Explore the categories below to learn more about auditioning for Conservatory ensembles 2023-24.
Major Ensembles are those typically required for music majors; students audition based on their primary instrument. However, students of any major at Baldwin Wallace University are invited to audition for these ensembles: please contact Destinee Siebe (dsiebe@bw.edu) for more information.
Elective Ensembles may be required for certain degrees or emphasis programs, but are more typically offered as electives. Please contact the director(s) of ensemble(s) in which you are interested for more information.
MAJOR ENSEMBLES
Audition sign-up process:
- Sign up for your audition time here.
- New for 2023: Complete the required choral student survey here.
Students auditioning for a choral ensemble will be asked to sing guided scales and vocalizes to establish their vocal range. Those with vocal/choral experience should prepare a short solo song or excerpt. Please avoid pop/rock and belting. Those with no vocal training can sing something like Happy Birthday, Amazing Grace, or another familiar song. An accompanist will be provided, though unaccompanied auditions are also welcome. Singers will also be asked to sight-read short melodic excerpts. Sight-singing experience is not required for placement in a choral ensemble.
Audition schedule:
All choral auditions will take place in Kadel Hall, Boesel Musical Arts Center
New students:
Friday, August 18: 3:15-8:45pm
Saturday, August 19: 4:30-6pm
***Returning students:
Saturday, August 19: 10am-4pm
Sunday, August 20: 9:30am-3pm
***All returning choral students are expected to audition, regardless of previous placements. Additionally: if you live locally or will be moving back to Berea early, please consider selecting a Saturday audition time. This will allow those arriving later to select a time that will work for them.
Dear Students,
Welcome to the new academic year! You will find audition information below—please read closely.
Audition sign-up process:
- Sign up for your audition time here.
- Complete the instrumentalists survey here.
- Please allow up to 1 business day to receive audition excerpts via email. Students will NOT receive excerpts until steps 1 and 2 above are completed!
- For 2023 auditions, instrumentalists will only be asked to perform the assigned excerpts. No solo material is required for this audition.
Audition expectations:
- Students will prepare and perform to the best of their ability
- Students will have listened to each piece (in its entirety) with their part (and/or a full score) in hand
- Students will perform their excerpts close to or at performance tempo.
- Students will dress in an appropriate manner for these auditions (at the minimum, no t-shirts/shorts).
Please let us know if you have any questions prior to your audition day.
Sincerely,
Dr. Brendan Caldwell, Director of Wind Ensembles
Prof. Douglas Droste, Director of Orchestral Studies
Audition schedule:
Strings/Keyboard—all string auditions in Fynes Hall unless noted
Violin: Sunday, Aug. 20; 4:00pm-6:24pm
Viola: Sunday, Aug. 20; 2:30pm-3:36pm
Cello: Sunday, Aug. 20; 12:50pm-2:08pm
Double Bass: Sunday, Aug. 20; 12:00pm-12:42pm
Harp/Keyboard: Tuesday, Aug. 22; 6:10pm-6:40pm; Gamble Auditorium
Woodwinds—all auditions in Gamble Auditorium
Flute: Monday, Aug. 21; 8:20pm-9:20pm
Oboe: Monday, Aug. 21; 6:00pm-6:30pm
Clarinet: Monday, Aug. 21; 7:00pm-8:18pm
Bassoon: Monday, Aug. 21; 6:30pm-6:54pm
Saxophone: Sunday, Aug. 20; 5:18pm-6:18pm
Brass—all auditions in Gamble Auditorium
Horn: Tuesday, Aug. 22; 4:42pm-6:06pm
Trumpet: Tuesday, Aug. 22; 3:30pm-4:30pm
Trombone: Tuesday, Aug. 22; 3:00pm-3:30pm
Euphonium: Sunday, Aug. 20; 6:24pm-6:54pm
Tuba: Sunday, Aug. 20; 7:00pm-7:36pm
Percussion
Percussion: Monday, Aug. 21; 3:00pm-5:00pm; Percussion studio (BMAC 076)
Typically, keyboard primaries will participate in choir as their large ensemble credit, unless they have discussed performing in ensembles with a different secondary instrument with their instructors. For choir audition information, please see the Choral menu above.
For returning students ONLY: a limited number of audition spaces are available for students interested in performing on piano with the orchestra and/or wind ensembles. Students are encouraged to consult with their primary instrument teacher before signing up to audition. For orchestra/wind ensemble audition information, please see the Instrumental: Strings, Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion menu above.
ELECTIVE ENSEMBLES
Jazz Ensemble – Dr. Gabriel Piqué, Director
Click here to learn more about jazz ensemble audition requirements and scheduling.
Percussion Ensemble – Prof. Josh Ryan, Director
Call or email Prof. Ryan for audition information: 440.826.2370 or jryan@bw.edu
Brass Ensemble – Dr. Ken Heinlein, Director
Email Dr. Heinlein for audition information: kheinlei@bw.edu