—all string players with prior experience are accepted into UICO. The audition is a chance for you to meet our orchestra director, and determine seating arrangements. Any woodwinds, brass, or percussion who want to play in orchestra should sign up for the woodwinds, brass, and percussion auditions and indicate orchestra as an interest or preference on the day of the audition.

Audition Time:

Sign-up for an audition time slot here: https://signup.com/go/QCMbOKP

Audition Repertoire:

UICO Audition Information & Excerpts Packet

Scroll through the audition information packet to find TWO PAGES for your instrument. You will see two excerpts clearly marked #1 and #2. 

Everyone should plan to play excerpt #1.

Those who are music performance majors OR interested in being considered for front stand or principal chair should also play excerpt #2.

You will be asked to complete a paper form upon arrival at the audition. Be sure to arrive at least 5 minutes early to your audition time and bring your fall class schedule with you! 

FAQs:

I need an instrument. What do I do? 

I can help you with this! Please email me at tfawkes@uic.edu as soon as possible. 

Will we have winds and percussion this year? 

Yes. We will use winds and percussion on two of our four concerts this year—the Orchestra Invitational in October and our  final concert in April. This year’s music includes great stuff for string orchestra and full orchestra. ANY WINDS OR  PERCUSSION WHO WANT TO PLAY IN ORCHESTRA SHOULD SIGN UP FOR A WIND ENSEMBLE/SYMPHONIC  BAND AUDITION. 

Do I have to register for the class in order to play in Orchestra? 

Yes—generally, all string players should sign up for MUS 157, University Orchestras. 

I am interested in serving on the Orchestra Board this year. How do I apply? 

All returning Orchestra students are invited to apply to be on the Orchestra Board! This group works to help provide administrative support, social connection, publicity, and good vibes to our program. Check your email for a link to apply. 

I have a friend who is interested in playing in Orchestra. What should they do? 

Tell them to sign up for the class! It’s not too late.


For questions about Orchestra, email Professor Timothy Fawkes: tfawkes@uic.edu