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 2nd in the Paulson Center.
• String Excerpts will be posted in late July 2026.
• 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 January 21st; you do not need to request one.
• NON MAJORS ONLY: to sign up for an audition, please complete the strings audition form.

Woodwinds

• NYU Orchestra Auditions will be held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 from 2-4:30pm in the Paulson Center. Auditions will be blind.
• Please email Program Administrator Christina Charles with any questions.
   
• Excerpt List
• Flute Audition Excerpts
• Oboe Audition Excerpts
• Clarinet Audition Excerpts
• Bassoon Audition Excerpts

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
• Audition times will be sent to performance majors by August 1st. 
• Excerpts will be posted in late July. 
• 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.