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:
- UQ Symphony Orchestra
- UQ Chamber Singers
Students who successfully audition must 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 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 One 2023 Auditions
To audition for the UQ Chamber Singers:
- Fill out an Expression of Interest form by Friday of Orientation Week (17 February 2023). Students enrolled in MUSC1100 and MUSC2100 are guaranteed a place in the ensemble, but must still complete the audition process.
- Attend a 5 to 10 minute consultation with Dr Morton on the Tuesday morning of Week 1 (21 February 2023): a sign-up sheet will be posted outside Room 411 in the School of Music during Orientation Week.
- Attend the open rehearsal/group audition at the UQCS rehearsal in the Nickson Room from 4 to 6 pm on Tuesday of Week 1 (21 February 2023).
- You will be advised of the success of your application within 48 hours of this rehearsal. If you are unsuccessful in your application and have enrolled in an Ensemble Studies course, please drop your enrolment in that course.
To audition for UQ Symphony Orchestra:
All students must audition for entry into the UQ Symphony Orchestra (UQSO), including those who played in UQSO in previous semesters. 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 an Expression of Interest (EOI) form by Monday of Orientation Week (13 February 2023) to indicate your interest in joining the ensemble.
- Download the audition excerpts relevant to your instrument at the bottom of this page and prepare for your audition. These excerpts are the only repertoire permitted for the audition and must be prepared in full.
- Attend your audition in the Nickson Room at the time you are advised to attend. Auditions will be open, and not screened.
- Wind, brass and percussion auditions are scheduled from 6 to 10 pm on Monday of Week 1 (20 February 2023)
- Strings auditions are scheduled from 6 to 10 pm on Tuesday of Week 1 (21 February 2023).
- Audition outcomes will be announced on Monday of Week 2 (27 February 2023). If you are unsuccessful in your application and have enrolled in an Ensemble Studies course, please drop your enrolment in that course.
Audition Excerpts
Bassoon
Cello
Clarinet
Double Bass
Flute
French Horn
Oboe
Percussion
Trombone
Trumpet
Viola
Violin