Instrumental Ensembles and Audition Guidelines
Instrumental Ensembles and Audition Guidelines
PFMU 3970 Wind Symphony | 0-1 credit | Meets MWF, 3:00-4:00
Chet Jenkins, Director
The Wind Symphony is composed of 50-60 members, selected by audition. Wind Symphony men are expected to wear a standard black tuxedo. If not already owned, one can be purchased for approximately $140. The ensemble performs a wide variety of wind literature and participates actively in the commissioning and performance of new music. The ensemble performs multiple times per semester, and performs additional concerts and events both on and off campus.
PFMU 3980 Jazz Band | 0-1 credit | Meets MW, 4:30 - 5:30
Chet Jenkins, Director
The Jazz Band has a membership of approximately 25 musicians, selected by audition. The group performs Big Band music that spans the Big Band era up to present-day challenging arrangements. The band is active in both campus and off-campus events.
PFMU 3980 University Orchestra | 0-1 credit | Meets TR, 3:15 - 4:45
Carlos Elias, Director
The University Orchestra is an ensemble dedicated to the performance of symphonic and chamber orchestra literature. The orchestra performs major concerts each semester. These concerts provide students the opportunity to develop their God-given talents through the performance of high-quality repertoire. Membership is available to all string, woodwind, brass, and percussion players who successfully pass an audition. Formal dress is required at performances. Orchestra men who do not have a black tuxedo will be expected to purchase one at a cost of approximately $140; women will wear concert black.
Pep Band | No Credit
Chet Jenkins, Director
The Pep Band is a volunteer group of approximately 50 players. No audition is necessary. The Pep Band rehearses pre-season and then plays for home Varsity Men's and Women's Basketball games.
Instrumental auditions consist of:
1. Strings: Playing a piece of your choice (you may use a hymn)
Brass, Woodwinds, and Percussion: playing excerpts as directed at this link: https://sites.google.com/cedarville.edu/windperc-auditions/home
2. Several Major Scales
3. Some Sight-reading
4. An Interview
KEEP READING!!!!
THANK YOU for auditioning for the Instrumental Program at Cedarville University. The final rosters of the groups – Wind Symphony, Jazz Band, and Orchestra – will be posted on Monday morning at the Music & Worship Office of the Bolthouse Center for Music and via e-mail. There will also be a list of those approved for Private Lessons. If your name appears on one of the lists,
DO THE FOLLOWING:
1. You must add the ensemble to your schedule. If your schedule says PFMU-00000-01, you are registered for the placeholder section and will need to change it to the correct section. Ensembles may be taken for 1 hour of credit or 0 hour of credit (no cost). It is fine to change your schedule, and your advisor can assist you with this. Sometimes labs may interfere with a rehearsal, but there may be another section at a different time that you may be able to take. If you still have difficulty after discussing the conflict with your advisor, your director may be able help you with this process. Solutions can be worked out in many cases.
2. Make sure you register for the proper section of private lessons (freshman = 1000 level, sophomore = 2000 level, etc.) If your schedule says PLMU-00000-01, you are registered for the placeholder section and will need to change it to the correct section.
3. If you need a university-owned instrument to use for the year, email musiccrew@cedarville.edu. They will arrange for you to pick up your instrument and sign a contract. You will be responsible for the instrument upon signing it out.
4. If you have a conflict or your plans change, please inform the appropriate conductor immediately.
5. If you wish to take private lessons, sign up at the Music & Worship table during getting started and Mrs. Thomas (the department administrative assistant) will contact you and assist you with contacting your instructor to schedule times.
6. If you wish to have access to the practice rooms and are not a music major or taking private lessons, watch for an announcement in the Daily Buzz early next week for the date and time that access signup begins. Please note there is a cost as well as limited availability.
7. You may use the instrumental lockers located across from the instrumental rehearsal room if you are accepted into an ensemble. Note that this is first come, first served. Please pick a slot that is appropriate to the size of your instrument. It is recommended that you lock your cage. (Locks are your responsibility.)
8. Attendance at rehearsals is expected in all ensembles and of course all performances are mandatory. Please honor your commitment and practice good communication with your director.
9. It is possible to play in more than one ensemble but be wise and realistic with your schedule.
10. A rep from Kincaid’s Music will visit every Monday at 3 p.m. during the Wind Symphony rehearsal. They will be happy to help you should you need any supplies or repairs for your instrument.
The Cedarville University ensemble directors are looking forward to meeting you and helping you advance your musicianship for God’s glory!