How to Join
University of Kansas Symphony Orchestra 2023-24 Fall Placement Audition Information
Greetings, Jayhawks! We are thrilled that you are interested in joining the ranks of the University of Kansas Symphony Orchestra. Membership in the KUSO is contingent upon a successful placement audition each season.
Placement Audition Information
Placement auditions for the 2023-2024 KUSO season will take place during the first week of classes on Monday and Tuesday, August 21-22, 2023 for all stringed instruments. Please reference the links below to access the audition excerpts for your specific instrument. All cello/bass auditions will be held on Monday, August 21 and violin/viola auditions will be held on Tuesday, August 22. A sign-up link for specific audition times will be available on this page after August 1, 2023.
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.
KUSO Rehearsal Schedule
KU Symphony Orchestra rehearses on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 4:00-5:50 pm in Murphy Hall.
First Rehearsal: Thursday, August 24, 4:00-5:50 pm in Murphy Hall
String Excerpts
Make sure to prepare each excerpt for the placement audition. All excerpts have been gathered from Symphony No. 2 by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.
Excerpt 1: Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 2, Mvt. 1 Allegro vivo to letter E.
Half note = 90
Excerpt 2: Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 2, Mvt. 4 Page 2 to the downbeat of letter N Half note = 66
Excerpt 3: Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 2, Mvt. 4 Presto to letter Q. Half note = 160
Viola Audition Excerpt 2 (pdf)
Viola Audition Excerpt 2 (pdf)
Excerpt 1: Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 2, Mvt. 1 letter A to letter C. Half note = 90
Excerpt 2: Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 2, Mvt. 3 letter K to letter M. Half note = 66
Excerpt 3: Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 2, Mvt. 4 letter C to letter E. Half note = 160
Excerpt 1: Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 2, Mvt. 1 Allegro Vivo to letter E. Half note = 90
Excerpt 2: Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 2, Mvt. 1 22 bars before letter M to downbeat of 5 after letter M.
Half note = 66
Excerpt 3: Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 2, Mvt. 2 11 bars before letter B through 5 bars before letter B.
Half note = 160
Excerpt 4: Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 2, Mvt. 3 One bar before letter M until downbeat of letter N.
Half note = 66
Excerpt 5: Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 2, Mvt. 4 letter P for 24 measures.
Excerpt 1: Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 2, Mvt. 1 Allegro Vivo to letter E. Half note = 90
Excerpt 2: Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 2, Mvt. 4 letter P for 24 measures. Half note = 160
Excerpt 3: Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 2, Mvt. 4 Presto to letter Q. Half note = 160
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.