How to Join
2025-26 Spring 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 regarding 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 is posted on the KU School of Music website in the orchestra section. All audition videos will be due by Monday, December 8.
Everyone is required to perform a 3-octave major and melodic minor scale of your choice and a solo of your choice.
KU Symphony Orchestra Rehearsal Schedule
KU Symphony Orchestra rehearses on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30pm-6:20pm in Murphy Hall Room 130.
First Rehearsal: Tuesday, January 20, 2026, 3:30pm-6:20pm in Murphy Hall Room 130
KU Philharmonic Rehearsal Schedule
KU Philharmonic Orchestra rehearses on Tuesdays from 6:30pm-8:20pm in Murphy Hall Room 118.
First Rehearsal: Tuesday, January 20, 2026, 6:30pm-8:20pm in Murphy Hall Room 130
Prairie Fire Rehearsal Schedule
Prairie Fire Chamber Orchestra rehearses on Mondays from 4:00pm-5:50pm in Murphy Hall Room 118.
First Rehearsal: Monday, January 26, 2026, 4:00pm-5:50pm in Murphy Hall Room 118
String Excerpts
Bass Excerpt #1 - Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition - Samuel Goldenberg and Schmuÿle
Pickup to Rehearsal 56 to end.
Eighth note = 87
Bass Excerpt #2 - Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition - The Hut on Fowl’s Legs (Baba-Yaga)
Rehearsal 94 to end
Half note = 82
Cello Excerpt #1 - Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition - Samuel Goldenberg and Schmuyle
Pickup to Rehearsal 56 to the downbeat of Rehearsal 58.
Eighth note = 87
Cello Excerpt #2 - Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition - The Hut on Fowl’s Legs (Baba-Yaga)
Measure 130 to end.
Half note = 82
Viola Excerpt #1 - Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition - Samuel Goldenberg and Schmuyle
Pickup to Rehearsal 56 to end of measure 8.
Eighth note = 87
Viola Excerpt #2 - Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition - The Hut on Fowl’s Legs (Baba-Yaga)
Rehearsal 97 to end.
Half note = 82
Violin Excerpt #1 - Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition - The Marketplace at Limoges
Pickup to Rehearsal 63 to downbeat of Rehearsal 70.
Quarter note = 122
Violin Excerpt #2 - Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition - The Hut on Fowl’s Legs (Baba-Yaga)
Rehearsal 97 to end.
Half note = 82