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Audition Center for the Kent State Bands, Orchestra, and Jazz Orchestra, Workshop Ensemble and Combos.
Contact
Bobby Selvaggio
Director of Jazz Studies
rselvagg@kent.edu
Kent State University students enrolled in any undergraduate or graduate program are eligible to join.
Music Majors are required to attend in-person auditions.
Non-Music Majors are encouraged to attend in-person auditions. An alternative audition for non-majors may be available upon request.
Auditions will occur on Tuesday, August 22, 2023 from 3-6:30 p.m.
The audition will determine your acceptance to the orchestra as well as seatings—which may rotate throughout the year.
For Orchestra
Contact Dr. Jacob Schnitzer
jschnitz@kent.edu
Symphony Band
Wind Ensemble
Orchestra (the KSU Orchestra is a fully symphony orchestra)
Download your audition music (must be logged in using your Kent credentials).
Auditions will take place on Sunday, August 20 through Tuesday, August 22 in the CPA and Cartwright Auditorium. You may sign-up for a time here:
If the days or times listed for your instrument conflict, please sign up for an overflow slot (any of the designated overflow slots on the page) or contact Dr. Lorenzo to find an alternate time.
Practice well in advance, and dress professionally.
The audition is meant to place you in the ensemble where you will have the best experience. It is not meant to be intimidating.
There are two elements in music which are completely objective to the listener, namely rhythm and intonation. Good rhythm and intonation must be the foundation of your preparation. Subjective areas may include tone quality and color, interpretation, and articulation choices.
Dynamics are vital elements of music but are subject to interpretation.
The character of the music that you are portraying will dictate the proper volume and the direction of the phrases.
As you make your choices for tempo and phrasing, use the metronome to help establish a desired tempo. Refer to recordings as possible and use a metronome creatively to help form an interpretation.
Recording your audition materials is extremely helpful. The opportunity to objectively listen for rhythmic continuity, intonation, tempo choices, interpretation, and sound is extremely valuable in monitoring your progress.
Listen to recordings of the selected excerpts and etudes if possible.
For Symphony Band and Wind Ensemble
Contact Dr. Darin Olson and Dr. Benjamin Lorenzo
Email bands@kent.edu
For Orchestra
Contact Dr. Jacob Schnitzer
Email jschnitz@kent.edu