NYU Orchestra

Who Can Register

All Instrumental Performance majors are required to audition for placement in the orchestra to which they are assigned. There are a very limited number of positions in both orchestras open to currently matriculating non-performance majors, based on audition and availability. Auditions take place at the beginning of both the fall and the spring semesters.

Strings

• String auditions for orchestra will be held on Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025 in rooms 623 and 645 in the Paulson Center.
   
• String Excerpts listed below.
   
• Orchestra is open to non-majors based on need within the sections. All students should prepare the entirety of the string packet for their instrument.
   
• About the audition: The audition will be held behind a screen. Please listen to the works so that you have an idea of the tempo of the music you are playing and how your part fits into the entire orchestration.
   
• All string questions concerning the auditions should be directed to MPAP-Orchestras@nyu.edu.
   
• All Major Students will be assigned an audition slot on September 3rd; you do not need to request one.
   
• NON MAJORS ONLY: to sign up for an audition, please complete the audition form.
   
• BASS Audition Excerpts
• CELLO Audition Excerpts
• VIOLIN Audition Excerpts
• VIOLA Audition Excerpts
• HARP Audition Excerpts

Woodwinds

• NYU Orchestra and NYU Wind Symphony Auditions will take place on Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025 from 1:30-6:30pm in Paulson Center 620. Auditions will be blind. 

• ***The Orchestra, Wind Symphony and Contemporary Music Ensemble are primarily open to music majors. However, non-music major students who play oboe, bassoon, clarinet and saxophone are invited to audition. To register for a large ensemble audition, please complete the Non-Major Audition Form by Monday, August 4, 2025. 

• Please email Program Administrator Christina Charles with any questions.

• Flute Audition Excerpts
• Oboe Audition Excerpts
• Clarinet Audition Excerpts
• Bassoon Audition Excerpts
• Saxophone Audition Excerpts

Brass

• There will be no live auditions scheduled for Spring 2026.
• Performance majors are required to complete the Brass Studies Ensemble and Course Request Form
• Non-performance majors interested in chamber music, large ensembles (Orchestra, Contemporary Music Ensemble, and Broadway Orchestra), and brass-related courses are required to complete the Brass Studies Ensemble and Course Request Form.
• Form submissions are due by Friday, January 16, 2026. 

Please email Program Administrator Christina Charles with any questions. 

Percussion: Percussion Performance majors only

• First hearings will take place Tuesday, September 2, beginning at 7:10 pm in Room 582 in the Paulson Center.
• There will be no time slot sign ups. All students should arrive at 7:10 pm.
• All students should prepare the entirety of the percussion audition packet - this will be emailed in advance.
• Any questions regarding percussion hearings should be directed to Sean Statser.

Course Meeting Time

All members are required to register for orchestra as a course for 1 credit.

• Graduate Students: MPAGC-GE 2087.003
• Undergraduate Students: MPAGC-UE 1087.003

NYUO Rehearsals will take place on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2-4:30pm in the Paulson Center, room 620.