How to Join
University of Kansas Orchestral Program 2024-25 Fall Placement Audition Information
Greetings, Jayhawks! We are thrilled that you are interested in joining the ranks of the University of Kansas Orchestral Program. Membership in select ensembles is contingent upon successful placement audition each season.
If you have any questions in regard to the audition process, contact the Director of Orchestral Activities, Prof. Creston Herron (creston.herron@ku.edu) for further clarification.
Auditions will be held via video submission for the spring semester. The audition submission form will be posted on the KU School of Music website in the orchestra section starting December 1, 2024. All audition videos will be due by Friday, December 13.
Everyone is required to perform a 3-octave major and melodic minor scale of their choice and the first two audition excerpts.
KU Symphony Orchestra
Spring Semester Rehearsals: MTR 4:00pm-5:50pm; First rehearsal - Tuesday, January 21, 2025
KU Philharmonic Orchestra
Spring Semester Rehearsals: W 6:00pm-7:50pm; First rehearsal - Wednesday, January 29, 2025
String Excerpts
- Bass Excerpt #1 (everyone) - Mendelssohn Symphony No. 5 “Reformation” mvt. I
Allegro con fuoco to 3 measures before rehearsal letter D. - Bass Excerpt #2 (everyone) - Mendelssohn Symphony No. 5 “Reformation” mvt. IV
Allegro maestoso to downbeat of rehearsal letter E. - Bass Excerpt #3 (Prairie Fire Audition) - Tchaikovsky Souvenir de Florence
Rehearsal Letter L to the downbeat of 9 after rehearsal letter M.
- Cello Excerpt #1 (everyone) - Mendelssohn Symphony No. 5 “Reformation” mvt. I
Allegro con fuoco to 3 measures before rehearsal letter D. - Cello Excerpt #2 (everyone) - Mendelssohn Symphony No. 5 “Reformation” mvt. IV
Allegro maestoso to downbeat of rehearsal letter E. - Cello Excerpt #3 (Prairie Fire Audition) - Tchaikovsky Souvenir de Florence
Rehearsal Letter L to the downbeat of 9 after rehearsal letter M.
- Viola Excerpt #1 (everyone) - Mendelssohn Symphony No. 5 “Reformation” mvt. I
Allegro con fuoco to 19 after rehearsal letter C. - Viola Excerpt #2 (everyone) - Mendelssohn Symphony No. 5 “Reformation” mvt. IV
Allegro maestoso to downbeat of rehearsal letter E. - Viola Excerpt #3 (Prairie Fire Audition) - Tchaikovsky Souvenir de Florence
Rehearsal Letter L to the downbeat of 9 after rehearsal letter M.
- Violin Excerpt #1 (everyone) - Mendelssohn Symphony No. 5 “Reformation” mvt. I
Allegro con fuoco to 5 after rehearsal letter C. - Violin Excerpt #2 (everyone) - Mendelssohn Symphony No. 5 “Reformation” mvt. IV
Allegro maestoso to downbeat of rehearsal letter E. - Violin Excerpt #3 (Prairie Fire Audition) - Tchaikovsky Souvenir de Florence
Rehearsal Letter L to the downbeat of 9 after rehearsal letter M.
Winds and Percussion
Auditions take place in conjunction with those of KU Concert Bands during the first week of classes. Sign up for an audition time the week in advance outside the KU Band Office in Murphy 124. Results will be posted later that week.