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:
For Semester 1, 2026, expressions of interest are due by
- 4pm Monday 9 February 2026 for continuing students
- 4pm Monday 16 February 2026 for commencing students in their first semester of study at UQ
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, 2026 Auditions
UQ Chorale, directed by Graeme Morton
Everyone who wishes to sing is invited to audition for the UQ Chorale.
Expression of Interest - Chorale
In-person auditions will be scheduled on
- Friday 5 December 2025 for early EOIs
- Friday 13 February 2026 for other EOIs
Auditions for commencing students will be scheduled separately. Late applications may be considered.
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 Early Music Ensemble, directed by Anne Levitsky
Everyone who is interested in medieval and renaissance music is invited to audition for the UQ Early Music Ensemble.
Expression of Interest - Early Music Ensemble
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.
- Play your primary instrument or sing for 30 seconds. You can choose any repertoire for your video.
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
Anyone who has achieved an approximate equivalent level of AMEB grade 8 or higher is encouraged to audition for the UQ Saxophone Ensemble.
Expression of Interest - Saxophone Ensemble
Auditions will be scheduled during Orientation Week: video auditions will be available for those who can’t attend in person.
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.
Expression of Interest - Symphony Orchestra and Wind Symphony
In-person auditions will be scheduled during Orientation Week on
- Wednesday 18 February 2026 for wind, brass and percussion
- Thursday 19 February 2026 for strings
Late applications may be considered, but only after the auditions have taken place except in special circumstances.