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NYU Orchestra

Music and Performing Arts Professions Ensembles

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 Saturday, August 31 in room 624 in the Paulson Center.
  • String excerpts will be available by late July/early August.
  • 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 August 31st, you do not need to request one.
  • NON MAJORS ONLY: to sign up for an audition, please complete the audition form. 
  • Violin
  • Viola
  • Cello
  • Bass

Woodwinds

  • Woodwind auditions will be held on Tuesday, Sept 3 and Thursday, Sept 5 from 2:00 - 5:00 pm in the Paulson Center, room 620. Please complete the audition form by August 19. Audition times will be sent on Monday, August 26.
  • Tuesday, September 3: Flutes and Saxophones 
  • Thursday, September 5: Clarinets, Bassoons and Oboes
  • Students auditioning for NYU Orchestra, NYU Wind Symphony, Broadway Orchestra and/or Contemporary Music Ensemble must prepare all excerpts. Auxiliary instrument excerpts are optional. 
  • Doublers: For each of your doubles please prepare two contrasting excerpts of your choice from the list below. If you wish to audition on your primary instrument, please prepare your solo selection and all excerpts listed for your primary instrument. 
  • Saxophonists: For orchestra consideration, alto saxophone audition is required. Soprano, tenor and bari excerpts are optional. For wind symphony, contemporary music ensemble, Broadway orchestra consideration, please perform excerpts for your preferred instrument(s). 
  • All woodwind students: In addition to the excerpts below, please prepare a 2-3 minute excerpt of a solo piece of your choice. 
  • Please see Woodwind excerpts listed under Excerpt section below.
  • Please email program administrator Christina Charles with any questions.

Brass

  • Brass auditions will take place on Wednesday, September 4 from 2 - 6:00 pm in room 623 in the Paulson Center. Auditions will be blind. To sign up for an audition, please complete the audition form by August 19. Once submitted, you will receive an email confirmation with your assigned audition time slot within 1-3 weeks.
  • Students auditioning for NYU Orchestra and/or NYU Wind Symphony must prepare all excerpts listed under the Excerpt section near the end of the page. Auxiliary instrument excerpts are optional. 
  • All students: In addition to the excerpts below, please prepare a 2-3 minute excerpt of an etude or solo piece of your choice. 
  • NYU Orchestra and NYU Wind Symphony are generally open to music majors only. However,
    based on need within sections, non-majors can be considered for placement in these
    ensembles. If you would like to be considered for a large ensemble, please note this on the
    Audition form linked above and prepare the excerpts listed for your instrument.
  • Any questions regarding Brass hearings should be directed to Christina Charles.

Percussion: Percussion Performance majors only

  • First hearings will take place Tuesday, September 3 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 0-3 credits.

  • 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.

Excerpts

Strings

Woodwind 

Brass

Media

Contact Information

For more information, please email MPAP-Orchestras@nyu.edu
Jess Bauer, General Manager, NYU Orchestras
Michael McCoy, Ensemble Administrator, NYU Orchestras