Auditioning to be a Student Soloist requires the permission of both the studio instructor of record and the conductor of the University Symphony Orchestra, evidenced by their signatures on the application form (See download below).

What does the audition include?

During the audition candidates must play the entire program that they intend to play with the orchestra if chosen as a soloist. The selection must be:

• At least 10 minutes in length and no longer that 20 minutes (This restriction may mean that an instrumentalist needs to choose just part rather than all of a concerto, or that a singer needs to choose a selection of arias rather than just one.)
• Any material played at the audition must be approved by the USO conductor prior to the audition. Candidates can help with this process by doing as much research as possible to determine if the orchestra accompaniment is available. The conductor may also base his or her judgment on the suitability of the accompaniment for the ensemble.

Students considering an audition may contact the conductor at any point during the year prior to the audition (or even earlier) to receive pre-approval of a work. Many students and studio teachers have found pre-approval to be a wise step before spending a great deal of time on music that might not be available or suitable.

Do selections need to be memorized?

Our rules state that the material should performed from memory at the audition and at the concert. Exceptions may be made, but the effect of an exception on audition will be up to the judges to determine.

Will an accompanist be provided for the audition?

Candidates are responsible for providing an accompanist for the audition. Auditioning without an accompanist is not allowed. Your studio teacher may help you find a suitable accompanist.

Procedure:

1. Discuss the possibility of an audition with your studio teacher. It's a good idea to have this discussion in the spring semester prior to the audition, or even earlier. Identify some appropriate literature.
2. Though not required, it's wise to check with the USO conductor to receive pre-approval for your selection.
3. Obtain a Student Soloists Application form either from the Music Office or by downloading it from the link below.
4. Obtain the required signatures by the deadline specified.
5. Turn the document in at the Music Office.
6. Schedule an audition time in the Music Office.
7. Secure an accompanist.
8. On the day of the audition, dress appropriately for a formal audition, and be prepared to announce your name, your accompanist's name and the composer and title of the work that you will play.

• Student Soloists Entry Form and Rules (PDF)

Student Soloists and Composer for the 2011-2012 Academic Year

Raymond Deleon, trumpet – Oskar Böhm Trumpet Concerto in F Minor, Op. 18

John Marzano, tenor – Gaetano Donizetti: Two arias from L’Elisir d’amor

Cooper Sumrall, oboe – Eugène Goossens: Concerto in One Movement for Oboe and Orchestra

Jess Kady, composer – Moving Mountains

2012 Auditions

Thursday November 15

Available times begin at 8 am.