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 2nd in the Paulson Center.
- String Excerpts will be posted in late July 2026. Please remove this bullet point.
- 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 2nd; you do not need to request one.
- NON MAJORS ONLY: to sign up for an audition, please complete the strings audition form.
- Bass
- Cello
- Viola
- Violin
Woodwinds
- NYU Orchestra Auditions will be held on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 from 2-4:30pm in the Paulson Center. Auditions will be blind.
- NYUO is primarily open to music majors; however, non-major oboists and bassoonists are invited to audition. Please email Christina Charles, Woodwind Studies Program Administrator, by mid-August for more information.
Students will receive their audition time and room information in late August 2026.
Excerpts:
Flute (piccolo optional)
Brass
- Live auditions will take place on Tuesday, September 1, 2026 from 1:00-3:00pm in the Paulson Center. All performance and non-performance majors are required to complete the Brass Studies Ensemble and Course Request Form.
- Non-performance majors who play the french horn and tenor/ bass trombone are invited to audition by submitting a video recording via the Brass Studies Ensemble and Course Request Form
- Excerpts are available here: Brass Orchestral Excerpts
- Form submissions are due by Friday, August 28, 2026.
- Please email Program Administrator Christina Charles with any questions.
Percussion: Percussion Performance majors only
- First hearings will take place Tuesday, January 20, 2026 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.
Media
Contact Information
For more information, please email MPAP-Orchestras@nyu.edu
Jess Bauer, General Manager, NYU Orchestras
Michael McCoy, Ensemble Administrator, NYU Orchestras