The School of Music recognises the importance of ensemble training for music students and encourages vigorous and enthusiastic participation. Any UQ student can audition for a place in:
Students who successfully audition either:
- enrol in an Ensemble Studies course appropriate to their program, or
- take part for enjoyment, personal development, or as an extension activity.
If your audition is unsuccessful and you have already enrolled in an Ensemble Studies course, please drop that course and choose another before the final date for adding courses.
All ensembles work towards developing excellence in rhythmic accuracy and pitch discrimination, acquiring a full dynamic range, and developing musical style and vitality. The ensemble directors choose repertoire and devise a rehearsal schedule and roster, considering the ensemble members' skills and the performance venue, orchestration, and concert format. Depending on performance commitments, additional rehearsals, including sectional rehearsals, may be held during the semester.
Semester 1, 2025 Auditions
UQ Chamber Singers, directed by Graeme Morton
Everyone who wishes to sing is invited to audition for the UQ Chamber Singers.
- Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) form by 4pm on Friday 21 February 2025.
- Attend the first rehearsal in the Nickson Room (Room 434), Zelman Cowen Building at 4pm on Tuesday 25 February 2025.
Expression of Interest - Chamber Singers
As part of your EOI you provide a link to your application video. In your video, please:
- State your name.
- State whether membership is for assessment in a course.
- State your vocal part.
- Sing one octave ascending and descending of a major scale to the word “na” slow enough that most of one breath is used to complete the scale - if you are an alto or a bass start on the note E and if you are a soprano or tenor start on the note Fsharp.
The quality of the recording is not taken into consideration. Phone, tablet and other audio-visual devices are all acceptable.
UQ Saxophone Ensemble, directed by Emma di Marco
All saxophonists are invited to audition for the UQ Saxophone Ensemble.
- Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) form by 4pm on Friday 28 February 2025.
- Attend the first rehearsal in the GHD Auditorium, Advanced Engineering Building at 6pm on Wednesday 12 March 2025.
Expression of Interest - Saxophone Ensemble
UQ Symphony Orchestra, directed by Paul Dean
UQ Wind Symphony, directed by Rachel Howley
Anyone who has achieved an approximate equivalent level of AMEB grade 8 or higher is encouraged to audition for the UQ Symphony Orchestra and the UQ Wind Symphony.
- Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) form by 4pm on Friday 21 February 2025 .
- Attend your audition on Monday 3 March 2025 starting at 6pm.
- Brass – GHD Auditorium, Advanced Engineering Building
- Percussion – Room 460, Zelman Cowen Building
- Strings – Nickson Room (Room 434), Zelman Cowen Building
- Winds – Room 413, Zelman Cowen Building
- If you are unsuccessful in your application and have enrolled in an Ensemble Studies course, please drop your enrolment in that course.
- Late applications may be considered, but only after the auditions have taken place except in special circumstances.
Expression of Interest - Symphony Orchestra and Wind Symphony
String students, who are enrolled in a Practical Studies course, are eligible to partake in the Festival of Outback Opera; a regional tour as part of a collaboration with Opera Queensland and the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. Your EOI asks if you are interested in joining, pending a successful audition. More information about the festival can be found here.