Instrumental Ensemble Auditions

Instrumental Jazz Ensembles at Kent State

Jazz Orchestra
Jazz Workshop Ensembles
Jazz Combos

Audition Location

In-person location: E109 (Bobby's Office)

Audition Requirements

Download your audition music
Please take the part that corresponds to what you want to play.

Audition Sign-ups

Auditions will be held August 18 and 19, 2025.
Signup for your audition times here

Questions or Need More Info?

Contact
Bobby Selvaggio
Director of Jazz Studies
rselvagg@kent.edu

Kent State University Orchestra String Section

Violin
Viola
Cello
Bass

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.

AUDITION SIGN-UP

VIOLINS:

Monday, August 18
Time: 1:10 – 2:50 pm
Location: Band Educational Facility
Address: 650 Loop Rd, Kent, OH 44242

VIOLAS, CELLOS, AND BASSES:

Wednesday, August 20
Time: 1:10 – 2:50 pm
Location: Band Educational Facility
Address: 650 Loop Rd, Kent, OH 44242

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

The audition will determine your acceptance to the orchestra as well as seating—which may rotate throughout the year.

Excerpts Available Here

QUESTIONS OR NEED MORE INFORMATION?

For Orchestra
Contact Isaac Terceros
Email itercero@kent.edu

Take Me to the Orchestra

One audition for placement in:

Symphony Band
Wind Ensemble
Symphony Orchestra

Audition Requirements

Download your audition music (must be logged in using your Kent credentials).

Audition Sign-up

Auditions will take place on Sunday, August 17 through Wednesday, August 20 in the Center for the Performing Arts and Cartwright Auditorium. Please register and 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 (blorenz1@kent.edu) to find an alternate time.

Audition Advice

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.

Questions or Need More Information?

For Symphony Band and Wind Ensemble
Contact Dr. Darin Olson and Dr. Benjamin Lorenzo
Email bands@kent.edu

For Orchestra
Contact Isaac Terceros
Email itercero@kent.edu

Take me to Kent State Orchestra Take Me to Kent State Bands

Instrumental Jazz Ensembles at Kent State

Audition Location

Audition Requirements

Audition Sign-ups

Questions or Need More Info?

Kent State University Orchestra String Section

AUDITION SIGN-UP

VIOLINS:

VIOLAS, CELLOS, AND BASSES:

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

QUESTIONS OR NEED MORE INFORMATION?

One audition for placement in:

Audition Requirements

Audition Sign-up

Audition Advice

Questions or Need More Information?

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