Auditions for Fall 2019: Sunday, September 8, 2019.

For fall semester, you must Register Online by Thursday, September 5, 2019 to audition for the group.

Auditions for Spring 2020: Sunday, January 26, 2020.

For spring semester, you must Register Online by Thursday, January 23, 2020 to audition for the group.

• Musicians already in the ensemble must register and audition each semester. Placement takes into account student’s musical ability and the instrumentation needs of the group.
• Students should practice scales and a solo passage to be prepared for this audition. Most students who can read music, play rhythms accurately, and produce a good solid tone on their instrument are accepted into the group. We want to keep the musicianship level high in this group, so beginning students (under 2 years of experience on the instrument), those who cannot read music, or those who are not available on many Sunday afternoons may not be accepted but should still audition
• Students check in outside the U of A Fred Fox School of Music Room 170 starting at 1:15 PM on audition day (see above for dates).
• All students (new and returning students) are heard by the section coaches to determine membership and chair order.
• Each audition should be approximately 3-5 minutes and will consist of the following:
  • 2 major scales one octave (extra points for playing scales 2 octaves), selected from: Eb, Bb, F, C, G, D, or A Major (not transposed)
  • chromatic scale (at least two octaves)
  • student’s prepared piece/solo (approx. 30-60 seconds)
  • sight reading passage (provided by the coach)
• Any student who misses the audition or arrives too late may not be selected for the group or may be placed at the end of the section, at the director’s discretion and depending on instrument needs.
• Within a couple of days, students and parents will be notified of results via email. Any student that is accepted in the group should plan on arriving for the first rehearsal the following Sunday by 1:00 PM, with their instruments, pencils, and payment for the semester (check or money order only made out to “The University of Arizona”). Please see fees below:
  • New Member: $85
  • Returning Member: $75
  • Member with a sibling also in the group: $65

1. Download the 2019-2020 Schedule. All members must make sure that they can attend our rehearsals, the dress rehearsal, and the concert. We typically have 10-11 rehearsals to prepare for the concert, so members may not miss more than two rehearsals.
2. Register Online. All interested students (new and returning) must apply online. After you apply, you will receive verification, information, and will then be emailed audition details.
3. Prepare for the following for your audition: scales (chosen from Eb, Bb, F, C, G, D, A, and chromatic on your instrument, not transposed), a solo of your choice (approximately 30 seconds in length), and sightreading. Practice all these before the audition date. Placement in the group is contingent upon a successful audition and instrumentation need of the group.
4. If you make the group, please arrive at the first rehearsal with a check or money order, made out to “The University of Arizona” for the appropriate tuition amount (see Participation Fees section below). Also, bring your instrument and a pencil. Music will be provided when you arrive.
5. The University of Arizona has a policy for campus activities involving minors, and each program at the U of A that works with non-enrolled students under the age of 18 must follow this policy. Required forms will be sent via email and will also be available to fill out at the first two rehearsals. The forms are due no later than our third rehearsal.

Fees are due at the first rehearsal of each semester during check-in (NOT during the auditions). Families may pay by check or money order (made out to “The University of Arizona”). Fees are due at the first rehearsal during check-in. We cannot handle credit card payments.

• New Student (first semester of membership): $85.00 first semester
• Returning Students: $75.00 each semester
• Families with more than one child participating: $65.00 per child/semester

• Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each rehearsal. There are typically 10-11 rehearsals and a concert each semester.
• If a student is absent for more than two rehearsals, he/she will forfeit membership in the group without a refund and will not be permitted to participate in the concert at the end of the semester. Students who have a conflict with a school music activity will be excused. Family emergencies are also excusable if you stay in contact with the Dr. Williams as issues arise.
• Please contact Dr. Williams in advance of the absence, if possible. Absences without any notification will be counted as unexcused.