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:
Semester 1 2025 Auditions
Students who successfully audition must either:
- enrol in an Ensemble Studies course appropriate to their program
- take part for enjoyment, personal development, or as an extension activity.
If your audition is unsuccessful and you have already enrolled in an Ensembles Studies course, please drop your enrolment in that course and choose another course before the final date for addition of courses.
Both ensembles work towards developing excellence in rhythmic accuracy, 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, taking into account the skills of the ensemble members and the performance venue, orchestration and concert format. There may be additional rehearsals during the semester, including sectional rehearsals, depending on performance commitments.
Semester 1 2025 Auditions
UQ Wind Symphony, directed by Rachel Howey
Only students who have achieved an approximate equivalent level of AMEB grade 8, or higher, are eligible to audition for UQWS. Late applications may be considered but not after the auditions have taken place, except in special circumstances.
The application process is as follows:
- record and upload a video audition of you performing the repertoire. Your audition video must be unedited and recorded in a single take. Your recording will be considered purely on the basis of your performance skills and musicianship. The quality of the recording is not taken into consideration. Phone, tablet and other audio-visual devices are all acceptable.
- fill out the expression of Interest form by 11pm on Wednesday 26 February 2025 to indicate your interest in joining the ensemble and provide the link to your video audition.
- audition outcomes will be announced by Monday 3 March 2025. If you are unsuccessful in your application and have enrolled in an Ensemble Studies course, please drop your enrolment in that course.
UQ Chamber Singers, directed by Graeme Morton
There is no individual audition for UQCS but everyone who wishes to sing (i.e. whether you have already enrolled in a course or you will participate as an unenrolled singer) this semester must complete the form by 11pm on Friday 21 February 2025 (Friday of Orientation Week). You must then attend the first rehearsal at our Nickson Room at 4pm on Tuesday 18 February 2025.
UQ Symphony Orchestra, directed by Paul Dean
All students must audition for entry into the UQ Symphony Orchestra (UQSO), including those who played in UQSO in previous semesters. Only students who have achieved an approximate equivalent level of AMEB grade 8, or higher, are eligible to audition for UQSO. Late applications may be considered but not after the auditions have taken place, except in special circumstances. The application process is as follows:
- Fill out the Expression of Interest form by form by 11pm on Wednesday 19 February 2025.
- Attend your audition at the time you are advised to attend. Auditions will be open, and not screened.
- Audition outcomes will be announced at a date to be decided. If you are unsuccessful in your application and have enrolled in an Ensemble Studies course, please drop your enrolment in that course.