Information for the 2026-2027 ensemble placement auditions is currently being finalized and will be posted as soon as it is available. New excerpts will be uploaded for the upcoming academic year. Check back soon for updates!

String Audition Repertoire

The guidelines and excerpts below are the required materials for string auditions of the Pacific Lutheran University Symphony Orchestra.

Violin:

  • A solo excerpt (from a concerto, sonata, or other solo work) of your choice. Please keep it to 2-3 minutes.
  • Excerpts selected from TBA.
  • A short sight reading excerpt to be provided at the audition.
  • If you are interested in serving as Concertmaster, please prepare the Concertmaster Excerpt.

Non-Music Majors:

  • Please select one excerpt from the packet and perform 2-3 minutes of a solo piece. If you do not have a solo piece, please prepare two excerpts from the audition packet.
  • Please note: non-music majors are more than welcome to perform the music major excerpts and to audition for the principal seat.

Viola:

  • A solo excerpt (concerto, sonata, or other solo work) of your choice, approximately 2-3 minutes.
  • Excerpts selected from TBA.
  • A short sight reading excerpt to be provided at the audition.

Non-Music Majors:

  • Please select one excerpt from the packet and perform 2-3 minutes of a solo piece. If you do not have a solo piece, please prepare two excerpts from the audition packet.
  • Please note: non-music majors are more than welcome to perform the music major excerpts and to audition for the principal seat.

Cello:

  • A solo excerpt (from a concerto, sonata, or other solo work) of your choice, approximately 2-3 minutes.
  • Excerpts selected from TBA.
  • A short sight reading excerpt to be provided at the audition.

Non-Music Majors:

  • Please select one excerpt from the packet and perform a few minutes of a solo piece. If you do not have a solo piece, please prepare two excerpts from the audition packet.
  • Please note: non-music majors are more than welcome to perform the music major excerpts and to audition for the principal seat. 

Double Bass:

  • A solo excerpt (from a concerto, sonata, or other solo work) of your choice, approximately 2-3 minutes.
  • Excerpts selected from TBA.
  • A short sight reading excerpt to be provided at the audition.

Non-Music Majors:

  • Please select one excerpt from the packet and perform a few minutes of a solo piece. If you do not have a solo piece, please prepare two excerpts from the audition packet.
  • Please note: non-music majors are more than welcome to perform the music major excerpts and to audition for the principal seat.

Harp:

Please contact Elizabeth Landis, PLU Harp Lecturer, at elizabeth.landis@plu.edu for the audition requirements.

Questions? Contact Dr. Svend Rønning, Coordinator of String Studies