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 are required for placement into the KU Symphony Orchestra and the KU Prairie Fire Ensemble. Auditions will be held Thursday, August 22 through Saturday, August 24. Audition sign-up forms will be posted on the KU School of Music website in the orchestra section starting July 1, 2024. There is no audition required to join the KU Philharmonic Orchestra.
Everyone is required to perform a 3-octave major and melodic minor scale of their choice and the first two audition excerpts. The third excerpt is optional but required for consideration for placement into the KU Prairie Fire Ensemble.
KU Symphony Orchestra
Fall Semester Rehearsals: MTR 4:00pm-5:50pm; First rehearsal - Monday, August 26, 2024
KU Philharmonic Orchestra
Fall Semester Rehearsals: T 6:00pm-7:50pm; First rehearsal - Tuesday, September 3, 2024
KU Prairie Fire Ensemble
Fall Semester Rehearsals: M 3:00pm-3:50pm; First rehearsal - Monday September 9, 2024
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.
Fall 2024 Wind & Percussion Audition Music
Coming soon!